As a first-year student, a lot can be overwhelming and there’s a lot of preparation that’s much needed as you enter this new chapter of your life.
You need to be extremely confident in the choices that you have made before registering for your new qualification. You don’t want to start your first year still undecided and unsure, because that can dampen the whole year for you.
Natasha Madhav, Senior head of programme at The Independent Institute of Education said
When I studied there was no World Wide Web, there was no internet …sit and navigate all the campus websites, all the universities and see what it is that you want to do.
Should you be unsure of the decision that you’re making, speak to lecturers that have been in the industry or campus-based student advisors for further advice even if you have done your research on the qualification, as this will prevent you from wasting your first year pursuing the wrong qualification.
To avoid wasting time, money, and energy, verify whether the institution is accredited, should it be a private institution or that you have never heard of.
Before you attend classes, pay attention to the traveling logistics to and from campus on a daily basis and if a guardian or parent/s affords student accommodation, Natasha Madhav advises that this is an option that they ought to put into consideration.
Attend classes from your first day at university, including the week of orientation, this includes online seminars and webinars.
Buy relevant stationery and textbooks that are relevant for your qualification way early rather than jumping when it's almost exam time.
Equip yourself with online tools that are used in online learning e.g. how an assignment is submitted on your learning management learning system.
You need to set yourself short, mid, and long-term goals, as this will benefit your academics and help you finish your qualification in record time.
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