Keep the momentum: surviving your first year

Momentum is the ability to keep going, which is, in essence, what tertiary life should be. The ability to keep your momentum will be the difference between completing your qualification successfully or dropping out.

Higher education is an investment that requires effort, passion and time. It is one investment that no one can ever take away from you. You can use it to find a job, get a promotion or even start a business. As we approach the second semester, we have outlined a few hacks to help keep you going. It is crucial to keep moving to obtain your qualification in record time.

Keep attending your classes

Now that it is winter, it will become even harder to get out of bed in the mornings. It may seem easier to stay in bed rather than attend your classes, whether online or face-to-face. It is essential to remember that in tertiary education, you are accountable for and to yourself. Class attendance is crucial to completing your qualification. The classes are designed to simplify the subject matter, empowering you to grasp concepts quickly, prepare for your exams, ace your assignments and decrease your stress levels. Class attendance is also about collaboration and sharing ideas with peers.

Complete all your assignments

Your final mark is a combination of assignments, assessments and your exam. If you do well during the semester by completing all your assignments, portfolios of evidence (POEs) and assessments, you will have a better semester mark, decreasing the load when preparing for the exams. Pace yourself, keep a timetable and have a to-do list. Most institutions also offer support workshops or tutors to assist with plagiarism, time management and more – use the resources available to lighten your load.

Think outside the box

The Internet is a tool every student should use to help them with their studies. Digital resources such as YouTube can present real-life applications of what you have covered in class and present different perspectives to broaden your view. The Internet also offers a network of working individuals ready to assist with real-life experiences of the subject matter you are studying. Networking while you are still learning is an excellent way of preparing for the world of work.

Collaborate

Tertiary years are a great way to meet new people and build your network with peers, lecturers and mentors. Engaging in campus life, whether online or face-to-face, is an excellent way of finding different perspectives and learning to work within a team. Collaboration is an essential skill for the world of work and life in general.

Small sacrifices are essential to reach one's goals. Start strong and finish strong; remember to engage, collaborate and act.