Advice for a freshman: playing by the rules. Advice for a first-year student on adapting to an educational institution

26.09.2019

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Schoolchild-Applicant-Student. A logical chain that smoothly leads young people to higher educational institutions. And then it turns out: universities live by their own rules, which are very different from the requirements of schools. This is almost adult life, requiring independence in everything: from behavior with classmates to organizing the educational process. Simple but very important tips for freshmen will help you quickly adapt to a new life and spend your student years fun, interesting and with good grades.

The main points that you need to get used to and adapt to can be divided into two blocks:

Study and organization of the educational process
Accommodation and life

Every freshman must firmly understand: a university is not a school. Here, almost no one ever dictates the material, does not check homework, does not “chew” new topics, but they ask strictly in exams, systematically arrange tests on the material covered, and also require active application of the acquired knowledge in laboratory and practical classes. To ensure that the new rhythm of life brings only pleasure, get used to following simple rules:

Monitor changes in the schedule yourself and don’t be afraid to check with the dean’s office for information on your studies.
Try don't miss lectures unnecessarily, and if this happens, photocopy the material covered and at least read it.
In the classroom, sit on the first desks - the teacher automatically classifies the back rows as “C” students and during exams pays special attention to them for cheat sheets. You don't need this, do you?
Demonstrate subject knowledge and show interest in studying it: raise your hand, ask questions, clarify what you have covered after pairs. The teacher will mark you as a diligent student, and before upcoming sessions this is a definite plus.
Set yourself up to get good grades for the first year. The old student truth “first you work for your grades, then it works for you” has not gone away; it’s customary to invite freebies through the window in the final years.
Complete and submit tests, essays, reports and studies on time. If you don't have time or don't want to, then... The service is inexpensive, but it will provide you with an excellent reputation and respect from teachers.

Complicated rules? Not at all! But they work great and allow a freshman to be recommended as a promising student already in the very first semester of study.

For active youth, it is recommended not to limit themselves to friendly relations only with their group. Communication with second-year students will help you find out the informal requirements of teachers, as well as receive recommendations applicable to studying in a specific specialty.

Student life: what you need to know

Life is easiest for those who remain in their city in their parents’ apartment. The “ancestors” may not be happy with their company, but the student does not have to think about shopping, shopping, cooking and financial planning. Independent freshmen should be prepared for such difficulties and know how to avoid them. Here the advice is not so universal, but sincere and effective:

Try not to live in a dorm, at least during your first year. The romance of living together gets boring after a month, but studies and finances suffer greatly. The optimal solution is rented housing, even if it is just a room in an apartment with a hostess.
Learn plan expenses. And not verbally, but in writing: what to buy, where to pay, when and in what amount the new receipt of funds will be. Simple scheme home accounting will not allow you to be left without money or with an empty refrigerator.
Reasonable allocate time for entertainment and study. Don't forget that most students drop out within the first year because they couldn't stop their fun in time and recklessly flunked and failed the simplest tests.

List advice to first-year students you can continue endlessly, but they will all revolve around two points: independence and rationality. As for studying, we tried to reveal all the secrets so that student life will be remembered as the best and most cloudless time of your life!

1. The main thing is to strive to develop your own individual learning style. professional activity, that is, it is not at all necessary to be “like everyone else” or even “copy” the actions of some “especially gifted” and “high-achieving” students. Academic success can be achieved by the most in different ways. Therefore, studying at a university itself is at the same time a kind of “experimentation” with oneself, especially since, as noted earlier, main subject for any student it is himself as a developing, self-changing and reflective “subject of educational activity.” Subsequently, the experience of forming one’s own individual style can become the basis for the formation of an individual style of professional activity itself.

2. Rules for tactful behavior and effective listening during lectures:
Listening (and hearing) another person is a real art, which will be very useful in the future professional activities of a psychologist.

If the teacher is “boring”, but you feel that he really masters the material, then boredom is already your personal problem (you should generally ask yourself, are you a real student if you are not interested in a specialist’s lecture?).

There is very useful trick, allowing a psychology student to remain in creative tension even during lectures by obviously “uninteresting” teachers. Imagine that in front of you is a client who knows something, but it is difficult for him to say it (and in consulting practice one constantly has to deal with such situations). A lot here depends on whether the listener will help the speaker better express his thoughts (or communicate his knowledge). But how can a student help a “boring” teacher, especially in a large audience, when it is indecent to even ask questions?

The technique is simple - try to show with all your appearance that you are “still interested” and you “still believe” that the teacher is about to say something very important. And if there are at least a few such students in the audience, listening attentively and respectfully to the teacher, then a “small miracle” may happen when the teacher “suddenly” begins to speak with enthusiasm, begins to reason boldly and with mischief (sometimes teachers themselves look for attentive and interested people in the audience). faces and begin to read their lectures, often glancing at such students, as if “inspired” by their friendly attention). If this seems incredible (like “miracles don’t happen”), just remember yourself in similar situations, when with a pleasant interlocutor-listener you suddenly discover that you speak much more confidently and even more interesting for yourself. But a “small miracle” may not happen, and then the main thing is not to be offended by the teacher (just as an experienced psychological consultant is not offended by his “never talked” client). Consider that you failed to “interest” the teacher with your attention (he simply did not believe that you were really interested).

