Getting organized is key to succeeding at university, whether courses are online or in-person. Students should check emails daily for important course communications, set up a dedicated study space, and add all class times to a calendar. It's also important to take notes during classes, review them afterwards, and ask questions during class.

1. Following these simple steps can help
you prepare for classes, engage in
activities during and after class.
It is likely that you will experience both online learning
as well as some face to face. For both it is important to
get yourself organised.
Getting prepared
for learning at Uni
Essentials
Email
You will need to take notes during classes and
review these afterwards. For this you will need a
notebook, pen/pencil and may find highlighters
and post-it notes handy too. You will require a
laptop, headset and webcam for online learning.
Important messages about your course will be sent
by email. It is the main communication channel
used by your tutors. Make sure you check your
email daily.
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Workspace
Setting up a designated learning space will usually
require a table/desk and chair. If it is a flexible
space (used for home life in the evening) then
consider investing in a dedicated box for any
notebooks, files or study-related materials.
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Timetable
Make sure you know when and where your classes will
take place. Add these to a calendar (ideally on your
phone). Allow time to get to classes in university and to
join any online sessions.
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Post-class
It can help you greatly to
go over the notes you have
made and check them for
clarity whilst the class is
still fresh in your mind.
Make a list of any points
you need to explore
further. As a university
student, independent
study is expected.
Check when the deadlines
are for your assignments.
Diary these and allocate
time to do them. It's also
handy to place a paper
copy of all dates where
you can easily see them!
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During class
For synchronous (real time)
classes make every effort to
arrive in good time so that
you are ready for the start of
the class. When joining an
online class enter your full
name.
Your Tutor will expect that
you contribute to the
activities during the class.
This might include taking
notes, group work, taking
part in a discussion, polls
and quizzes.
Do take the opportunity to
ask questions. Chances are
your peers may have the
same question!
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Pre-work
Check what you need to do
to prepare for each class.
You may be asked to do
some tasks, reading or
other activities in advance.
For each module you will
have access to a
Blackboard module site.
Explore these and make
sure you know where to
find any learning
resources, assignment
briefs and assessment
criteria, and how to access
any reading lists you may
have.
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Sue Beckingham, Principal Lecturer, Sheffield Hallam University.
Extracurricular
activities
There will also be a variety of both social
and volunteering activities to engage in.
Do look into what the Student Union has
on offer. These will include student
societies, sport activities and more. They
are a great way to meet other students
who share common interests outside of
your course. There will also be virtual
career fairs and employability events.
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During the pandemic
It is essential that you follow the health and safety
guidance when coming into university. You should wear a
mask inside the buildings and maintain social distancing
guidelines. Hand sanitiser and wipes will be made
available throughout the university. Advice on Covid19 is
updated frequently.
The university offers a wide range of
support. In addition to your Course
Leader and Module Leader, you will
have a named Academic Adviser,
Student Support Adviser and
Employability Adviser to go to for
help. Sometimes just being listened to
can help you feel supported and less
alone. Other times you may need
specific help which can be signposted.
Student
Support
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