THE UNIVERSITY OF STIRLING WELCOME TO THE UNIVERSITY OF STIRLING SWAP STUDY SKILLS DAY

MOVING FROM COLLEGE TO UNIVERSITY

PERSONAL REFLECTIONS

PERSONAL REFLECTIONS MY INITIAL THOUGHTS Excited, nervous, anxious, glad – a huge mix of emotions Lost, confused, small, ‘out of place’ Not confident – what am I doing here, what makes me think I can do this A totally different life THE REALITY Students come in all shapes, sizes and types. Mature students do fit in, don’t stick out, and are often sought after / out By other students By staff

THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY Cultural Differences more direct teaching smaller classes more use of continuous assessment Skills Gaps Practical skills – taking lecture notes, researching, etc conceptual notions - critical thought independent learner more emphasis on private study, own ideas essays and reports – more discursive, more analytical, more independent

HOW TO SURVIVE Involve family and friends Do be realistic, don’t be too proud or too scared - ASK for help and advice Keep sight of why you started this Be positive about being a mature student Prioritise – both your university and private life Give yourself time to settle in

The Future of SWAP – from access student to: - Secondary school teacher – French / Spanish Secondary school teacher – History Translator in Chinese – Harper Collins Owner of Language School in Spain English Language Teacher in Italy Scottish Tourist Guide Web Designer Working in Media sector Research Associate at CELCIS Widening Participation Manager in HE FE Lecturer in charge of Access to Languages course Sector Marketing and Proposal Manager – Skanska (UAE)

LOOK AFTER YOURSELF!