To be more “natural” and for the teacher to still believe in your interest in his lecture, you can use one more technique. Try to silently “find fault” with something in his statements. And when you find a weak link in the teacher’s reasoning (and if you wish, this is easy to do even at lectures by recognized psychological authorities), try to argue “in your head” with the teacher, or at least listen to whether the teacher himself will “refute himself” (sometimes experienced teachers first they throw up provocative ideas, and then seem to argue with themselves). In any case, disagreement with the teacher is an excellent basis for dialogue (in in this case- for “internal dialogue”), which after the lecture, at the seminar, can turn into a real dialogue. Naturally, one should not distort this technique and with all your appearance show the teacher that you “despise” him, that he is a “nonentity”, etc. Criticism (especially criticism of the teacher) should be constructive and friendly. A future psychologist is generally contraindicated from “demonstrative contempt” for anyone (with the corresponding “bulging eyes” and “snorting mouth”) - this is more likely a sign of a “patient” than a human specialist...

If you do not agree (or do not understand) with the teacher about something, then it is not at all necessary to immediately interrupt him and, especially, express your ideas, even if they seem correct to you. Interrupting a teacher mid-sentence is a sure sign of bad manners. And questions should be asked either after class (for this you need to write them down briefly so as not to forget), or by choosing a moment when the teacher made at least a short pause, and be sure to apologize. Isn't it nice to feel yourself well-mannered person, and in front of a whole audience?

3. Rules for taking notes during lectures:
You should not try to write down everything the teacher says in a row. Even if a student knows shorthand, it simply does not make sense to write down all statements: it is important to catch main idea and basic facts.

It is advisable to leave margins on the pages for your notes (and make these notes either during the lecture itself, or in preparation for seminars and exams).

Naturally, it is advisable to use abbreviations when taking notes that everyone can “develop” for themselves on their own (as long as it is easy to understand these abbreviations later).

Try to use voice recorders less during lectures, since then it will be difficult to “decode” the teacher’s unintelligible voice, you will still have to rewrite the lecture later (and it is very difficult to prepare for important exams with a voice), and finally, voice recorders often distract the teacher by the fact that the student does nothing on lectures (the equipment supposedly “works” for him) and usually just sits, looking at the teacher with unblinking eyes (the look of a slightly bored “boa constrictor”), and the teacher feels uncomfortable and, instead of freely thinking about the problem, gives a much worse lecture, how he could do this (and these are not only our personal impressions: many teachers talk about similar cases). All this is especially funny (and sad, at the same time) in the classrooms of future psychologists, who still must learn to sense the situation and somehow positively influence the general psychological atmosphere of the lesson...

4. Rules for independent work with literature.
As already noted, independent work with textbooks and books (and for psychologists this is also an independent theoretical study of the problems identified by the teacher in lectures) - this is the most important condition formation of a scientific way of knowledge. The main tips here can be summarized as follows:

Make a list of books that you should get acquainted with; “Do not try to remember everything that you will not need in the near future,” advises G. Selye to a student and young scientist, “just remember where it can be found” (Selye, 1987, p. 325).

Such a list itself should be systematized (what is necessary for seminars, what is for exams, what is useful for writing coursework and theses, and what interests you outside of official educational activities, that is, what can expand your general culture...).

Be sure to write down all the output data for each book (when writing term papers and dissertations, this will save a lot of time).
Figure out for yourself which books (or which chapters of books) you should read more carefully, and which ones you should just skim through.

When compiling lists of literature, you should consult with teachers and supervisors (or even with more trained and erudite fellow students), who will help you better navigate what you should pay more attention to, and what you should not waste time on at all...

Naturally, all the books, textbooks and articles read should be taken down, but this does not mean that you need to take notes “everything in a row”: you can briefly write down the main ideas of the author and sometimes give the most striking and revealing quotes (indicating the pages).

If the book is your own, then it is allowed to make short notes in the margins of the book, or at the end of the book, on the blank pages, simply make your own “subject index”, where the most interesting thoughts for you are noted and the pages in the author’s text are necessarily indicated (this is very good advice , allowing you to save time and quickly find “favorite” places in a wide variety of books).

If you haven't worked much with science before psychological literature, then you should develop the ability to “perceive” complex texts; for this, the best technique is to learn to “read slowly”, when you understand every word you read (and if the word is unfamiliar, then either with the help of a dictionary or with the help of a teacher, you must learn it), and this can take a lot of time (for some - up to several weeks and even months); experience shows that after this the student, by some “miracle,” begins to literally swallow books and almost see “through the cover” whether the work is worthwhile or not...

“Either read or leaf through the material, but do not try to read quickly... If the text interests me, then reading, thinking and even fantasizing about it merge into a single process, while forced speed reading not only does not contribute to the quality of reading, but and does not bring the feeling of satisfaction that we get when thinking about what we read,” advises G. Selye (Selye, 1987. – pp. 325-326).

There's another one effective way optimize familiarity with scientific literature- you should get carried away by some idea and look at all books from the point of view of this idea. In this case, the student (or young scientist) will, as it were, look for arguments for or against the idea that interests him, and at the same time he will, as it were, communicate with the authors of these books about his ideas and thoughts... The only problem is: how to find “your” idea...

