Part of university is becoming a member of a number of new social groups, societies can be a great way to do that! In today's post, I'm partnering up with Royal Holloway's Liberal Arts society to answer students questions on all things university. As you all know I study Liberal Arts and joining the academic society is a great opportunity to connect with student on my course.
Any tips for studying online?
Studying online can be difficult and everyone is facing their individual struggles with this new way of learning but there are ways to make it more bearable. I find that making daily plans not only break up my week but help me to visualise everything I need to get done. Remembering to schedule in things like going for a walk, even if it's just into a different room in your house and staying hydrated and eating properly. Another huge motivating factor for me is having a suitable work environment, so I'm currently at my uni house so I have my desk with all my stationary, books and my flowers. I associated this with work so whenever I come to my desk I'm in the mood to be productive.
When it's comes to actually being able to effectively learn online, I think having an open dialogue with your academic staff will benefit you massively. If you're struggling with something, speak up, this is a new situation for them as well so they might be able to adapt their teaching or resources slightly to be more accessible. The same goes for communicating with your fellow peers, they're probably feeling the same way as you and reaching out to people is what gets us through these difficult times.
Did you find your foundation year helpful?
This is a difficult question because in some ways yes and other ways no. In terms of content, I didn't feel any better equipped to start the Liberal Arts programme. However, I did learn a variety of skills that come with being at university in a year where I didn't have as much academic pressure. I was able to experiment with my writing style to find what would give me the highest grades and learn essential skills like referencing.
Aside from academic preparation, I was given an extra year in the university bubble which at the time felt like the be all and end all because I feel like there is such a stigma around foundation years, and them being for people who didn't achieve high enough grades for their initial course but when I consider my cohort this simply isn't the case. I am a strong believer in that everything happens for a reason and in hindsight I appreciate my foundation year because I had a transitional year with very little academic pressure, I met some amazing people who are now some of my closest friends and I started this year with a strong knowledge and host of experiences to carry me through the rest of my university journey.
If you could change one thing about your course what would you pick?
Another tricky question because as a Liberal Arts student we already have so much choice over what we want to study and have the ability to tailor our degree programme. Although, that said, I personally wish that the language modules were optional. I know they teach us a range of skills, resilience being one of them, but for me I think it's caused far more anxiety than it's worth and at some points took my focus away from the modules I was actually enjoying. I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to learn a language but it's not for me, I don't feel like I have the 'language brain' and the ability to retain the information.
What to do at the weekend in Egham during lockdown?
One of my favourite things to do each day is go for a walk around Egham/Englefield Green and pick myself up a hot chocolate. This breaks up my day and gives me something to look forward to between classes. At the weekend seeing as I have more time I like to venture further afield, to perhaps Windsor Great Park or Virginia Water Lake. Both are within walking distance of campus and make for a lovely day out whilst still following covid rules. I also do the occasional Zoom quiz or movie night with my friends, this is a great way to connect with people in a safe way, and restore any diminishing sanity!
During these difficult times you need to schedule in 'me time' to take some time out of your day to look after your mental health!
Stay Safe xx
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