How To Effectively Take Lecture Notes

In your lectures it is crucial to take notes during lectures as you may need to refer to them later for assignments or to study for end of semester exams.
Firstly many students like to bring their laptops and read the lecture slides off there however we have found that is more effective to print out the lecture slides. This is because you can write notes on the lecture slides and writing makes you absorb the information better than if you were typing. Having your lecture slides printed out also allows you to keep a hard copy on hand and refer to them in the future for revision.

Now when you first attend a lecture you may be tempted to write down every single thing that the lecturer says so that you don't miss anything which is what a lot of students the first time. However this can be a mistake!
Yes it is crucial to take down what the lecturer says but if you're too busy writing down everything they say, you're also not giving yourself enough time to actually listen, absorb and understand what the lecturer is saying. Only write things down that add value to your notes and if your lecturer stresses it's importance.

To effectively attend your lectures, listen to what the lecturer is saying to try and understand the content and if they mention anything important not listed on the lecture notes, then you may write it a brief summary down.

Making Sense of it All

It's all a little bit confronting walking around uni for the first time. There's so many different faces, there's so many different buildings, and it's pretty tricky making sense of it all.
But do not fear because there's perhaps too many people that can help! Have you tried looking on the Macquarie University website for starters?
They have everything you need to know about getting around uni in the easiest possible way; from finding the gym, to discovering the vast resources of the library, to joining endless awesome clubs!
Next up, you could always try heading down to Student Connect if you have any questions about how to get prepared for uni. The guys down there are always willing to help out and can give you further information on what fun, new things Macquarie University has to offer.
And don't forget, everyone you see around you has been in your position, so don't be afraid to ask for some advice whether it be getting to a lecture or getting to the bus stop. We're all happy to help! :)


Reference: Image retrieved from https://airport.unimelb.edu.au/first_year/ 

Developing A Network

A university campus is filled with thousands of students so it can be easy to feel disconnected when you start uni, especially if you don't know anyone yet. It is normal to feel lonely or even a little bit scared but remember, many other first year students starting out are also in your boat!

Developing a network of friends and acquaintances on campus is not a luxury, it's a necessity—an important aspect of successful study and university life. To establish a network of friends it is important to be proactive and open to the idea so that you are approachable. This makes making friends a lot easier than if you are hiding in the dark. 
It's important to make a positive effort to meet new people. 

Some tips to be proactive: 
• Attending O-week and signing up to societies that interest you and meet other students on campus with similar interests

• The first few weeks are the best time to meet other people in your courses. Exchange phone numbers or email addresses with at least one student in each of your tutorials and lectures. Simply say hi and introduce yourself to the person sitting next to you in your lectures and tutorials.

• Greet people that you recognize from your classes when you meet them on campus. It's a polite gesture and also improves your bond with that person so that future interactions are not awkward..

• Try not to rush off straight after class; find the time to have lunch or a coffee with classmates during the breaks.

• Don't wait for someone to include you. If everyone waited for someone else to make the first move then nobody would ever get to know anyone. If you see a group in class you want to join, don't be scared to introduce yourself and ask. (People at uni aren't going to bite you)

It isn't like high school!

This one is fairly obvious however it's good to throw this in as a little reminder for those starting university fresh out of high school. It is important to remember that is definitely not the same as high school! Now we don't mean this in a bad way, what is mean is that you have to be more independent at Uni. At uni you need to organised; check your timetable and make sure you don't miss those important lectures and tutorials. 

You also need to be on top of all of your assignments, making sure you check the outline for when they are due or how much research is required so that you give yourself enough time to start it early (saving yourself from a really bad allnighter). It's not like high school where your teachers practically spoon-fed you information and reminded you each week when something is due. At Uni you must learn to check these things yourself and if you need extra help, to take the initiative to learn the extra work outside of class hours and ask for help. Most tutors and lecturers at Macquarie University have consultation hours so see them and make the most of that service!

Welcome!

Hey all! Welcome to our MQunitips blog! Here in our blog, current students; Boris, Sarah and myself (Sally), aim to support and advise first year university students with their transition into their tertiary life! 

We all know how daunting the first year of university can be transitioning from high school and there may be some things that your friends or tutors won't tell you. Our guide will include existing Macquarie University Students sharing their experiences, events and societies on campus, preparing for assignments and exams and other general tips. Enjoy and we hope this helps prepare you for your journey at Macquarie University.

From your friendly neighbourhood campus buddies! Till next time...