11th October 2013 9:00
By Blue Tutors
It’s the start of the Autumn term and thousands of young people are beginning their courses at university. This is one of the most exciting times in a student’s life; the time to make new friends, explore their chosen subjects and have a fantastic time celebrating their move away from home and into (at least semi) adulthood. However, for some, beginning a demanding academic course can be difficult. The gap between A’levels and the rigor of a university course is often huge, and many students find themselves unprepared for it. Whilst some universities offer a considerable amount of support and face time with a personal tutor, others do not. Not having the appropriate level of support at this time can make a huge difference in whether a student manages to stay the course.
If students are struggling with their course, the first thing they should do is discuss the situation with the appropriate academic supervisor. This is someone whose role it is to discuss the available options with students, and help students figure out the source of the problems they are experiencing. It could be that students are simply not used to the work load they are being set, and a supervisor is well placed to advise on setting a work schedule and helping students adjust to the level of work they are being set. In other cases, a student may feel after a term that the course is not at all what they expected, and that they are not enjoying it. Under these circumstances it may be possible to switch courses, or take a joint honors degree which would allow them to take half their study with another department.
With courses that include several different elements, students may find that they flourish in some areas, but are struggling with others. Classics students in particular may find that they love the study of ancient culture, but struggle to pass in their Latin and Greek courses. Some universities offer extra tuition to students who are struggling. However, other students hire private tutors to give them a boost in those subjects. First year students in particular often look for third year, masters or PhD students who are familiar with their course in order to offer them some extra help. This can also be a good way for students who are further along to make extra cash whilst keeping up their studies through tutoring. Whether it involves private tuition, extra support from university, or simply rethinking course options, there are many avenues for students to ensure that they have the best university experience possible.