The focus of Good Start during your third week will be on 'Getting Down to Work', showing students how to take their studies seriously, be responsible for their own learning and succeed while studying at third level.
The main aim of going to university is to come out the other side with a degree, so this week Good Start will collaborate with MTU Libraries, Academic Learning Centre (ALC) and Student Services to offer study tips, learning tips, advice from successful students and exam tips (with competitions and activities supporting the use of supports available to students). This week will look at how to be more independent and responsible for your own learning.
The Student Engagement Associates (SEAs) put together some great advice on 'Getting Down To Work' personally, socially and academically during your first weeks in MTU below...
Getting Down to Work - Academically
Now that you are in third-level education, it’s your responsibility to use the resources available to you, for example the MTU Library has tips on the referencing system and study guides that might be relevant to you during your studies.If you have an assignment and don’t know where to begin, their MTU Assignment Toolkit provides a step-by-step guide to help you get it done, MTU Subjects Guides provide a quick route to subject specific information. You can access Library Resources, eResources & much more. By familiarising yourself with these resources you will use your time more efficiently, more effectively and learn to best use the resources available to you.
Getting back into a regular study routine after the summer can take practice. Your class lecturers will be giving you advice on how to organise yourself and your time effectively. Your lecturers have been through this process with new students many times before, trust them and take on board their guidance and advice.
You may falter at times throughout the year and you may lose focus but it’s never too late to get into a good study routine, our Academic Learning Centre (ALC) have some great resources and supports to help you get on track and be as successful as you can be,
“Don’t ruin a good today by thinking about a bad yesterday”
When you feel you are struggling reach out and ask for help from the supports and services available to you in the university. Try talking to your lecturers, visiting the ALC where you can get personalised coaching, subject-specific support, and skill development workshops, all for free and in a supportive environment, or visit the Careers service. The help that is given will be of great use to you throughout your college experience.
Getting Down to Work - Personally
Attend all your classes and labs, it’s important to attend your classes as some lecturers provide extra useful notes that will be valuable when it comes to assessment time.
Actively participate in class, this way you can learn more and ask questions about topics that you may not understand very well.
Getting Down to Work - Socially
Everyone in your class will have had different experiences before they came to MTU. Learn from your peers! Ideas from international and mature students' past experiences may influence how you approach your work.
Some societies and clubs you join will give you an opportunity to get to know people in different years who may be studying the same, or different, course to you. Ask for advice or tips, they might have some valuable nuggets of information.
It’s never too early to start a study group, suggest the idea to your classmates. There are designated study rooms and spaces available in the library as well as in the new Le Chéile building which might be useful when looking for a place to hold your group study session.
