To help you assess whether you’re ready for the first year of university, we decided to speak to Lawson Career Solutions to find out what risk factors to consider. Geoff had this to say: 

“One of the biggest things I have noticed with the students I have worked with is how academically unprepared they are for first year university. They often lack study skills, study habits, reading skills, and they rarely ask for help. If we are talking about finances, one of the ways to maximize your investment in university or college is to not fail out of the first year. If a student is unsuccessful at school, that can cost them up to 30,000 dollars. Students should take an honest accounting of their skills — studying, time management, reading and writing, and ability to function on their own. Can they cook? Can they clean? Do they know how to shop for groceries? Do they know how to arrange appointments? Can they read a bus schedule? If they don’t have these skills, in addition to their academic skills, the transition to university can be really hard and put a strain on their finances.” 

Starting university or college can be an exciting experience, but we understand that it can also feel daunting. You’ll have much more independence and the freedom to structure your own time. People will treat you more like an adult, and with that comes greater expectations. If you’re moving to a university far from home, you’ll not only need to adjust to academic life but also to living in student accommodation away from family and friends. Even if you’re staying at home, there are still important changes to consider. Whatever your situation, we’ve put together this guide to help you navigate the transition and feel as prepared as possible.

Learning Hacks to Get You Ready For the First Year of University

University is a whole new ballgame, compared to school. The workload is significantly heavier, and without the structured guidance of teachers, it’s up to you to manage your time effectively. If you’re not prepared, it’s easy to fall behind – so staying organised from the start is key!

Mastering Lectures and Note-Taking

Unlike school, lecturers won’t slow down or dictate notes at your pace – they have a lot of material to cover. This means you’ll need to take notes quickly and legibly, or consider recording lectures (if permitted) to revisit later. A great habit to develop is reviewing your notes after each lecture to reinforce your understanding and identify gaps while the material is still fresh.

Don’t Fall Behind – Get Help Early!

If a topic isn’t making sense, don’t wait until exam time to do something about it! Seek help as soon as possible – check if your lecturer or a mentor is available, or take advantage of BrightSparkz’s tutoring services to get back on track before the workload piles up. The sooner you address gaps in your understanding, the easier it will be to stay on top of your coursework.

Effective Study Skills Make a Difference

Cramming the night before an exam might have worked at school, but at university, that approach is unlikely to cut it. Creating a study plan well before exams will help you retain information more effectively and reduce last-minute stress. If you need more guidance, BrightSparkz’ study skills coaching can equip you with the tools to study smarter, not harder.

Boost Your Time Management Skills

Effective time management is a crucial life skill, and if you’re not already confident in this area, you’ll need to develop it quickly! It’s just another part of getting ready for the first year of university. Start by establishing a solid routine – get up on time in the morning and ensure you arrive at your lectures promptly. Some lecturers may lock the doors once class begins, and they certainly won’t repeat what you’ve missed if you arrive late. Unlike school, university lecturers won’t chase after you or remind you about deadlines, so it’s up to you to stay on top of your commitments.

If you’re commuting, factor in travel time to avoid unnecessary lateness. Similarly, deadlines are non-negotiable – late submissions can result in a failed assignment or even jeopardise your entire semester. If extensions are available, they’re not always guaranteed, so careful planning is essential.

Balancing academics with social activities is important, and getting involved in university life can be incredibly rewarding. However, don’t overcommit to extracurriculars at the expense of your studies. Value and protect your time – it’s one of your most valuable assets at university!

Are Your Academic Reading and Writing Skills Ready For the First Year of University?

Reading for Meaning

As we’ve mentioned, the volume of work at tertiary-level is most likely higher than what you were used to in high school. That’s why it’s incredibly important to learn to read efficiently. While it’s tempting to try to speed reading your way through it, the trick has more to do with learning to read critically and for meaning on your first time over the text. Make notes and write down questions that you have, so that you don’t necessarily have to re-read the entire text at a later time. First prize is to get to a point where going over your notes gives you all of the information that’s important. 

Coherence, Clarity and Conciseness

Strong academic writing hinges on three essential principles—the Three C’s. Master these, and you’ll be well on your way to producing compelling, high-quality work. 

1. Coherence – Structure is Everything

Coherent writing presents ideas in a logical, well-organised manner, making your argument easy to follow. The secret? Planning. Before you start writing, outline your key points and refine them until they flow seamlessly. Once you have a clear structure, use your plan as a guide to write your essay or assignment step by step. 

2. Clarity – Keep it Clear and Simple 

A logical structure contributes to clarity, but your language choice is just as important. Aim for precise, straightforward wording to ensure your ideas are easy to grasp. When explaining complex concepts, use relevant examples or analogies to aid understanding. And don’t forget the writing techniques you learned at school, such as the PEEL method.  3. Conciseness – Less is More

Good writing is concise – it delivers the message without unnecessary words. A useful rule of thumb is to keep most sentences under 25 words. Longer sentences are more prone to errors and can make your writing feel convoluted. Aim for brevity, but avoid a choppy, staccato style—your writing should still flow naturally.

Financial Management and Other “Survival” Skills

Learning to manage your finances adequately is a skill that everyone needs – and making it through your first year of university is no different. If you’d like to learn more about planning for the financial elements of going to university, check out our dedicated article for in-depth guidance. 

To learn more general budgeting skills and other key skills necessary for surviving as an adult, we recommend looking into our Get Work Ready Course. In this valuable course we take you through all of the important skills you’ll need – in one place!  

Final Thoughts on Getting Ready for the First Year of University

Preparing for your first year of university is about more than just academics—it’s about developing the skills and habits that will set you up for success. From mastering study techniques and time management to refining your writing skills and learning to navigate life independently, every step you take now will make your transition smoother. By planning ahead and taking an honest look at your strengths and areas for growth, you’ll be in the best possible position to make the most of your university experience. Embrace the challenge, stay organised, and don’t be afraid to seek support when needed. With the right mindset and preparation, you’ll be well on your way to thriving in your first year and beyond!