As a Peer Mentor, what is your advice for incoming students?

My advice for incoming students is to take full advantage of the sports and societies offered by attending as many taster sessions as possible. Don't stress if you miss out on any, as there will be more taster sessions at the beginning of the second semester. Engaging in these activities not only allows you to try new things, but also helps you make friends with like-minded people. In addition to getting involved in extracurricular activities, it's important to be proactive in finding friends within your cohort. Introduce yourself to those around you in lectures, as having friends within your course can help you when you are stuck and makes your studies more enjoyable. If you don't make friends in your first few weeks, remember that there will be plenty of other chances to meet new people throughout the year. Keep putting yourself out there, and you'll eventually find your people. Embrace the diversity on campus and get involved in cultural events. It's an amazing way to open yourself up to new experiences.

 

Time management and setting goals

University life can get hectic, so it's important to manage your time effectively and prioritise tasks. For example, if you anticipate being too tired after sports, make sure to allocate time beforehand for completing your work. And remember, never sacrifice your sleep! Take care of your mental and physical well-being. If you find yourself lacking motivation, allow yourself to take breaks as taking time off can enhance productivity. Food is fuel, so eat nutritious meals and try to have at least two of your five a day. Additionally, take advantage of the beautiful surroundings by exploring walks around the city such as Alexandra Park.

Setting goals for the year can provide direction and motivation, whether it's achieving certain grades, joining a new sport, or learning a new skill. Make the most of the resources available. There's no need to buy textbooks, as you can access them online or borrow them from the library. It's never too early to think ahead. Applications for spring weeks and internships start coming out at the beginning of the first semester and are great for your CV.

 

And finally ...

 

For most courses, first-year grades don't count, but still, work hard and use first year as an opportunity to find out how you learn best at university. Experiment with note-taking and revision techniques to find what works best for you. Remember, it's about working smarter, not harder. Personally, I've found that annotating PowerPoints on OneNote saves tons of time compared to writing everything out by hand. And when I am struggling to focus, I find the Pomodoro Technique is very helpful. Explore different study environments to find what suits you best. Whether it's a particular floor in the library or specific locations on campus like the Management Building or Claverton Rooms, discovering the optimal study environment can enhance your productivity. Never hesitate to seek help when needed as it can highly benefit you. Familiarise yourself with the available support systems, such as individual mitigating circumstances (IMC).

Remember, university is not only about academics but also about personal growth and connections. Enjoy the journey!

 

If you're not sure who your Peer Mentor is, reach out to us on peersupport@bath.ac.uk and we can help you find out