firstpoint’s five points about starting a new semester…

Every Monday, firstpoint publishes five points about a topic related to life at university. This week, new semester, new you…

POINT ONE: PLAN AND PREPARE… 

We hope you enjoyed your Christmas break, and that you are refreshed and ready to get stuck back into study. Now would be a good time to set up a meeting with your Personal Academic Tutor to discuss your progress and next steps. 

Why not use this time to build upon the progress you have already made by making use of all the resources that are available.  How about booking an appointment with the RLF Writers in Residence? They offer confidential support on the puzzling aspects of academic writing, grammar, structure and style.  It doesn’t matter what year of study you’re in, they can help you. For more details and information on booking please see the Writers in Residence webpage

For other study skills resources, have a look at the firstpoint webpage

POINT TWO: MAKE A CHANGE…

Most of your module selections were decided at least a semester ago, if not longer. After your last couple of months studying, it’s possible that you’ve changed your mind about a semester two module; your interests might have changed or maybe you think a different module would be a better fit for your future career choices. 

Luckily, you have some flexibility to change a semester two module, usually up until the third week of teaching. You can make a request yourself via your SOLE page, under the Course Information tab in the module change request section. 

Individual advice is available from the Programme Advisers by telephoning 01905 542727. The phoneline is open Monday to Friday, mornings between 11.00am and 12.30pm, and afternoons between 1.30pm – 3.00pm. 

The phoneline does not have a queuing facility or a voicemail, so if you are unable to get through, please try again in a few minutes. 

POINT THREE: EXPAND YOUR HORIZONS…

For even bigger changes and challenges, why not Study Abroad? Dip your toe in by visiting for a semester or take the plunge with a whole year abroad. 

For more information about the range of possibilities, have a look at the Study Abroad webpage.  Alternatively, you can book an appointment with the Study Abroad Co-ordinator, they’ll be happy to discuss this exciting opportunity with you. Contact firstpoint or email the team direct on international-experience@worc.ac.uk

POINT FOUR: LOOK TO THE FUTURE…

The turn of the year is always a good time to stop and reflect on your past decisions and look to where your choices are leading you. It might be useful to meet with a member of the Careers and Employability Service. They run one-to-one appointments, as well as workshops and drop-in sessions. They can provide you with guidance and inspiration about your future career, and help you to develop your employability skills ready for the next stage in your life. 

You can access the service and book appointments via the myCareer tile on your MyDay portal

POINT FIVE: TAKE PART… 

Students come to university for a variety of reasons.  Most come for a qualification, others for the pleasure of studying a subject they enjoy, and some because they feel they should or have been sent by an employer.  

Whatever your reasons for being here, your time at university is not solely about your academic path. There are many opportunities to discover new interests, explore new places and meet a range of new people.  The Students’ Union is a good place to start; Refreshers Week is running all this week and there will be lots of events and useful information available to help you plan your next steps.  They have an amazing range of clubs and societies, as well as opportunities to get involved with the local community and get involved with fundraising as part of the SU Raise and Give group. 

It’s not too late to sign up for the Worcester Award, which is the University’s employability award. Find out more on the  Worcester Award webpages

Why not have a look at firstpoint’sMaking the Most of your Time at University webpage which lists other extra activities you could get involved with. 

Find out all the possibilities that are available to you as a student at the University of Worcester and make the most of every opportunity!