I remember the first time I heard that my first year didn’t count towards my final grade; it felt like a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I thought I could relax a bit when I submitted my first essay. Despite that, I still had this need to do well. I quickly realised that even if my grades didn’t count, I wanted to do my best because, as I’ve learned, doing well in your assignments really sets a positive tone for the rest of your university years.
Before diving into why you should make your first year significant, it’s essential to understand why many students tend to overlook their academics during this time. University is a whole new world: freedom, no curfews, and no one breathing down your neck 24/7. Naturally, students want to enjoy their first year before the challenges of the second year hit, due to the false belief that it won’t be possible to have fun anymore in the later years. As someone now in their second year, I can confidently say that’s just not true.
Here are three reasons why I believe first-year studies should be taken seriously:
You learn to produce top-notch work
My first year was all about trial and error. I figured out what made an essay meet the first-band criteria (70% and up). By using assignment feedback and attending office hours, I was able to refine my skills. Skills that I still rely on in my second year.
You establish a study pattern
Making the first year count helps you discover effective study habits. You’ll find out what study methods work best for you, whether it’s flashcards, practice tests, or something else entirely. For me, active recall ended up being my go-to strategy.
It eases the transition to the second year
Taking your first year seriously makes the second year so much smoother. It ensures that the second year isn’t just about figuring things out on the go, which can be overwhelming without a solid foundation of skills.
So, make your first year count, doing so will pave the way for a much easier and more enjoyable university experience!