5. Rules for preparing for tests and exams and correct behavior when taking them for teachers:

It is better to immediately navigate through all the material and be sure to arrange all the material according to the exam questions (or questions discussed in seminars), this work can take a lot of time, but everything else is already technical details(the main thing is orientation in the material!).

The preparation itself is not only related to “memorization” (although some teachers value this ability of the student more, and this has to be taken into account...). Preparation also involves rethinking the material and even considering alternative ideas; this justifies itself only when the exam is taken by a teacher who is able to evaluate such a creative approach of the student, but teachers are also different... Therefore, the student must take all this into account and sometimes still leave his “creativity” outside the scope of this exam (it is necessary be realistic, and not only when passing exams).

Preparing “cheat sheets” is useful, but using them is risky. Main meaning preparing “cheat sheets” is the systematization and optimization of knowledge on a given subject, which in itself is wonderful - this is a very complex and important work for a student, more complex and important than the “dull”, “methodical” and “calm” absorption of mass (more precisely – “heaps”) educational information. If a student has prepared such “cheat sheets” on his own, then most likely he will pass the exams more confidently, since he has already developed a general orientation in complex material. Unfortunately, many students are often very poor at understanding even their own notes.

For example, sometimes we conducted exams by allowing students to use their notes (and even textbooks) while answering. Sometimes a few seconds were enough to assess whether the student looked at his notes (and even more so, in his books) when preparing for a given exam.

Paradoxical as it may seem, the use of “cheat sheets” often allows the responding student to better demonstrate his knowledge (more precisely, orientation in knowledge, which is much more important than knowledge of “remembered” and “immediately forgotten” after passing the exam).

If a student has a strong disagreement with what the teacher said in lectures or with what is written in textbooks, then the rule is that the student must first demonstrate that he has “learned” everything that is required in the program of study (or in the program of that teacher ), and only after that he has the right to express other, preferably reasoned, points of view.

If the teacher, from the student’s point of view, is biased, then he has the formal right to demand a test with the participation of another teacher, but sometimes problems arise due to the fact that this course is “authored”, and there may simply not be another qualified teacher. .. Therefore, it is better to find mutual understanding with this teacher (appealing to other examiners is always considered at the university as a rare, very undesirable “emergency incident” for anyone, and it is better for the student not to organize such situations himself, although anything can happen...).

6. Rules for writing scientific texts (abstracts, coursework and dissertations):

It is important to first understand what the true purpose of your scientific work(tell the world about your ideas, simply “push” an abstract on a problem that is uninteresting to you, practice writing scientific texts, etc.) - all this will help you wisely distribute your energy, time and, most importantly, feelings (“is it worth investing soul in this work or it’s not worth it.”.).

It is important to figure out who will be the “reader” of your work (a previously known strict and picky “opponent”, a friendly supervisor, your fellow students, or perhaps, most likely, no one will even read the work at all or will just skim through it, look “diagonally” ...).

How to get yourself in the right creative mood to work on scientific text(how to find “inspiration”)? Firstly, there must be an idea, and for this you need to learn to either treat different phenomena and facts somewhat critically (your own idea - as a different point of view), or learn to get carried away by some well-known ideas that need improvement (an idea - as an optimistic position and focus on further improvement of what is already known). Secondly, it is important to be able to distract yourself from the surrounding bustle (many talented people simply “disappear” in this bustle), for which it is important to be able to highlight the most important priorities in your educational and research activities. Thirdly, learn to organize your time, because, as you know, free time (from any nonsense) is the most important condition for real creativity; time finally appears for it. Sometimes a considerable part of the effort and talents is spent on organizing such time.

Naturally, you should write clearly and understandably, trying to formulate the main provisions clearly and unambiguously (so that you can understand it yourself), and also trying to structure your text. Every time you need to imagine that someone will read your text and they will want to navigate it, quickly find answers to questions of interest (at the same time, imagine yourself in the place of such a person). It is clear that a work written in “solid text” (without headings, without highlighting the most important places in large font, etc.) should arouse disgust and even pity for the author in a cultured reader (exceptions include some ancient texts, when the genre was sometimes they treated the texts differently, and there were much fewer texts themselves - not like in the era of the “information explosion” and the corresponding “information garbage”).

The volume of text and various design requirements largely depend on those adopted in a particular educational institution orders of magnitude.
Studying at a university is a very difficult process. From the very first days of September, the student is bombarded with a huge amount of information that needs to be absorbed. Required material is contained not only in lectures (remembering it is only a small part of the task), but also in textbooks, books, and articles. Sometimes there is a need to use Internet information resources.

The university education system implies significantly greater independence for students in planning and organizing their activities. It can be very difficult for yesterday's schoolchild to do this: if at school daily control by the teacher forced him to constantly and systematically prepare for classes, then at the university the question of the level of knowledge comes up to the student only during the session. This situation turns into a temptation for some to devote the entire semester to free time (“when it’s necessary, I’ll study!”), and when the time comes for exams, there is so much material to be mastered that no memory is able to cope with it in the remaining period of time.

Therefore, a student (and even more so a psychology student) should know about some important rules organization of activities suggested by the science of psychology.

Can't find an audience? Don't know where to buy a travel pass? Don't understand anything about documents and scholarships? Believe me, you are not alone, and there are dozens of people around who can help. In many universities, newcomers even have a curator - a senior student who will show and tell everything. Don't be afraid to look stupid with questions like "Where is the cafeteria?" It’s normal not to know this when you’re at university for the first time.

