Starting university is exciting, but it takes adjusting to. HEY! student writer Zaneta Ng learns about the challenges two students faced in their first year and gets NTU experts and seniors to help them out
by Zaneta Ng
Any tips on how to handle difficult coursework?
SNG HWEE WOON
YEAR 2, ENGLISH
“Uni classes are quite fast paced. There are only a few hours of lectures each week and we’re expected to learn on our own too. As a freshman, I often felt like I was just trying to catch up. What can I do better as I move into my second year?
While there are fewer assignments now compared to my polytechnic days, I find them more difficult and complicated. We were supposed to be easing into things last year, but I felt like I was drowning more as time went by. Other than that, it’s been fun choosing from a wide range of electives I’m interested in taking, like creative writing and animation.
NTU’s campus is so much bigger than my polytechnic’s. There are many nice places to study at, but lectures can be huge and intimidating if you don’t know anyone. Tutorials can be quiet if people like me don’t speak up because we’re scared to sometimes. My polytechnic class wasn’t that big, so it was easier to talk to others. Now, I meet different people in every tutorial.”
Reflect as you learn
“Reflect on what you are studying, and how and why you are studying it, to become a better learner.
It’s more than just sitting down and reading. It’s asking questions like: ‘Why am I struggling with this? At which point am I struggling? How do these points connect? Are there different ways that I can get unstuck?’
Step back and look at the big picture when you’re studying. Talk to people – not just those who are better, but also those who are struggling and listen to the questions they ask.
Figure out different ways to engage with the content learnt and actively seek help from your professors.”
DR TEO CHEW LEE
CENTRE FOR RESEARCH IN PEDAGOGY & PRACTICE
Find your own motivation
“I try to apply the enjoyment I get from my other interests to studying. Having a personal goal, no matter how lofty or weird it may be, also motivates me to stay on task. This is especially helpful when I’m taking modules that I find less interesting or challenging to keep up with.”
SARAH SOON
YEAR 3, COMPUTER ENGINEERING
Don’t lose out on sleep
“A regular sleep routine gives me sufficient rest, so I go to class energised and ready to absorb what is taught.”
WANG YI SHENG
YEAR 3, PUBLIC POLICY & GLOBAL AFFAIRS
How can I better juggle my studies and student life?
AMAR SHAM NAIR
YEAR 2, MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES
“Student life is much livelier in university compared to JC since I stay in the hall; I eat with friends and we have no lack of fun things to do after class.
In fact, I might be putting socialising before my studies right now, and I’m trying to find a good balance.
In NTU, my schedule is more flexible, thanks to some recorded lectures. Studying is more self-directed here, so I need to carefully plan my time for both work and socialising. If I’m not motivated, I might fall behind in schoolwork. I found that studying in groups helped keep me on task, especially leading up to my final exams.
I love meeting new people in my interdisciplinary modules, but the assignments are tough for me.
ChatGPT is a great help in generating ideas for report writing. How should I use it appropriately?”
Set goals and tweak them along the way
“Use your time in university for self-development and discovery. For example, you can explore your interests through holistic and constructive activities like CCAs and a semester’s exchange to learn more about yourself and those around you who may share similar or different interests.
Be open, start conversations with others, whether you’re in class or engaging in activities. Views of friends and new acquaintances from different walks of life can help you shape your outlook and understand yourself better, such as your values and what matters to you.
Think about what you want and consult with trusted people to help you make informed decisions, instead of getting somewhere only to realise, ‘Oh, this is not really what I want. I wish I had thought about it more.’
As you set goals, stay flexible and be okay with altering them. They are not supposed to be static, but attainable, progressive and of value to you.”
DR MELVIN CHAN
NIE’S OFFICE OF EDUCATION RESEARCH
AI is only an aid
“Understand what AI can do, but never let it ‘become your brain’.
You can use ChatGPT as a productivity tool, bearing in mind its limitations. Then use the time saved from info-gathering to critically review and analyse your answers, and to be creative. Don’t let ChatGPT replace your thoughts by stopping at the generated responses. I am confident that we are far superior in connecting ideas in the face of complex problems.
Also, you have to be open about how it’s used in your work, and think about how it was helpful or not helpful to you.
Interdisciplinary learning requires seeing things from many perspectives. This may take getting used to. You’ll feel challenged but the reward is in finding a good solution to a problem that incorporates different kinds of insights and expertise. When it all comes together, it is very satisfying.”
DR TEO CHEW LEE
CENTRE FOR RESEARCH IN PEDAGOGY & PRACTICE
Be accountable
“Hall life was perfect for a big extrovert like me. I always had plans, but hanging out too much with my friends caused me to oversleep, skip classes and neglect my schoolwork.
If you stay out late one night, try to have a restful day after that. Remember, you’re in control of your choices and any consequences that may come.”
PRUDENCE LIM
YEAR 4, COMMUNICATION STUDIES
HEY! STUDENT WRITER
Zaneta enjoys watching action and thriller movies. If she feels down, eating dark chocolate never fails to cheer her up.
This story was published in the Jul-Aug 2024 issue of HEY!. To read it and other stories from this issue in print, click here.
