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Comments From Former Students

"I would advise any new student to get the basics right from the start and participate fully in all courses. You would think that turning up for lectures is a given, but for many students this is not so. I was continually amazed at the amount of students who regularly missed lectures, and subsequently found that they were not able to participate fully in seminars. Not only does this leave you at a distinct disadvantage, but it can create a negative impression with staff.

The lecture frequency is minimal anyway and there is plenty time to enjoy your student life outwith Uni commitments. It is not merely the information gathered at lectures, but rather the feel for the writer/subject concerned and often things which are said in passing which can help bring clarity. Missing lectures on a regular basis is a sure way to struggle at University which can easily be avoided – by turning up!

In the same vein – and I know this sounds ridiculously simplistic – but read the given texts! You will have plenty time, so get into a reading routine and make sure you are up to speed with the primary text reading lists. A good work ethic can make things so much easier than continually playing bluff or catch-up.

I would also choose courses outside your main subject carefully. For me, choosing some philosophy courses (something I had never studied before) helped me become a more critical thinker and improved my confidence and writing skills immeasurably. Look at your course choices as something to challenge and stretch you, and act as a catalyst which will improve your academic abilities, and not just as a required filler.

Finally, the quality of lectures at Aberdeen is of a high standard and is very well structured, and often entertaining. However, there may be occasions when a particular subject seems impervious. The secret is not to panic, but stay with it and ask the lecturer or seminar leader to clarify. Remember you will encounter new ideas and concepts at University, but that is part of the deal. Enjoy it, and give of your best."

Grant , English graduate

"Do talk to as many people as you can. You never know who could turn out to be a long-term friend."

Rory, 1st year English

"I usually attempt to do lists. I'll prioritise tasks and then as I finish each task, I find a nice marker pen and take pleasure in obliterating the task from my list. Another good way to manage time is to keep track of everything you do for a week to see just how much time you spend on certain activities. There are 168 hours in a week. Write down how much time you think you should be spending on coursework, paid work, sleeping, etc. each week. Then keep track and at the end of the week see how your numbers compare.

Buy a nice bike. Aberdeen is pretty big and if you don't want to pay to use the bus, a bike is a great way to get around easily and quickly. Plus, it is great exercise.

You gain a sense of community here that is really hard to find anywhere else. Here you are more responsible for your own learning, which makes you a much stronger student. It lets you know your academic strengths and weaknesses, pretty quickly too.

Essays are easiest if you prepare ahead of time by reading and researching and outlining a week before it's due."

Stephanie, 3rd year English

"Going through lecture notes and trying to identify key issues and topics. Things which keep recurring are usually important things that the lecturer no doubt will ask about in an exam paper. Make mind-maps from your revision notes and try to fit all the known points for each topic onto one A4 sheet."

Hannah, 4th year German and Management

"Don't spend too much on booze in the first term – you'll need money later."

Nat, 2nd year French and German