Gareth Hughesis the Clinical Lead for Student Space and is a psychotherapist, researcher and writer on student wellbeing, including the book Be Well, Learn Well
Studying at university can be very different from any previous experiences of education. This can make it more challenging initially but more rewarding ultimately. How you approach your learning can have a big impact on how well you learn and on your wellbeing overall.
Studying at university can be very different from any previous experiences of education. This can make it more challenging initially but more rewarding ultimately. How you approach your learning can have a big impact on how well you learn and on your wellbeing overall.
University education is designed to help you become an independent learner. By the time you get your final year, you will be able to design your own learning project and produce an independent, academic work. But this means that teaching and assessment can be very different to your previous experiences, which may have focused on preparing you for exams.
To successfully complete your assessments at university, you will need to add to the information your lecturer provides in the classroom, by doing your own reading and research. This is an important part of ‘active learning.’ This kind of learning can be daunting at first but it can also become exciting, fulfilling and meaningful, which in turn can be good for your wellbeing.
There are a number of steps you can take to help you build your sense of confidence and competence, which will help you maintain good wellbeing.
Studying regularly
Setting time aside to study regularly and frequently will help you to build up your knowledge and understanding. This will make it easier to complete your assessments when they come along. Remember, learning builds in layers – new learning attaches to old learning. Studying for short periods of time is fine – it is often more effective to study for 3 half hour sessions than one two hour session.
By contrast, waiting until the last moment and then trying to cram in your studying, is likely to be overwhelming and creates the possibility of some holes in your knowledge.
Accept not knowing and not understanding
Some of the ideas, concepts and facts you encounter at university will be complex and unfamiliar. Some may seem to not make sense at all initially. This is completely normal. If you accept not knowing and not understanding as a normal part of learning, then over time the information will sink in and you will gradually grasp what you have been taught. Don’t let anxious thoughts convince you that your lack of understanding means you aren’t intelligent enough – this isn’t true. Learning complex things just takes time, effort and repeated exposure to the new idea.
Ask questions and participate in class
It may feel daunting but students who ask questions and take part in classroom discussions, tend to learn more. Be brave and remember, if you haven’t understood something, you probably aren’t the only person in the room for whom this is true.
Focus on learning
It can be hard to focus purely on learning, because our culture focuses so much on grades and academic results. But we know that students who focus on mastering their subject, (rather than on what they need to do to pass their assessments) learn more and perform better. Try to let go of thinking about grades (at least a little bit) and focus instead on learning and understanding your subject.
Mix up your subjects
Research shows that moving between subjects, when studying, actually improves your learning. You can do this by splitting your study periods up and using each section to focus on different modules or topics of study. This can also help you make connections between subjects and so deepen your understanding.
Talk to your peers
Discussing what you are learning outside of the classroom can help to deepen your learning.
Use support
Depending on your university, you will have a range of support available to you, to help you improve your learning and understanding. This may include lecturers, a personal tutor, study skills professionals, a subject librarian or online learning tools.