With such a change of structure between sixth form and university, Rsophia shares how her time management and trusty planner got her through first year.
In sixth form, my timetable was strictly structured. Even the activities I completed during my free time were monitored, including my silent study periods during the school day. However, as soon as I stepped onto campus, my ability to work independently was put to the test. Although I now have timetabled lectures and seminars, these are complemented by an abundance of free time. Having assignment deadlines and exam information available in advance allows me to organise my workload accordingly. While this flexibility was initially daunting, it quickly taught me the importance of taking responsibility for my own learning and making informed decisions about how I spend my time.
Time management is key at university because there is no one constantly monitoring your progress or following up on incomplete work. This comes with a significant increase in responsibility. Unlike sixth form, I felt a much greater expectation to complete the recommended reading, prepare for lectures and seminars, and work through consolidation exercises. I quickly realised that staying on top of my workload during independent study time was essential if I wanted to avoid falling behind or facing unnecessary pressure close to deadlines. At the start of each session, it is expected that you have completed the required preparation, and teaching will continue regardless. Learning how to prioritise tasks, set realistic goals, and plan ahead has therefore become an important part of my university experience.
At the same time, having this flexibility allowed me to truly "build my timetable". Keeping track of events happening across campus enabled me to attend them and connect with a wide range of people. In sixth form, I saw the same people every day, which made it easier to form friendships. At university, meeting new people can be more challenging, so having a flexible schedule played an important role in helping me build strong relationships with those who shared similar interests. It also encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone and make the most of opportunities that I may not have considered otherwise.
One piece of advice I would give to future students is to keep track of any extracurricular activities you take part in during your free time, perhaps in a journal or planner. Engaging in activities that support your personal and professional development demonstrates initiative and allows you to broaden your experience while developing valuable skills. Most importantly, it helps you make the most of the opportunities available to you from day one.
Over time, I adjusted to this new way of working, but having a planner was essential throughout my first year. It allowed me to organise my sessions, keep track of deadlines, and plan my workload effectively. It also helped me identify when I had spare time to attend events around campus. As a student representative and ambassador, I needed to be aware of my availability so that I could take on additional responsibilities when opportunities arose.
Looking back, the biggest transition for me when moving from sixth form to university was adapting to a flexible timetable. Unlike sixth form, where much of my day was structured for me, university gave me the freedom to decide how I used my time. Learning to manage that freedom effectively has been one of the most valuable lessons of my university experience so far.
Accounting and Finance BSc
Meet Rsophia, an Accounting and Finance student and learn more about her experience exploring opportunities and working ...
