INFORMATION FOR CURRENT STUDENTS

• A new workload, with the pace of instruction probably faster and more intense. You might feel overwhelmed at first, and early preparation, prioritising and time management are the keys here. There is lots of information and advice on university study skills here.

• Different learning and teaching styles and class sizes.  Class sizes ranging from small tutorial groups to large lectures.
• A different level of interaction with teachers. Remember that just because they may not get to know you as well and have a lot more students to teach, doesn’t mean they don’t want to help you.
• An expectation that you will be independent and self-motivated. You will get some guidance but generally you will be expected to remember deadlines and work out how much study you need to do. Many students enjoy the new degree of flexibility from being able to pursue their own interests.

"The biggest difference I found was that you lose an amount of personal interaction with the staff. At school the teachers knew my name and my capabilities and so I was being pushed. When you come to university the lecturers don’t know who you are and what you can do"

Rachael

"Be confident and don’t be shy to ask the lecturers questions. If you don’t understand something it’s not because you are stupid. They will point you in the right direction and if you still don’t understand something ask again. That’s what they’re there for"

Jess

• Making new friends and finding a support network Don’t worry if you don’t instantly make your best friends for life: go to all your classes, attend events and join clubs, and you’ll find plenty of people.
• Moving out of home and developing independence. You have to get used to living with different people and dealing with their little habits. You might also experience homesickness in the early stages, which will pass as you get more involved in your new life.
• Being aware of your own needs and seeking help when you need it You might be used to having a lot of people looking out for you. It takes time to develop these support networks once you get to university, so you need to be proactive about seeking out help – of which there is plenty.
• International students also have to adjust to a new culture and possibly language UCL has a lot of services for international students, including an International Office and Language Centre. There is also a range of clubs and societies about different cultures, where you can meet others from your country and learn their tricks about adjusting to life in London. 

"I thought university would be quite intense and filled with really geeky smart people who had loads of A’s etc. Well there were but it wasn’t everyone. I was very surprised at the variation of people from across the world and background. There was something for everyone regardless of who you were"

Rachael

• Organising finances and managing your budget. Keeping track of your income and spending will make the rest of life a lot smoother, so most students find themselves learning how to budget pretty quickly.
• Getting settled into and organizing the practical side of your accommodation. If you don’t already have these basic domestic skills, like cooking, cleaning etc., now is the time to practice!
• Finding your way around the campus and London. Learning where everything is can be daunting at first, and the only way to deal with this is to explore. Talk to others who have been here for a while to get tips on where to buy cheap food, where to sit at lunch time and how to use the public transport. Some good online sites for London maps include www.streetmap.co.uk, www.walkit.com and the Transport for London site: www.tfl.gov.uk.
  
• Being responsible for administrative matters such as fees, enrolment and important dates. Make sure UCL has your correct address, read all those pieces of paper you are given during enrolment, and use your UCL email account regularly to make sure you’re keeping up with all the paperwork.
• Getting to class at the right time in the right place. You are responsible for creating a workable timetable for yourself and then to know where you are meant to be and when.  The online timetable lets you see your personal timetable week by week and can be used to find out when things are being taught across UCL.  Check your personal timetable regularly for any changes.
• Get to know your timetable.