I remember before I started university about how many college teachers or family members emphasised the difference between college and university. Mostly on the fact that a lot of the work you need to do, becomes independent study which initially can be a daunting task. Throughout this blog, I am going to talk about some of the strategies that help, as well as speaking about some things I enjoy doing around York to take a break from studying.
Types of learning
A typical week consists of lectures (some are pre recorded), seminars and practicals along with optional Q&A sessions.
At the start of the week, I usually aim to get the pre-recorded lectures watched and look over the slides for any in-person lectures. Personally, I prefer pre-recorded lectures because I can do them from the comfort of my home, watch them in my own time to get all the information down. Then if I have any follow up questions, I can take them to a Q&A session.
Usually, in my case, if we had practicals that were following on from lectures, we would have these later in the week. Practicals often involve coding that we have to follow and gives us an opportunity to apply the theory we have learned. Sometimes, they take longer than the assigned time so it is useful to skim over the sheet to make sure you understand everything first so you are okay when you come back to it.
Seminars are similar but normally consist of pen and paper exercises instead (eg for computing theory) or discussion (eg computer human interaction). For these, I found it more useful to go with either the questions attempted beforehand so I could follow the answer easier.
Study spaces
I often stick around campus because I know I concentrate better. Here are some of my favourite places to study:
Ron Cooke Hub
Great place to use when with friends and has a cafe nearby so great to pick up a caffeine boost.
The Pod
This is a space in the Computer Science building which I often used for group meetings or to get work done when we had a gap. Has a microwave and hot water tap so a good place to have lunch if you bring something from home!
Campus West Library (Morell)
A quiet space with much more room which I often use when it is crunch time (eg coursework deadline or exam season).
Societies
York has a wide range of societies from music to special interests. I love to get involved in these because it’s an opportunity to meet new people and think about something that isn’t computing.
Concert band takes place on a Saturday evening and we have an end of term concert that we work towards every term. This ensemble is entirely student led and they go on tour to a different country every year.
Throughout this year, I have been part of York Formula Student, which is a society that takes part in the iMechE formula student competition every year. It gives us the opportunity to visit Silverstone (which is great if you are into motor racing). Throughout the year, I have taken the role of Social Secretary and am now Head of Marketing. It’s given me the opportunity to chat to potential sponsors and try to get us more money! Some of the more hands-on activities include building a simulation rig for our drivers to practice in. However, the most important thing is that I’ve met some amazing people along the way.
Out and about in York
When I’ve got some free time, I like going on walks or going for a few drinks with friends. Some of my favourite bars are Dusk (two for one cocktails – what can go wrong) and the Stone Roses Bar (great if you like alternative music!) To finish a night out, you can’t go wrong with Flares. The best description I can give is that it reminds me of music that used to come on the radio when I went on long journeys with family, back when i was younger.
In terms of places to visit, it is always nice to have a wander around the town centre. York students got free entry to the Minister the last time I went, and it is definitely work having a look. On a nice sunny day, try a walk along the river up to the Millennium Bridge towards Rowntree Park. If you’re lucky, there might even be an ice cream boat along the way (that isn’t a typo)!
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