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The way you learn at University is quite different from what you may have been used to in school or sixth form college. Apart from your own reading, there will be a series of lectures and seminars. So, here are some top tips for making the most of lectures!
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There’s nothing wrong with a bit of research before a lecture. Find out what’s going to be covered and read around it first, then you can relax and hear what the expert has to say on the subject.
- Check you’ve got everything you need: pens, paper, any reference books and anything else that will come in handy. Don’t forget to think ahead in the morning if you’ve got more than one lecture in the day.
- Don’t go to a lecture hungry. Take a bottle of water with you. The last thing you want during a lecture is the distraction of thirst or a gurgling stomach.
- Unless you go into the lecture hall with the intention of listening or learning then you’re not likely to enjoy it! Turn your mobile off, ignore your mates and try to listen to what’s being said.
- Work out your own shorthand for taking notes, especially if there are certain common (and long!) words that will be repeated a number of times. It will save time and enable you to write more!
- Remember you don’t have to take everything down word for word. Write the salient points – perhaps in bullet form – or simply precis what is being said.
- Make sure you can understand your own writing! If you’re rushing to write things down then your squiggles may be illegible later!
- Some lectueres may produce notes so you don’t have to worry about writing everything down, but even in this case making notes of a few important points may help you in assimilating the information.
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Read through and amend your notes as soon as possible after your lecture; that way they’re more likely to register when you come to revise or write an essay.
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Don’t be afraid of talking about the lecture with your course mates – it will help you get your heads around the subject that you’ve just been hearing about.
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If something comes up in a lecture that you really don’t understand, talk to the lecturer afterwards or e-mail them later if you can’t get hold of them – that’s what they’re there for! There may also be time for questions at the end of – or even during – a lecture, so if something is confusing you, or you want to know more, then don’t be afraid to ask a question!
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