The University Files | How to Get a First Class Degree

 

Hey my lovelies, hope you are all well. Today I'm coming to you with one of my most highly requested blogposts which is 'Tips on How to Get a First Class Degree'! To start with, I just want to do a few disclaimers. I know that not everyone goes into a degree with the aim of getting a 1st class, and that is completely understandable, but I think the tips I have created are applicable to any aim you might have. Also, although all courses are completely different within themselves, I believe these tips are broad enough that they are applicable to any course at any University. I know University isn't the same as it used to be at the minute (trust me I understand, I had to finish mine during lockdown), but I think the tips and advice I've provided can be applied to whatever circumstance. 

Just some background information before we get started. I did a Joint Honours English Literature and History degree at the University of Worcester, where I achieved a 1st. I studied there for three years, and because of the joint honours element of my degree, had a mixture of different forms of assessment whilst I was studying (eg. essays, presentations, exams etc.). I hope that this post will provide you with some useful tips for your time at University, whether you are considering going, have just started, or are entering your 2nd/3rd year. This is going to be a long one, so grab your cups of coffee, biscuits and get comfy. Enjoy!

1. Organisation is key - this is pretty self-explanatory but being organised is VITAL when at University. You are now not only in charge of disciplining yourself to get work done, but if you're living away from home you are also cooking, cleaning and in charge of looking after yourself. Get yourself a (pretty) academic diary and plan out your days, even the small tasks you need to do. Not only is it super satisfying to tick tasks off, but it also means you can clearly see your goals for each day and won't fall behind on deadlines.

2. Write a checklist for each assignment - something I used to do which helped massively. Before starting each assignment, I would write a checklist using the assignment guidance and any lecture notes for that particular piece of work. Then whilst writing, I would have this alongside me so I could constantly keep checking I was ticking all the boxes for what the assignment required.

3. Get to know your lecturers and what they expect from your work - annoyingly, each lecturer you encounter will have their own checklist in their mind for what they expect from your work. First year is the perfect opportunity to suss this out, but the best way to do this is to have 1-on-1 tutorials with lecturers about your work. Yes, first year doesn't count to your overall grade, but trust me when I say it sets the groundwork for the next three years and starting as you mean to go on is a huge help.Which leads me onto my next tip...

4. 1-to-1 tutorials with lecturers - make the effort to meet with your lecturers for tutorials, whether these are in person or online. Lecturers will have specific hours that they can dedicate to meeting with you, so make the most of it. Not only are you paying for their help, but by going that extra mile it shows them you're willing to work hard and want to achieve. They're there to guide you at the end of the day, so use them to your advantage, say yes to the opportunities they provide (eg. lectures, seminars, guest lectures) and always ask them questions.

5. Ask for feedback - likewise to my previous point, ALWAYS ask for feedback. Even after receiving your assignments back, arrange a meeting/phone call with your lecturers to discuss this feedback further. Criticism is never a nice thing to hear, but at the end of the day they're the ones marking your work and giving you grades so knowing how you can improve is vital. 

6. Let lecturers/tutors know your aims - whether you're going into this degree with the aim of a 1st, 2:1, 2:2, or a job at the end of it, let your lecturer/tutor know from the very start. This way they can help in any way they can to try and get you there. Don't be afraid to share your hopes and goals with them, they won't think you're silly and they were once sat in exactly the same spot you are now. 

7. Find a study space which suits you - whether you prefer working alone, in a group, in your room from bed, in a study area/the library, work out where you are most productive and stick to it. Consistency is so important and having an area you can escape to in order to focus will do amazing things for you work ethic, especially as those deadlines creep closer.

8. Find a work-life balance which works for you - something else that first year can be a help for is finding a work-life balance which suits you. Some people can have a huge social life and still find time to do their work, others have to prioritise work before socialising with friends, some people might benefit from having a bit of both. Finding what works best for you is SO important, and it does NOT matter whatever it is. Just like you should say yes to opportunities, it's okay to so no if you need to put yourself/your work first. The best thing to do is be honest with yourself, if you know you struggle with balancing work/partying (COVID-permitting), then set aside the time to do work during the day so you can enjoy yourself on the night. You also don't need to get so drunk that you can't work the next day, you'll feel much better if you wake up and have a productive day compared to nursing a hangover. 

9. PROOFREAD AND REFERENCING - I cannot express the importance of these two points for degree level work. It goes without saying, but leave enough time to proofread your work before submitting it. Likewise, more than likely you will now be learning a particular referencing style/technique. NAIL THIS! Get the guide, use online tips and memorise how to reference correctly, don't rely on websites to do it for you because I guarantee they'll be incorrect. It take minimal time/effort to learn how to reference correctly, and it will save you so much nagging and moaning from lecturers over the next three years. If there is one thing they hate, it's incorrect referencing. These are such easy marks to secure, but they're also just as easy to lose.

10. Try your best and leave with no regrets - for me, the main thing was to leave University knowing I tried my hardest and that I had no regrets. If you're in 1st year, this is super easy and a lesson to live by for the next three years. If you're now in 2nd/3rd year and wishing you had done things differently in the past, then I promise you it's not too late. Yes it's hard, and can be difficult, but if you want it bad enough you can do anything you put your mind to. Also, if you're not happy with your course, then CHANGE. Your University will have guidance and a system in place to support you in making decisions that ensure your happiness, use them!

So there we go guys, 10 tips to help your work ethic/studying life whilst at University. Now, I'm not going to sit here and promise that if you follow all of these steps you are guaranteed a 1st, but they will provide you with the best possible chance of achieving your goals. If you would like any more specific guidance regarding particular assignment types/exams/revision etc. then please let me know and I would love to help in any way I can. University was hands down the best 3 years of my life and I would do it all again in a heartbeat, so please enjoy it, make the most of it in any way you can, and gain those valuable experiences and memories that will last a lifetime. See you next week for another blog post! Lots of love xoxo