Try yourself in unusual things

Dance team, student television, choir, and even the cheerleading team. Nobody knows where you will find yourself. The university provides opportunities that you did not have at school.

Try and take risks - maybe it will change your life?

Take everything from these opportunities: competitions, festivals, international exchange programs and much more, before the burden of everyday work falls on your shoulders.

You will learn to plan your time so that you don’t have to run after teachers during the session. After all, it will be completely unpleasant to be kicked out of KVN, the choir and the volleyball team at the same time, because it didn’t work out. now everything is yours!

Be active in seminars

If at school everyone liked to sit silently back desk, then it’s better not to do that at university. If you answer at the seminars, you will be remembered by the teacher and get a chance to get a “machine”.

Make new acquaintances

Especially with classmates and seniors. You will have to communicate with the first for another four years, and the second will tell you everything about the teachers, share notes and questions for exams. It is also useful to know activists and university staff.

Don't be afraid of the session

No one has ever died from university diseases, believe me. Yes, there will be more of them than at school, they will be twice a year, but that’s not scary. And if you take notes, delve into the learning process and start preparing in advance, you won’t even have to cram all night long. Many groups have the practice of preparing together: questions are divided among everyone, and writing tickets becomes much easier.

Go to physical education

It's simple: not getting a pass and losing your scholarship because you for some reason decided that this is an unimportant subject is insulting and stupid. If you don’t want to grab your head at the end of the year, then it’s better to regularly attend gym and a swimming pool.

In general, this is a great way to stay in shape, because university physical education is not like school physical education and most often takes place in the format of free training or fitness.

Forget everything you were taught at school

Firstly, your Unified State Exam scores no longer mean anything. Secondly, it is worth removing the words “lesson”, “teacher” and “recess” from the vocabulary. And thirdly, studying is now only your problem. Mom won’t be called to the director and won’t be staked, but you can easily get into serious trouble. They don’t give you independence at the entrance to the university, which is a pity.

Take everything easier

If you have a cold and miss one day, you will not be expelled. If you don't carry ten textbooks with you, you won't be expelled either. Even if you are a couple late, you can continue to study further. Try to find common language with the teachers, and everything will be fine.

Don't give up on your studies

Despite the previous point. Yes, student life is great, but you shouldn’t forget about lectures and regular attendance. After all, that's what you're here for, isn't it?

Student life is the best time

Believe! School years flew by too quickly, and even more so it will not be possible to detain the students.

Remember that happy moment when, transfixed with excitement, you found your name on the enrollment list? Got it!!! It was a real holiday! But... the holidays, as you know, end quickly. Everyday life follows. And it’s not always easy for yesterday’s schoolchild to fit into a new student life. Here are some useful tips for you.

Advice one

Don't get lost. In the first days and even weeks of school, you will probably feel confused, or even depressed - everything around you is unfamiliar, there are a lot of people, no one cares about you. This is an unpleasant, but completely normal condition associated with adaptation to a new environment, which will pass very soon. But while you are poorly versed in the intricacies of corridors and classroom numbers, make it a rule to leave your house (or dormitory) 10-15 minutes earlier than the time required to travel to the University. Firstly, you won’t be late for your first lesson, and secondly, you won’t be too nervous.

Tip two

The right people you need to know in person. Therefore, in the very first days, “scout” where your dean’s office is located, look there (don’t be afraid, they won’t eat you). This will help you quickly resolve various issues.

Tip three

The schedule is your Bible. Therefore, on the very first day, find the class schedule for your course at the faculty and rewrite it. We do not recommend using the first notebook that comes to hand for this purpose - then leaf through them all in a row until you come across the desired entry. Unlike school, the schedule at the University may change, so do not be lazy to look into it.

Tip four

Don't put off visiting the library. Theoretically, there should be enough textbooks for all students, but this is only theoretical. In fact, the principle applies: “those who didn’t have time are late,” and the losers in this race get the oldest and most battered publications, or even nothing at all. Find out if your course has a special day and time for registration in the library. If yes, do not miss it under any circumstances. If not, find out when the library opens and arrive 20-30 minutes before opening to get a spot at the front of the line. Find out in advance what you need to have with you in order to be enrolled (usually a student ID and 1 photograph measuring (3x4cm). Don't forget to grab a couple of spacious bags - there may be a lot of books.

Tip five

With a notepad in hand, walk around the building in which you will study, familiarize yourself with the location of the offices of the structural divisions and classrooms that you may need. Write down the days and hours they work. Ask what time the dining room (buffet) is open until. Hurry up to get acquainted with your classmates. As a rule, these people become your friends for life. In the same useful notebook, write down their phone numbers and email addresses, especially the home (and mobile) phone number of the group leader. Feel free to call your fellow students to clarify the schedule, deadlines for tests and essays, etc.

Tip six

Stock up on enough notebooks. Anyone who, not wanting to “carry around extra weight,” writes all the notes in one notebook, makes a big mistake - it will be incredibly difficult to prepare for exams using such notes. On the back cover, write down the last name, first name and patronymic of the teacher teaching the subject.

