Adapting to New Study Patterns

Essays. So my essays tended to be very descriptive and my argument: was weak. In tutorials, it was difficult to see the break of discussion at the beginning. So although I wanted to speak up, I could not start speaking and was so frustrated.

(Japanese postgraduate in Soc. Science)

In my first year because of a lack of basic vocabulary I had some dif ficulties in following lectures, as well as in taking notes. I had no idea how to take notes for a start, and I didn't know how to handle time table and leisure time. It took rather a long time to get used to the libraries and when I asked the staff behind the inquiry desk I was never ­sure if I got what he meant. There was very little contact between I and my classmates in a big hall where the lectures were taking place.

I was very slow in reading and writing. Meanwhile I doubted if my own notes could be of any use and was anxious about how to catch up with others most time. When it's necessary to speak to the lecturer , or tutors, I was conscious of my own awkward way in expressing myself, and was worried about assessment and final marks from an early time. There always were problems in essay writing and in understanding what our teachers' expectations were.

(Chinese undergraduate in Asia n Studies)

So it seems that you will need to be ready to change your habits ­of study as well as cope with the obvious problems with language and living in a foreign country. These changes will be necessary because of the different `culture' of the new education system. There may be new tasks which you must perform. You may have to write long essays or lab reports - in English. You may have to go to library and work independently on the books and journal there. You may have to design and carry out lab experiments. You may be expected to present a paper in a seminar or join in a tutorial discussion.

always been successful

very little contact

most important things