Going to university is very different from school because it offers you much more independence. You will not have classes from 9am-3pm each day, instead you may have between 8-20 hours of teaching time per week depending on the course you are studying. On top of this you will then need to set time aside for your own personal study. It’s up to you to manage your time well to make sure your work is handed in on time and that you pass to progress to the next year. You will also be taught differently, so you may be in a lecture (a big class) with 300 people, seminars (small classes) with 20- 30, or tutorials with 4-5 people.

A degree normally lasts for three years and you can choose to live away from home in university accommodation, called halls of residence, rent your own place with friends nearby or, if you are close enough, commute from home. Many universities are set in campus environments, which are self contained sites with facilities all together for students such as shops, canteens, laundrettes, fitness centres, health centres, bars and clubs. Other universities are within towns and cities with facilities located on more than one site in the surrounding area.

 

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