This unit includes:

1. Welcome to Bradford

Welcome to the University of Bradford! We’re thrilled you have chosen to study with us.

This unit focuses on ways to prepare for your first year of HE study. It will help you reflect on your decision to enter HE and your feelings and expectations regarding your transition into a new learning journey. It will also consider the characteristics of independent learning in HE and provide you with information to support you in your first few weeks.

First, let us take a moment to reflect on your journey to university. Answer the questions below and consider your motivations for studying at university and what you hope to gain from the experience. Considering your motivations, hopes and fears early can help you identify what support you might want to seek out when you begin your studies.

1.1 Think and Reflect

Activity time: 5-10 minutes

What motivated you to pursue higher education?
Why did you choose your subject or course to study?
What are your expectations for your first year of university?
Do you have any specific fears about starting university?
Visualise yourself at the end of your first year – what achievement do you hope to celebrate, and how do you envision yourself having grown?

Helpful Hint: you can take your answers to your first meeting with your Personal Academic Tutor so they can get insight on how to support you this year.

2. What to expect?

Moving on to what you can expect in your first year, it’s important to understand the emphasis on independent learning in HE. This means that your learning is self-directed and you take responsibility for your own development. While this might seem daunting at first, it can be incredibly empowering. At university, you have the freedom to explore topics that interest you deeply and develop skills that will serve you well beyond your studies.

2.1 Watch and Reflect

Activity Time: 5-10 minutes

3. What now?

As you look ahead to your first year, consider what you hope to achieve and the next steps you need to take to succeed. Now that you have got a better sense of what to expect in HE, now might be the time to set specific, achievable goals for yourself and begin to consider the strategies you’ll employ to meet them.

3.1 Think and Reflect

Activity Time: 10-15 minutes

Adapting

How do you think the shift from directed learning to independent learning will impact on your study habits?

What strategies might you use to adapt to this new type of learning?

Taking Charge

What steps can you take to take charge of your own learning journey?

How do you intend to balance your social life with university commitments?

Self-Motivation

What will motivate you to attend your lectures and participate in seminars?

How do you plan to manage your time to ensure you meet deadlines?

What resources might help you broaden your understanding of your subject?

Utilising Resources

Which University support services do you think will be helpful to you?

How do you plan to engage with these support services?

Managing Expectations

What are your goals for your first year?

Embracing the Learning Curve

How do you intend to respond to academic challenges and setbacks?

Helpful Hint: take your answers to your Personal Academic Tutor to help them support you in your first year.

Further support and useful links

If you have any specific questions about the content covered in this unit, you can email academicskills@bradford.ac.uk

Other useful links:

Welcome to Bradford Webpage
New Students Webpage