One of the biggest shocks you’ll get when you start university is the change in workload. It’s a lot. And it can be really intense. You won’t be alone in finding it daunting, but don’t let it get the better of you. Here are some ways to cope with the A-Level to university jump.
Reach out to your university
Reach out to your educators. Whether it’s a tutor, seminar leaders, or a professor, use them. That’s what they are there for. University can be scary, but your educators are not. They want to help you in any way they can, so confide in them.
Don’t forget, they’ve done the jump themselves. They also know best when it comes to university work. So, schedule a meeting with one of them if you’re struggling to understand something. Or, if you need some help coping with the different work requirements, talk to a pastoral member of your department. You are not alone in your stress.
Research
Try to find any information on university level work before you begin studying. That way, you’re not being thrown into the deep end. Most universities give out some information with what to expect in terms of grading and work, so make sure you read it.
Go to extra-curricular university lectures
Lots of universities offer lectures outside of course-based lectures. These are often on how to cope with the kind of work you’re expected to do at university. These lectures are really helpful and will have lots of the kind of information you need. It’s best to be as informed as you can be, so go to these lectures! You can take notes and share them with your course mates.
Utilise your A-Level experience
While A-Levels and university are quite different, your A-Levels can still come in handy. The skillset you used in your A-Levels is what got you to university in the first place. So put it to use during your work. Let it adapt into a higher level through extra help, and soon you’ll be ready for any university level work. Don’t be embarrassed to ask for help and remember that everyone is in the same boat.
So, there you have it. There are ways to cope with the A-Level to university jump and your experience should be far better as a consequence.