In my blogs so far I have shared with you my journey to City, University of London, insights into my undergraduate experience and my top 8 places in London for an international student on a budget. Now it is time to talk about the only unpleasant thing when it comes to university life – assignments and exams! And more particularly, how to survive them.
When you are a new international student, you are overwhelmed by everything – your new home, the numerous opportunities to expand your network, and by London itself. Not only that, you still might not exactly know how the university works. At least I felt that way! I want to share with you how I made my way through the end-of-year exam period.
1. Moodle is your best friend!
Moodle is mobile-friendly, as it can be accessed using a laptop, smartphone or tablet. Moodle keeps storage of all your modules, grades and even the PowerPoint presentations of all your lectures, week by week. It provides you with a reading list where necessary, so you have the chance to access as many sources of information as possible. I find it absolutely helpful because I can always look back at my presentations and find whatever I missed during the lecture. Knowing this, during your lectures you can sit down and listen to your lecturer, taking notes of her/his side notes of the presentation (which are really important) and not just mechanically re-write what is on the whiteboard in front of you.
2. Lecture capture
This system is again managed primarily through Moodle and it allows you to make automatic recordings of some of your lectures or presentations. Lecture capture gives you the chance to not only go through presentations slides but also to listen to your tutor at your own pace. In my opinion, this is the best alternative for face-to-face teaching!
3. City Library
The library at City, University of London has everything you might need. The database searches are from A to Z, and I have found that they rarely do not have what I am looking for. You can also study on site; the library has communal areas where you can talk, or silent floors where it really is embarrassing to sneeze (guilty!). You can always book a computer, a room for group studies or take a book home with you for a loan up to seven days. The best thing is that the library is open 24/7 during examination periods, and throughout the day you can get yourself a much-needed dose of coffee from the Costa Coffee downstairs.
4. City University takes care of their students.
If you face anxiety at any point during your exams, you can always turn to Academic Learning Support. They can provide you with group workshops and one-to-one academic skills tutorials. The university also creates stress relief events. This year we had therapy dogs for stress relief come to the university for a day, which was the best puppy paradise I could ever imagine. A few days afterwards, another event was held at Northampton Square…a farm! We had sheep, bunnies, hamsters and ponies. We could feed, pet, hug and play with them.
5. Do not think of studying as a chore, but as an improvement in yourself and an investment in your future.
Make sure you enjoy this year, make friends and explore the amazing university and city you are in! Every student in your course is going through exactly what you are. Find help and support in each other, and make sure you are motivated to learn not just because of grades, but because you are curious for more knowledge. After all, this might probably be concerning your job in the future!
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