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redoing first year tips (biology)

I will be redoing my first year on a new course (biology)in September! There were many reasons why the past year did not work out well for me, some external, some very out of my control. But a the end of the day I also did not work nearly hard enough, and I recognise that. I focused too much on socialising and I had no discipline. I also did not enjoy my course one bit which didn’t help. Thankfully I’ve snagged a transfer to biology. Which I’m very excited about even if it means doing first year again.

It may only be first year, but I really want to do well. I went into last year with the mentality of "first year doesn’t count" which while true to an extent, can be easy to take too far. I don’t regret it entirely, as I had a fun year and I’ve made a great group of friends and I’ve got a great set of housemates for next year who I’m really looking forward to living with. I also think I’ve got a good amount of the freshers ‘ clubbing every night’ kind of attitude out of my system. I still intend to do freshers and go out somewhat regularly, but I think I want to be more focused and disciplined this year.

And so I’m here, asking any and all tips for a successful academic year! Bonus points if it’s biology related.

Reply 1

ziggy03

Biochem student here. Flashcards. Don't bother with writing detailed notes outside of lectures. Write flashcards for every lecture you have and do this AS YOU GO ALONG. When you get to exams you won't be wasitng your time with catching up and you'' actually have something that you created that is a revision resource.

Tip two. Work with people. Test each other, it helps so so much.

Good luck.

Reply 2

University of Huddersfield

Official Rep

Anon,

It sounds like you have already done a lot of self-reflection which is really useful and a good skill to have! If you can identify things which were problematic last year, then you are halfway to making a positive change this year.

Like @ziggy03 said try to establish a revision routine early on. You generally have more time in the first year so it's easier to find time to go over things and to practice questions etc....

You might not have lectures every day but use the time when you are not are uni to go over things that you have studied that week and to prepare for the week ahead

I found reading the slides ahead of the lecture helped me a lot because I could go over things that were unclear and could also think about questions to ask the lecturer. When I went to the lecture, it was easier to understand the content as I had been through it already and I could build on my knowledge. Later that week, I could also do some revision for that module which helped me to have a firmer grip on the topic.

Balance your time between the different modules. Try not to avoid the modules you find difficult or dislike but try to put more time and energy into understanding them so that you are in a better place come the exams.

Learn from your mocks so that you don't make the same mistakes.

Use multiple methods for revision. Try to keep it fun and make sure you take time to stretch and move from your desk.

Revise/ study wherever you can! Make the most of your time, whether that's looking at notes on the bus or train. Use your time well!

Hope that helps.

All the best,

Oluwatosin – 2nd year student– University of Huddersfield