South African university students find themselves a month into their academic year, yet may still be struggling to get back into a study routine. The University of Johannesburg (UJ) and Monash South Africa provided a few tips to remind pupils of how to cope with their work loads.
Dr André van Zyl, director of the Academic Development Centre at UJ advised pupils to ask questions early on. “One of the main challenges at university level is linked to the amount of work covered, but also to the pace at which it is completed. It is important to get the required assistance as soon as possible otherwise it is often too late to be able to effectively assist you,” Dr van Zyl explained.
“I think that students must ask themselves where they would like to be in five to 10 years from now and work towards those goals while having as much responsible fun as they like,” said Dr van Zyl.
Stephen Laverack, counselling psychologist and student affairs officer at Monash South Africa in Ruimsig, said that pupils may not feel as motivated early on in the year and advised pupils to remember why they need to study and make a visual list of their goals and how their studies will help achieve them. “It may also help to start off your study preparations with your favourite subjects to motivate you,” Laverack added.
Dr van Zyl said time management is important in your success. “A good rule of thumb is that you need to spend about double the number of hours than your year of study. For example, Matric is year 12 and as a result first year, is year 13. You need to spend about 26 hours a week on studies outside of class time during your first year.”
“What is absolutely crucial is to attend class regularly. This will ensure you hear the material, are able to ask questions, listen to others and receive tips and practise examples for the exams,” Laverack added.
Lastly, Dr van Zyl reminded pupils to take care of themselves and to be aware of crime hot-spots. “Many people harm themselves or start habits that eventually ruin their lives while studying because they do not take proper care of themselves.”
Details: University of Johannesburg, 011 559 4555; Monash South Africa, 011 950 4000.
