When I was in high school or in undergrad I felt like it was important to show up to class having brought all the required texts on the syllabus. The majority of professors this year, however, did not follow textbooks exactly or used a vast amount of supplemental material. One professor even said, "Do not buy that book even though it says required on the syllabus." What a waste of money. I would recommend waiting until the first class to make sure you actually need to drop the £70 at the book store. Also, the library has copies of any book so you can always borrow them
*important note do not depend on a library text book during exams because it wont be there!
2. You can add more money to your student card online
One of the biggest dilemma's any student faces at Uni Westminster is the terrible printers. The school just doesn't have enough! On due dates there are lines out of the door! DO not wait until the last minute to print something! Most people rely on getting change and manually adding it to their cards with the machine. Guess what will happen:
It is much easier to to do it with a card online, just remember to bookmark the page when you are not in a panic because it can be tricky to find it.
https://isls-tcs1.wmin.ac.uk/balance-uow/balanceentry.jsp
3. It is not embarrassing to ask someone their name
Coming here I have been exposed to many new names and last names. In the beginning it was hard for me to pronounce many of them. I would normally ask them to repeat it but after the first time time I was embarrassed. Guess what, if you are struggling with someone's name... someone else is most likely having a tough time too. It is slightly embarrassing in the first 5 minutes to ask them again but it is 10 million times more embarrassing when you are trying to introduce them to someone else at a later date. Asking them how to spell it can help, and if you still cant get it then give them a nickname :)
4. You NEED to practice before you give a presentation
I am pretty comfortable presenting in front of a group, and public speaking doesn't scare me the way it used to. Even when you are in a group with members that are good at speaking, make sure you schedule time to go though your presentation a minimum of 5 times. It is important to have transitions and most importantly TIMING. Professors are picky about the timing.
5.Think really really carefully before you chose a dissertation topic
This one seems self explanatory. Of course, but take it a step further than choosing something that you are interested in, or have experience in. It helps to really be thorough in determining that you can find enough data, and you will be able to write the 15,000 words. Quite a few of my classmates & I decided to change topics after receiving our proposals back. This is not the end of the world but obliviously takes away time and is stressful.
