The Student Guide 2020
- @blurmag
- Sep 22, 2020
- 2 min read
8 tips and tricks for a successful student life that nobody tells you about. Written by Rae, Imagery via Pinterest.
Via Pinterest.
Always cite everything. Absolutely everything. Even when it's not required. Desktop apps like Zotero allow you to quickly and conveniently reference to your specific university requirements with add on extensions meaning that you don't even have to manually cite work!
Hand-in-hand with that, use Grammarly to your advantage! Both free and paid versions help spot errors within your written work which Microsoft Word, and similar platforms, tend not to pick up on!
It's also important to utilise your library, they normally do stock more than the same boring old books, and nothing beats finding a reference that proves the exact point you're trying to make. It's worth remembering not to fall into the trap of only using internet sources, exhausting your library will lead you to expand both your knowledge and sources.
The library also leads us on to the topic of cost-efficient research. If you're going to purchase a printer, invest in a scanner printer, allowing you to scan in borrowed books or documents to help save your coins and keep borrowed sources to work from in the future.
Google Books is another money-saving hack for written sources. Simply go to Google Books and search the keywords of your point, even a sentence or two, and choose the most appropriate option out of the preview texts. Cite it as if you own it and you have a book reference without spending half your loan on the full, physical book!
Now, for the less academic tips... If you're from a first-gen uni household, specifically, spend the time to research different lingo and expectations depending on your course. Familiarise yourself with reading lists, essay structure and any language or processes that differ from your previous institution. Find support via UCAS or reach out to higher-level students, people are always happy to help!
Spend the time to find closeby lunch spots and shopping destinations, and use apps like UNIDAYS for discounts and deals! Similarly, note quiet spots and picturesque locations for when you have long breaks.
For drinkers, the same thing applies to bars and pubs. Make the most out of happy hours, bottomless brunches and student deals - its the best part!
(And a bonus tip, yes it's worth buying a new wardrobe out of your loan).
Have any more tips for our upcoming students? Just drop them in our Instagram DMs at (@blur_mag) and we'll see you next Tuesday!
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