Tip seven

Make sure that you always have 1-2 pens in your bag “in reserve” - the paste in them has a sneaky habit of running out at the most inopportune moment. During lectures, it is very useful to have a red or green pen or a colored marker with you - with their help you can underline the most important formulas and definitions as you go, put memorial marks in the margins, highlight new terms, etc. To study a foreign language, keep not one, but several notebooks: in the thickest one, write down grammatical rules and solid theoretical wisdom, in those that are thinner, do exercises. Just in case, keep at least one blank notebook in your bag - it will come in handy for something.

Tip eight

Learn to take notes in lectures as quickly as possible. It’s not difficult, the main thing is to develop a system of symbols and abbreviations that you understand. Write down all the symbols along with the decoding on the back of the notebook cover. When taking notes, do not skimp on paper. Leave margins in your notebook for additional notes. Remember that a lecture is not a dictation, so you don’t need to write down word for word after the lecturer. Record the lecture in the form of abstracts.

Don't be discouraged if you don't succeed right away. Note-taking is a special science that requires training. Gradually you will master it. If you feel hopelessly behind, leave it in your notebook. free space- perhaps others will be quicker than you, and after the lecture you will copy from them, filling in these blanks.

Tip nine

Get ready for the preparation for the session to begin…. from the first lesson. Before the next lecture, do not be lazy to at least briefly review the notes from the previous one. At the same time, find out how many completely dark places remain. If you cannot clarify them even with the help of a textbook, do not hesitate to contact your teacher - it is better if you ask him now than he will ask you later - during the exam. You should also start reading literature right away. At seminars, do not sit in a corner, but be active - make additions, clarifications, ask questions. If you don’t miss lectures and hand in your essays on time, you will have real chance to get into the privileged caste of “machine gunners”.

Tip ten

In addition, I would like to draw your attention to the fact that at the University you can find something to your liking: engage in social work, science, dancing, singing, become organizers of student events, improve yourself in any sport, etc. Information about everything you can get this from the deputy dean of the faculty for educational work, tutors for educational work, prefects, members of the student committee of the faculty, from announcements placed on information stands.

And good luck to you in your first and all subsequent sessions!

Well, freshmen, have you waited until September 1st?! Now you are full representatives of the special social group- students. And in order to remain students for another five years, we recommend that you reel in the advice of your senior comrades.

Features of the educational process, or why a university is not a school

Remember, student, the main thing that distinguishes a university from a school: your diploma is your problems. Yes, we know that in schools everywhere they give three-pieces to hominids who have not even reached the level of erectus. Because teachers, head teachers and directors, firstly, produce reports on the performance of the school herd, and secondly, they receive money for each sheep from the school herd. High school It’s not for nothing that they call it a “septic tank” and a “corral” in which teenagers are kept before the army, so that they do not wander around the streets. Are you used to having your ears pulled? Forget it.

Universities mercilessly expel erectus, Neanderthals, and even some under-evolved Cro-Magnons. Because their age already allows them to join the army! Or send them to lay out goods on supermarket shelves. Moreover, the most powerful stream of expulsions goes down the drain after the first semester.

University teachers are deeply concerned about whether you will crawl to your diploma. No one will run after you asking you to finally pass the test. And parents will not be called to the dean’s office.

Let it be clear: a university is not a school! You have become an adult!

But you need to visit. Unfortunately, the hypothesis that “the student is an adult who independently controls the personal educational process” does not stand up to the test of practice. Practice shows that most students remain overage schoolchildren. And if you don’t control the attendance of these youngsters at lectures and seminars, there will be five “nerds” sitting in the audience. Therefore, no matter how much the principle of checking those present contradicts the principles of university teaching, most teachers practice it.

By skipping lectures, you can end up on the teacher’s “black list,” which can be especially dangerous. close attention on the exam. Some teachers even demand to see the notes from their lectures.

And skipped seminars, colloquiums, practical, laboratory and tests will have to be completed in 99% of cases.

Find out right away what you need to be admitted to the session. You are allowed to take some tests and exams only if you write an essay, report, essay, or tests. This is not so bad, you can order “waste paper” from student lancers in November – December. It’s worse if the university has a point system for admission to the session. Points must be collected directly from September.

Stick your textbook... well, somewhere on the back shelf. Don't rely on your textbook to help you prepare for the exam. This is another key difference from school. A textbook is an auxiliary tool, and the main sources of knowledge at a university are lectures and literature, with the help of which you will prepare for seminars. Of course, there is no need to throw away the textbook completely - as a basis, it will do just fine. Just keep in mind that the textbooks you will be given are most often outdated. You need to look for new ones in the library, buy or download them online (if possible). And there are also teachers who specifically make exams based on their lectures. However, there are also those who read lectures from a textbook - with these it’s easier.

Get ready to work with literature yourself. If you think that the purpose of a university is to stuff you with knowledge, then you are deeply mistaken. The goal of the university is to teach you how to obtain information on your own, give you self-education skills and, preferably, develop scientific thinking in you. The textbook provides the basis, the lectures structure the material and help sort it out in your head, and the independent search for materials among articles and monographs rules.

You can find some of the materials on the Internet (thanks to digitization!), but much has not yet made it onto the World Wide Web. Therefore, you will have to go to a university, regional or specialized library, make extracts and photocopies. Horror-horror? Nothing, then you will thank you for teaching you to study on your own. In the information age, knowledge becomes outdated very quickly. A professional needs to study and study in order to remain in demand, and for this you need to have self-education skills.

