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The majority of universities don’t include a students’ first year of study when calculating their final degree classification, so you can’t blame freshers for concluding that the first year doesn’t really count. As Laura Jones, a recent graduate, says: “It’s hard to fight that feeling of ‘we’re freshers, it doesn’t matter’.”
But there are benefits to working hard early on. According to research from the British Journal of Sociology of Education, early success can put people on track for their whole degree. High achievers get in the habit of using support systems, forming study relationships and developing high expectations of themselves. And according to a spokesperson from Universities UK, first year grades do matter to certain employers: “Students should be advised that their transcript – which details results across all years of study – may be requested by employers or postgraduate admissions offices when applying for jobs or courses.” So how do you make the most of your first year?
Maximise your feedback
If you submit your best work, you’ll receive more useful feedback. Beth Adams, 22, who graduated with a first in politics and international relations from the University of Manchester, says that the comments from her tutors in first year taught her ways of structuring arguments and referencing. “After that I knew what I needed to do and it was a case of keeping that up,” she explains.
Get to know your coursemates
Socialising with coursemates will give you the support you need if you miss a class, or there is something you don’t understand. Laura Jones, who graduated with a first in anthropology and religion, says this was vital for her. “My best friend was in my class. We often read one another’s work, and later proofread each other’s dissertations. It pushed us to keep working hard.”
Talk to staff
Many students are reluctant to make use of the support available to them. “There is a fear of what the feedback might be and fear of being seen as incompetent. This can lead people to avoid seeking help altogether,” says Billy Wong, from the University of Reading’s Institute of Education.
Join societies
Manuel Souto-Otero, a senior lecturer in social sciences at Cardiff University, says your first year is the time to try out different societies. “If you only join one you like in your third year, you’ve missed two years with that society,” he warns. Being active in extracurricular clubs during your final year will get harder as you have to devote more time to your studies. To play an active role it is good to know what the society is about, the people in it and what can be improved. You’ll have a greater opportunity to do that if you’re there from the start.
* some names have been changed
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