The secret for a successful stay at university

Guest blogger ... NMMU student
Rashied Adams

You have just been admitted into a university and have a dream of becoming a teacher, scientist, lawyer, medical doctor, etc. The sad reality is that your dream could just remain a mere dream.

How does one succeed academically at university?

Firstly, establish the fact that your qualification you have registered for comes with promotion rules and criteria. Familiarise yourself with these rules and criteria from the word go; because it is possible to be academically excluded from your faculty.

What does this mean?

It means that if you have not passed a certain amount of modules for the year, you may not be allowed back into the programme the following year. These rules vary from university to university. You can get this information in your Faculty Prospectus or Faculty Yearbook.

Secondly, attend all lecturers – this is how you learn.

Thirdly, make notes in lectures, in a way that you understand. You can never make too many notes!

Fourthly, every evening at your residence before you retire for the day, just read once over the work you have covered for the day. It is as easy as that. This makes studying before the exams so much easier.

Fifthly, manage your time properly; have a schedule in your diary where you have time for studying, reading and assignments.

Lastly, take responsibility and know your primary reason for being at university – to get your qualification. Only you can make it happen!

Work hard, before you know it, you will be kneeling before the Chancellor on graduation day and your dream will become reality.