One way to measure the rate at which facts become outdated is to look at the citation index scientific articles. If a publication is not cited, it likely means it is irrelevant or outdated. For example, as a result of studying publications in Physical Review journals representing different areas of physical science, it turned out that half of the publications cease to be cited after an average of 10 years, and, say, in nuclear physics - after 5 years. The half-life of a book (in terms of citations) is about 13 years in physics, 9.4 years in economics, 9.1 years in mathematics, and about 7 years in history and psychology.

Find out what seminars, colloquiums, essays, notes, tests, term papers and other mysterious bullshit are. A freshman is bombarded with megatons of unfamiliar or completely unfamiliar words, under which new ways of testing knowledge are hidden. Yes, bro, it's not like at school. Start figuring all this out right from September.

Tune in to a new rhythm of learning. 40-minute lessons and long breaks are a thing of the past. Now you will have to sit in classes, and the break will only be enough to run from class to class (it’s better to go to the dining room during the “windows”). On the other hand, there are also advantages: perhaps there will be days in the schedule when you can show up for the second or even third class. Appreciate the “windows”: instead of just stupidly staggering around waiting for the next couple, go to the library or the cafeteria.

Remember that there are upper and lower weeks. Another innovation. Enter the data into the gadget that you carry with you. Still confused? Come to the schedule - it's the simplest way find out what week it is.

Find out when the session starts, as well as (just in case) the rules for granting academic leave. And find out all this not in December, but as early as possible.

Do not forget that you can be expelled from the university for violating discipline. The life of a student is much freer than that of a schoolboy, but the dean’s office will not turn a blind eye to some of the outbursts. And if it comes to the rector’s office, you understand. The reason for expulsion may be particularly violent drinking in a dorm (for example, throwing a refrigerator out the window), or breaking the law, or even being overly active. political activity(for example, a single picket in front of the administrative building demanding the resignation of the rector). If they don’t expel you directly, they will create conditions under which it will be very difficult to pass the exam. So control yourself.

Try to understand that you are already an adult and are responsible for the results of your studies at the university. Keep in mind that no one will chase you with reminders about lectures and seminars. And calls to parents with the question: “Where is your child, is he sick or playing truant?” – it won’t either. Become independent.

Work on your record. For at least the first two sessions, give it your all. Then it will be easier: the better your image, the more loyal the teachers are to you. And vice versa: teachers are prejudiced towards students with grades and “tails”. In general, work for your record, then it will work for you.

Your head is swelling with advice, freshman? Wait, this is just the beginning. If you haven’t broken down yet, read the recommendations that will help you survive until the session and survive it.

Tips for first-year students on swimming in training waters

Learn to benefit even from boring lectures. To do this, you need to learn to 1) listen (and hear), 2) concentrate. Useful skills that will be useful to you in life.

Master the skills of faking interest. This is in case the teacher is a beast, and his lectures are completely stupid and meaningless. But do not abuse this skill, otherwise your entire future career will be reduced to an office IBD (imitation of vigorous activity). Use the skill in exceptional cases.

Learn to take notes. There is no need to transcribe lectures word for word. Isolate the main thing, develop your own system of abbreviations and symbols that is understandable to the brain. Take notes logically and structurally.

Use your voice recorder and other gadgets wisely. Do not rely 100% on the achievements of civilization. Firstly, transcribing a lecture from a voice recorder is a chore. Imagine: you sat through a lecture, and then still have to spend the same amount of time transcribing the recording! Is this reasonable? Recording on a voice recorder is only suitable for auditory learners (people who best perceive information by ear). Secondly, teachers really don’t like students who turn on the recorder and then sit there with a blank look.

As for tablets, laptops and netbooks, they can be a great help, especially in the library. But don’t forget that writing with a pen activates memory processes in the brain. Be aware of teachers who require handwritten notes.

Stock up on general notebooks, pens, and multi-colored markers. Carry a spare pen with you. Use colored markers to highlight the main thing and structure your notes.

Be one of the first to go to the university library for textbooks. Yes, textbooks are not the most important thing at a university, but they are still needed. In most universities there are not enough textbooks for everyone. Especially new ones.

Find out where the libraries and reading rooms you need are located. Sign up and learn how to work with the catalogue. Unfortunately, all the materials you will need are not yet available on the Internet.

Write down the schedule, remember the location of buildings and classrooms. You can just follow your group, but it’s better to be independent. It's also worth writing down the opening hours of libraries, gyms, laboratories and other places you'll be visiting.

Collect information about teachers and take into account their individual characteristics. Write down and remember the name of the teachers - that's it! Recognize them by sight - two. There is nothing stupider than meeting a teacher during an exam. Find out about everyone's character and habits (undergrads will help with this). Find out how everyone feels about attending lectures, what requirements they have for seminars, tests, and exams.

Choose a teacher. A correctly chosen supervisor will not only help you write coursework and get you to your diploma, but will also defend you in front of the department and even in front of the dean’s office. We advise, freshman, .

Read about the principles of time management. Learn to manage your time so that there is enough time for both visiting the university and self-training, and on vacation.

Divide items into important and unimportant. The profile ones are important, bury your head in them. Learn all sorts of non-core stuff in order to get a pass - that's enough. There is no point in immersing yourself in studying an analogue of school life safety at the expense of the core subject.

