1. Demystifying your first year at Birkbeck Annette McCone Widening Access and Retention

2. Aim provide an overview of the academic year explore how you might be feeling banish myths and misconceptions provide first hand experience of life at Birkbeck

3. Butterflies NervousExcitement Meeting new people Learning something new Coping with the demands of the course Rising to the challenge of the course Finding time to studyEnjoying time spent studying Not completing/defer/take a break Graduating

4. The first year – 3 terms Autumn (3 rd October – 16 th December) Spring (9 th January – 23 rd March) Summer (23 rd April until 6 th July)

5. Autumn – what to expect 12 weeks 1 st week induction; student handbook; getting to know staff and fellow students Teaching – lectures, seminars, labs Reading week half way through – catch up or get ahead Stay Ahead Programme – November Preparing for assessment – December Meeting first deadline – December/January

6. A typical week – your timetable MonTuesWedThursFriSatSun am 8-12 Gym/ Work Gym/ Work HW and errands pm 12 - 6 Work StudyFamily/ Friends/ Fun Eve 6-9 BBK gymFamily/ Friends/ Fun StudyTV Night 9 - 12 TVLibrarykey reading Family/ Friends/ Fun TV

7. Spring Term 12 weeks “January Blues” Using feedback from term one assessments to “feed forward” Revisit and review work from Autumn term Reading Week – catch up or get ahead Preparing for exams – identify a study buddy

8. Summer Term Consolidating knowledge from previous terms Exam revision – consider taking block of annual leave? Exams – always during the working day Preparing for next year Update your CV Enjoy the break!

9. Five fast facts There is 24 hour access to the building – study rooms are always available – Room 536 There are showers available – ask reception for the key There is a cash machine and prayer room at the School of Oriental and African Studies ULU has the largest swimming pool in central London – gym is £26.00 direct debit but can pay daily £4.50 Buy one get one free at the BBK bar on a Friday …