{"id":1684,"date":"2018-11-07T14:57:50","date_gmt":"2018-11-07T14:57:50","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/sagestudents\/?p=1684"},"modified":"2018-11-07T14:57:50","modified_gmt":"2018-11-07T14:57:50","slug":"preparing-for-your-final-year-of-university","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/sagestudents\/2018\/11\/07\/preparing-for-your-final-year-of-university\/","title":{"rendered":"Preparing For your Final Year of University"},"content":{"rendered":"

Going into final year has always seemed daunting. \u201cEverything counts now\u201d is heard on average at least three times a day which doesn\u2019t make it any less daunting. There is definitely a shift in student attitudes in final year. For instance people are still showing up to all of their 9ams! <\/span><\/p>\n

Each year at university I learn a lot that I can bring forward into the upcoming year which all leads up to final year. Without wanting to jinx it, it finally feels like I have discovered some strategies that work for me when it comes to preparing for different types of assessments. <\/span><\/p>\n

Preparing for Exams <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Having multiple examinations every semester of university, although difficult at times, has provided me with an opportunity to curate a revision strategy that so far has worked well. I always begin by creating a realistic revision timetable to help relieve the stress of not completing everything on my list.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Mind Map Example<\/p><\/div>\n

Then I make sure all of my lecture and seminar notes are up to date, whilst also checking throug<\/span>h the notes to highlight important topics. All of the highlighted points from each lecture is displayed in mind map fo<\/span>rmation on A3 paper.<\/p>\n

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As it gets nearer to the exam I will complete past papers, m<\/span>ocks and write up questions and answers on revision cards. Often I will get my housemates to somehow corroborate into testing me for a couple of hours a day to really memorise all the small details that will boost up your grade. <\/span><\/p>\n

Preparing for Essays\/Reports <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Like some I learnt the hard way with essays that you cant just start them a couple of days or a week\u00a0<\/span>before the assignment is due. Well technically you can\u2026 But you might not necessarily get a very good grade for it. <\/span><\/p>\n

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Now as soon as the title of the assignment and the brief is posted I begin working away slowly at it as and when I learn about the new information in clas<\/span>s. Starting early allows me to complete more thorough and in-depth research and time to well formulate my argument. This method also prevents the build up of referencing as you can do it in small chunks as you go along. <\/span><\/p>\n

Make the Most of Extra Curricular Opportunities <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

In previous years I have often said \u201cI\u2019ll do it next year\u201d when it came to a bunch of different opportunities available at the University of Sussex. However I don\u2019t have that choice this year! I have thrown myself into a lot of extra curricular opportunities including student mentoring<\/a> and being a student representative<\/a>. You might think this would be a lot to take on in final year, but it has actually just widened my network of connections across the university. Whilst only giving up a couple of hours of your time a semester. The training provided has not only taught me how to help others find information about study resources,<\/span>\u00a0opportunities and support but its taught me too! <\/span><\/p>\n

Changing your Study Approach<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

I have always been quite studios but found in second year I definitely lacked discipline due to living off campus for the first time. This is something I have already begun changing for final year. It may sound silly, but the best advice I got from another student was to treat Monday – Friday like school days. Get into university early and stay th<\/span>ere until 5pm onwards. It helps to create structure and once a routine begins to form it makes it easier to keep on track of your studies. <\/span><\/p>\n

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It is particularly important to have a routine in final year as I\u00a0<\/span>am now facing the challenge of conducting a research project (dissertation). I have been looking forward to starting<\/span>\u00a0my dissertation for a while as I decided on the topic I wanted to explore very early on. That being said\u2026 I had no idea what the experience would actually be like. <\/span><\/p>\n

I now completely understand why people who have previously undertaken a research project have describe it as a rewarding process. It has already pushed my researching and analytical skills and I\u2019ve only just got started. I will definitely be purchasing a \u201chow to conduct a research project\u201d-style book to help me along the way. <\/span><\/p>\n

Prepare During Summer\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

A lot of my summer was spent doing some pre-reading \/ research for my dissertation. This helped minimise the shock of how much I have to read now. Alongside preparing in traditional academic methods I also completed a short internship in the marketing industry and learnt a lot that couldn\u2019t be taught in the classroom. It was a very rewarding experience showing areas to improve on as well as showing my strengths too. <\/span><\/p>\n

I am looking forward what final year has in store; I will be making the most every opportunity and challenge it sends my way.<\/span><\/p>\n

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