Try to get as many “machine guns” as possible. Accepting a test or exam “automatically” as active educational activities during the semester, will save you from the hassle before the exam. Some teachers also have “semi-automatic machines”, which are also a good thing: you can choose one of two questions on the exam.

Don't sit on the Kamchatka. This is a place for those who want to do their own thing and not study. Many teachers are prejudiced against “Kamchatka” (especially if they hear the crash of beer bottles accidentally touched by someone’s foot). In addition, in Kamchatka it is usually difficult to hear what the teacher is saying. It is better to record lectures while sitting at the front desks or in the middle of the room.

The middle is perhaps the most comfortable place. You can hear it normally, but if something happens, you can hear it a little. The first desks are loved by excellent students; they allow them to establish visual contact with the teacher, as well as demonstrate their hard work and interest.

Don't be shy to ask questions to the teacher. If something is unclear, feel free to ask. Teachers love active students. But don’t overdo it, faking interest will give you the image of a suck-up. Or even worse - the image of a stupid suck-up.

Lectures are useless; there is no point in wasting your energy on them. If the teacher marks truants, sit in the middle and pretend to be busy. Unless, of course, this beast demands to provide notes on his blizzard.

If the teacher doesn’t give a damn, and no one writes his lectures, you better write them down. Why? Because then who the hell can you get them from! Keep in mind that the teacher’s indifferent attitude towards visiting and recording his lectures can result in harshness in the exam. Some teachers are selective in not giving a damn: they believe that a student should not be forced to study, it is his personal business - to study or not to study. The exam will dot all the i's...

Get active at seminars! This is a direct path to the “automatic machine”. Or at least reducing the risk of pre-session drills.

Are you afraid to speak in front of an audience? Paradoxical advice: speak as often as possible. The skill of public speaking will be very useful in life (not to mention the fact that it will be easier to pass the exam).

If the teacher has distributed the topics of the reports to everyone, try to read yours as early as possible. Otherwise, there may not be enough time, and either the “automatic machine” will shut down, or you will have to take the report directly to a test or exam, or you will look for a teacher to introduce him to the fruits of your labor outside of class time.

Practical, laboratory, and tests must be taken on time. Don't skip them, don't save mini-tails. You still have to give it up. It is gradually easier to do this than to deal with a pile of work before the session itself.

Start writing coursework and essays as early as possible. If you are going to order them from student dancers, don’t delay either. Why is explained in detail in the article.

Before submitting your ordered or downloaded work, read it! Don't give the teacher a reason to catch you giving away a freebie.

If your classmates are bullshit, don't be like them. You don’t want to be one of those 20% of slackers who will drop out in the first session, do you?

Why does a freshman need social, cultural and scientific activities?

Social activity is not only interesting, but also useful. Activity in social and cultural projects increases the chance of receiving a personal scholarship.

If you have a tendency to scientific activity, don't hold back. Participate in university and international conferences, enroll in student scientific society. This is useful for records and opens the way to graduate school. And even to tasty grants.

International exchange, foreign conferences and participation in international student projects are a chance to travel abroad for free. Learn languages and be more active!

If the faculty holds olympiads, quizzes, competitions, take part. The prize can be automatic machines in all subjects in the record book, a personal scholarship, a one-time cash incentive... In general, all sorts of goodies plus the respect of teachers.

Participation in youth political projects is also useful. This is where your path into politics can begin - if, of course, you are interested. But keep in mind that not all policies are good for the student. Opposition political activity in our country, unfortunately, it can lead to expulsion from the university. So choose projects approved by the university.

If you are a born administrator, become a headman or finance manager, or even better, make a career in the trade union committee. The path is not for everyone, but if it’s yours, go for it. A sense of power and money are included.

It makes sense for a student with a journalistic, journalistic streak to go to the editorial office of a student newspaper already in his first year. You can start an alternative blog or website yourself or together with like-minded people, or organize the publication of a faculty newspaper. Just be adequate - you don’t even need to dump everything you think about “Tupak Denisov” and “bitch Kubareva” on your personal blog. They can read too.

Take part in amateur art activities. First of all, skits and KVN are fun! Secondly, if you are applying for a personal scholarship, this activity will also count. Thirdly, valuable creative personnel can count on concessions from the dean’s office in case of problems with the session. But within reasonable limits, of course.

Artists, poets, writers and others, very much creative individuals It makes sense to participate in competitions and join specialized student communities. Sometimes the work of students is published in university newspapers. Well, the Internet is generally a free place for self-presentation. These talents are in great demand when preparing all kinds of events.

Smart people should sign up for the ChGK team. If they don’t take you, create your own team and tear your opponents to shreds!

Take part in sports competitions. Volleyball, basketball and even chess tournaments are not only a way of self-realization, but also a chance to get an “automatic” in physical education. Cash incentives are possible. In the USA, even very stupid athletes are so valued by colleges and universities that they pass the exams even with complete brain atrophy. Our concessions are not so luxurious, but you can also count on them.

Think about the future. Already from your first year, you should think about how you will build your career after graduation. Will you work in your specialty? Are you going to go for a red diploma? Are you interested in graduate school? Is it necessary for your career? foreign language? Gonna go and search workplace specialty while studying at university? The clearer your plans are, the more likely it is that you will approach graduation with exact knowledge where you will work and, perhaps, even with offers from employers.

