You Can Go To University!

So you hope to study at an English speaking university?

Here are some easy and practical tips which will help you succeed in your aim.

First, believe you can do it. Access to university is a realistic and attainable goal for you, as long as you do the necessary work.

Make sure you study and learn the right things. Check the requirements of the examinations and ensure you cover the essential areas of the syllabus.

Draw up a study schedule and keep to it. This will help you break learning down into manageable chunks and motivate you to do a certain amount every day. It is much wiser to study regularly and consistently, as your mind can absorb and retain information more effectively when you work according to a steady pattern.

Study periods work best in one and a half hour segments. Then you should take a short break. During the break you mind will transfer what you have learned into the long term memory store. It can`t do this while you are still concentrating hard and assimilating new information.

Enjoy breaks in the fresh air if you can, and, or, do some aerobic exercise. Even a short walk is highly beneficial. Your freshly oxygenated blood invigorates the mind and body, and you also release muscle tension. You will feel much sharper afterwards.

Make notes as you read and study. Use highlighter pens and underline key words and phrases to help you focus on the main points. It is advisable, sometimes at least, to use spider web diagrams or `mind maps` as these mimic the way the brain records information.

Pair up with a companionable `study buddy` to keep you on track and upbeat with your learning timetable. Studying together is fun and you can encourage and test each other as you go along.

Improve your vocabulary and knowledge of sentence structure so that you can paraphrase in your own words. Copying out big parts of the text from a book wastes time and does not help you understand what you read. Learn the correct ways to give quotations and citations in essays and projects. It is not difficult to do, and is expected at degree level.

Be very careful to mention all your references and sources, as plagiarism is taken very seriously in the UK and has worrying negative consequences.

Finally, enjoy your learning. Give yourself little treats and rewards for sticking to your schedule. Above all, don't be afraid to ask for help. It is not a sign of weakness! Contact family, friends, tutors and use online support groups. Most of us know what it is like to have a problem, (I certainly do!), so people understand, and are kind and approachable.