What to Expect in Your Freshers Year - Academic Edition

Remember why you applied to uni? It's time to get down to business!

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You've settled in, put up your posters, met your housemates, and Freshers week is all but a distant memory. So, what's next?

Well ... Remember why you applied to uni? It's time to get down to business!

Here's what to expect during your first year at uni :)

Structure of Studies

  • Lectures: usually large classes of students with a lecturer delivering a talk on a specific topic
  • Seminars/Tutorials: smaller sessions where you can discuss lecture content and engage in debates. You will often be expected to prepare by reading or completing a task beforehand.
  • Workshops: depending on your course, you may have lab sessions or practical workshops where you can apply what you've learned (eg. science, engineering)

Learning Environment

  • Reading and Research: you will be given reading lists, but you are also expected to spend time outside of your lectures conducting independent research
  • Study Time: you will need to dedicate time outside of your lectures to study

Assessments and Assignments

  • Essays and Reports: you’ll need to develop skills in constructing arguments, referencing academic sources, and presenting your ideas clearly
  • Presentations: you might also be asked to deliver presentations, either solo or as part of a group, which will help improve your public speaking and teamwork skills
  • Exams: some courses are exam-heavy, while others focus on coursework. Exams usually happen at the end of the year, so you’ll have plenty of time to prepare
     

If you are struggling with your studies or feel like you need some support, please reach out to our Advice and Support team <3

 
Swansea University Students' Union