Useful contacts

Join the team. Don't be arrogant, don't provoke conflicts from the very first days at the university. Don't be afraid of your classmates - they are scared too

Conduct yourself with dignity. Don’t cower before the “strong ones”, don’t become a “six”. Don’t be afraid to be an outcast if you don’t get along with the dominant group on the course. Look for like-minded people. Be yourself.

Don't intrigue, avoid warring microgroups. This will avoid many troubles.

Exchange contacts with classmates. If something happens, you will know who to call, write or call on Skype to clarify the schedule or assignment for the seminar.

If you like to play truant, make friends with the headman. A good relationship with the headman will reduce the number of “H” icons next to your name in the visitor log. Chocolates rule.

Contacts with older students are really useful. Senior comrades will help with notes and materials, and tell you about the character of the teachers.

Make friends with those who live in the dorm. First of all, they are fun. Secondly, in the dorm there are always notes. From someone.

Make useful friends. These could be student lancers who will help you write educational work or employees of medical institutions who can issue the necessary certificate. It’s not a fact that these acquaintances will be useful, but in a force majeure situation you will know who to turn to.

Create a community of support with your fellow students. It’s easier to prepare for seminars together (everyone prepares their part, then you exchange materials). When preparing for tests and exams, friends will test their knowledge (both sides receive an intellectual bonus during testing). Or answers to tests, exercises in Latin or English, pooled cheaper.

Weed out the freeloaders and leeches. Mutually beneficial help is good, arrogance is bad. Help your friends, but not at the expense of yourself. Remember: whoever carries it, gets ridden. While you are writing essays for freeloaders, .

Try to get contacts of your supervisor and other teachers. You may need to contact them. But don’t overwhelm teachers with messages, don’t pester people. These are emergency contacts. However, you can regularly contact an adequate academic advisor during the coursework writing process. Many teachers have switched to consultations via Skype.

Meet the course curator, get the contact details of the dean's office. They might also come in handy.

When making contacts with teachers, do not fall in love This advice is addressed primarily the fair sex. Falling in love with a teacher is a well-known psychological phenomenon. Dangerous thing!

Safety rules

In the first days, complete all the necessary documents. First of all, it is for students and readers. Bring the certificates required by the dean's office.

Don't anger the guard. Don’t forget your pass (student card), don’t try to sneak past, don’t whine or annoy the person. Especially if he has a club.

Think about your route to the university. Consider transport schedules and traffic jams. Leave the house 10 - 15 minutes earlier to have some extra time.

Don't snore during lectures

Don't stack beer bottles under your desk. And especially don’t drop them!

About money

Find out the rules for granting scholarships at your university. Find out in what cases you can lose your stipukh and try not to get into these situations.

Find out which ATM to withdraw the scholarship from. A mistake will cost several hundred, which you will give to a “strange” bank. If the scholarship is minimal, you can lose 30%.

Find out how to get a gubernatorial and presidential scholarship (there are other types). Perhaps you can qualify for one of them. To do this, you need to study well and actively participate in scientific and social activities.

Look at the trade union committee. Find out everything about receiving social scholarships and financial assistance. If you meet the conditions, collect certificates, don’t delay.

The trade union committee distributes preferential vouchers and tickets for all sorts of events. Use it! Many students don’t even know that they can get anything from the trade union committee. This means that those who are not lazy to go on reconnaissance will get more.

Take the time to find out about all the benefits that a student is entitled to. They concern the passage, free visit some museums, etc. Regularly monitor changes in legislation regarding student benefits.

Think about how you can make money. Load wagons? Wash the floors? During the holidays, you can enroll in a student team and take part in the construction of some kind of cosmodrome. However, they say that this year, due to financial difficulties, students were paid less than they expected. In any case, work should not interfere with studies. We do not have restrictions on student work, as in Europe (there a student can only work a certain number hours per week), so calculate your strength yourself.

About health, order, dress code and relaxation

Take care of your liver. Forget about the stereotypical idea of a student as a constantly drinking creature. At least if you are going to survive to the second year, and even more so to the fifth.

Make friends with physical education. Don’t skip a couple of physical classes, sign up for an additional gym, swimming pool, yoga or fitness class. Physical activity not only improves health and helps maintain normal weight, but also improves brain function.

Eat right. Don't choke on dry sandwiches. Choose foods that are good for your body and brain. By the way, you can read the article about.

Find out where the cafes and canteens are, where the food is better and where it is cheaper. This, of course, is in case there are several of them in the building and nearby. In order not to be late for lectures and not to stand in a wild queue, find out not only the opening hours, but also the time when the influx of hungry people subsides.

Dress in business style or in stylecasual. Don’t shock your teachers with dreadlocks, colored mohawks and bare buttocks (this is advice to freshmen who love miniskirts). Individuality is respected, but remember about adequacy. Especially when choosing clothes for an exam.

Tidy up your workspace. Don't excuse clutter as a tendency to be creatively disordered. Read the article. Just think, tidying up the place where you work clears your mind!

Rest! Once you are immersed in your studies, resurface regularly. Rest helps the brain fight stress. Studying without rest is the path to breakdowns and exhaustion nervous system and chronic fatigue. While working for honors, do not earn yourself asthenia.

Remember that student years are a great time! Make friends, have fun, have fun! In moderation, of course, but so that there is something to remember!