School once again has started and this post will be dedicated to our tertiary kids trying to cope with adulting and studies, particularly at the University of Technology (Utech)
After interviewing different past and present students similar to the UWI Mona post, click here to view. I was able to collect a variant of responses that will help someone.
(Graduate of UTech) Kerrian Williams, Bachelor of Pharmacy
Seek out all the grants and scholarships that are available and apply for them.
Take your courses seriously from year 1
Aim to do well in your coursework as a significant percentage of it goes towards your overall grade for the course. It will cause less pressure for exams.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you don’t understand (you do not know it all). There is no such thing as a foolish question, especially when it comes to your courses. Remember, you are paying for them.
Find persons that have past papers. These can be very helpful for exam preparations. Study smart.
Be one with the Library!!! It is loaded with resources to help you (they also have past papers )
Start your assignments the same time you get them.
Be on top of the deadlines for your assignments. The workload tends to add up quickly. Have a small notepad to document all the courses you’re doing, group and individual assignments, and when they are due.
Don’t be fooled by the deadlines for your assignments. Try to complete them before those deadlines. It gives you time to properly complete your work.
DO NOT PROCRASTINATE.
Pay close attention to the number of credits for each module you are doing and study accordingly. The more credits, the more work or time you have to put in.
Google Google Google!!! The internet is loaded with information, but ensure you get them from credible sources.
You must strike a balance between studying and having fun.
Enjoy your UTech days! Those years can be some of the best years of your life.
Make friends with your lecturers, because they can help when you can’t figure something out or if you need some encouragement.
CHOOSE YOUR FRIENDS WISELY!!! More than likely, those will be the persons you would do group work with and UTech is loaded with group work!
I repeat. UTech is loaded with group work!
Choose your friends wisely too because life-lasting friendships tend to blossom from your university experience.
Be yourself don’t try to fit in with what everyone is doing. Find your community and stick with them.
If you think you can survive UTech all by yourself, think again! You need persons who have the same drive as you to successfully complete your degree.
Make goals
Do a study schedule. Plan which days and the hours you’ll spend in studying for each module.
DO NOT WAIT UNTIL EXAMS TO START STUDYING
As much as is possible, review your courses at the end of each day.
Pray, keep connected to God. Don’t forget where you are coming from, do not lose your identity, do not lose sight of your goal.
(2nd Year) Javan Sutherland, Major in Analytical Chemistry
Everything is GRADED – The majority of assignments are graded. There’s not much room not to do homework because it’s either graded or you’ll get a test on it
Night Classes- check the schedule and time of classes, don’t be in the group of people who wished they knew. Everybody is searching for morning/day classes so a lot of persons will get stuck with night classes.
Certain subjects from high school (CAPE, etc) allow you to bring over credits.
Schedule wisely – Especially during COVID, besides time for rest and academics, schedule time to socialize and talk to friends.
J.S, Production and Operations Management minor in Economics
Before I began university I wish I understood how to select my modules in order to balance the number of exams I did per semester. If you are not aware of the modules with exams you may end up selecting modules that consist of final examinations which can be very pressuring at the end of a semester.
You are able to apply for earn and study on Campus
Whatever you do make sure you do community service in FY (first year) because if you put it off it tends to be forgotten and can be an issue for you in the future.
There is a lab situated in every school
Be sure of what it is you want to major in so that when the time comes you don’t have to rush to make a decision ending up doing something you don’t want to do.
Surround yourself with positive people
Be very mindful the grading system at UTech is way higher than that of Uwi
Keep every receipt you have until you’ve completed, because there is always payment issues
In everything, you do include God and ensure he’s the one influencing every decision
(3rd Year) Moya Dacres, Human and Resource Management
(Summer Before) Shouldn’t be about BRAFFING alone (A Jamaican term that means to show one’s self off) – use the time to get resources such as module guides. Prepare yourself mentally because it is a different battlefield – watch vlogs, youtube, etc
Stay on top of this – Notes, assignments, and assessment breakdowns will be put out early, make use of them. Create tables or spreadsheets to help keep the content organized.
Balance and Schedule – as a full-time student, the workload can be overwhelming. Time management is important, reduces stress and the feeling of being overwhelmed.
Make a “Things To Do Now’ folder – everything that should be completed /due for the week or upcoming week put it in that folder and get it done.
Have Fun – take breaks, they are important and do not become sleep deprived. Rest is key. Join clubs as well and socialize. All goes back to balance. Have friends and do community projects, make use of your college years.
Get familiar with your lecturers – Don’t just sit in class or in the online class listening. Speak up, let your lecturers know who you are. You are gonna need them in the future – academic assistance, scholarship, etc
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