The first few weeks in a new academic year can be hectic with forms you need to get in order, all the friends you have to catch up with and the welcome back events you want to attend. Even if you’ve just stored away your pens after finishing that last exam, dedicating time now can save you the stress next academic year by making your time on campus count.
Contact your lecturers and tutors
Someday the time will come when you need references for postgraduate study or to secure that first job. Staying on good terms with your lecturers and professors is as simple as a thank-you email at the end of term to tell them you appreciated their module. Be sincere – if you have genuinely enjoyed their course write them, you don’t need to contact each professor.
Consider asking your personal academic tutor for personal feedback so you can find out where your strengths and weaknesses lie. Knowing this can help you plan with where you still need development for the next year.
Get to know the online resources open to you
First thing is first: that book you thought would help you through your toughest course that came with a convenient six-month loan might still be hiding in your room – return it! There are plenty of online resources available throughout the summer that offer you access without you needing to be on campus.
Installing the Southampton Virtual Environment will give you access to the library’s full online collection from wherever your holidays take you. Career Destinations services stay live all summer as well, so you can polish that CV and cover letter.
Get the reading lists early
Sliding into a chair on the first day of your module come September and facing a long reading list is daunting for even the speed-readers. Getting an early jump on it – even just a few articles – can help you manage the stress of work piling up from the start of term.
Student lifestyle posts which reflect the interests of our students are written by Student Communications Assistants and do not reflect the research, guidance or opinions of the University of the Southampton. If you have feedback or want to suggest ideas for this section, please submit an email.