Striking that perfect balance between completing assignments and revising for exams whilst enjoying your time off during the festive period is essential. After a busy semester, you deserve time to recharge your batteries while making the most of the festivities.
To help you prepare for your upcoming exams or assessments, our experts at SU Advice have pulled together their top study tips:
Tip #1: Start Planning Early and Get Organised
If you struggle with organisation and planning, then say no more! This timetable is for you:
Make a study plan so you give yourself enough time on each subject, also include exam and coursework deadlines to stay on top of everything. Once you’ve made your plan, stick to it!
If you have any exams or assessments you need to prep for, our SU Advice team have created some great revision tips for you. Check it out here
Top #2: Build your Writing Skills
Undergrads- if you’d like some help with your academic writing, check out the Learning Development Service! Learn how to reference correctly, nail your academic writing style, and navigate the McClay Library with ease.
Postgrads- get in touch with the Graduate School! Check out their upcoming events for support and guidance to enhance your academic writing.
Tip #3: Know what an Academic Offence is- so you don’t commit one unintentionally
The University defines this as: It is an academic offence for a student to commit an act whereby they gain or attempt to gain an unfair academic advantage.
You may not have intended to commit an offence but could still be at risk!
Failing to reference or paraphrase correctly can lead to allegations of plagiarism. This essentially means that you are presenting thoughts, ideas or words as your own instead of attributing them to their original source.
Make sure to attribute the work of others to the original source, as this helps maintain academic integrity and keeps you from being at risk of committing an Academic Offence.
Tip #4: Exercise caution when using AI
While AI may be helpful for structure and using precise language (we know sticking within a word limit can be difficult!), it’s important to remember that students are not permitted to use AI to write their work for them.
In short, make sure you write the submission yourself and acknowledge any sources!
Tip #5 Learn what to do if Something goes Wrong
Hopefully, you can revise effectively and complete your assignments on time (whilst still enjoying festive fun!).
But we know sometimes things don’t always go to plan. Unexpected or unavoidable circumstances may arise that impact your ability to complete a piece of coursework by the deadline or sit your exam.
Familiarise yourself with QUB’s Exceptional Circumstances process- so you know what to do if this happens to you.
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Try to keep a positive mindset, and if you become overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to ask for advice or support!
Our friendly team at SU Advice are available to answer any questions you have about the information above or anything else you are not sure about. Email them at su.advice@qub.ac.uk or call into one of their advice drop-ins on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Fridays from 11:30-2pm.
