How to succeed in your studies

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OsloMet student stands outside on campus and smiles at the camera.

Photo: Mina K. Abrahamsen

How to succeed in your studies

For child welfare student Frida Mariann Aas, planning and commitment are crucial to achieving the goal. Read her study tips.

– For me, it is not a question of whether I will participate or not. I show up at everything I can, says Frida Mariann.

She is in her second year of a bachelor's degree in child welfare at OsloMet and also works as a writing and language mentor at the Learning Support Centre (Studieverkstedet). Although her everyday schedule quickly fills up with lectures, work and her partner, she prioritizes everything that is study-related.

– Right now I am first and foremost a student. Everything else comes in addition, says Frida Mariann.

Makes a plan for the semester

The mobile calendar is alpha and omega for her. In it, she has entered the timetable and has a separate color code for everything that is study-related. She also posts the syllabus to be read here. Then she can prepare before each lecture. This is how she plans for the whole semester.

– Then I know that I will reach the finish line, and that gives me peace of mind, says Frida Mariann.

Gets an overview of the lecture notes

She also works systematically with her lecture notes. Instead of transcribing verbatim what the lecturer says, she tries to filter and process the material as she writes. At the end of the semester, she makes a mini-summary with the most important points from the notes. It gives a clue as to what is most important.

– If I look over this and notice that I have an overview, then I know that I have control, says Frida Mariann.

The lectures provide understanding and commitment

She finds it useful to attend the lectures. In addition to the fact that the lecturers convey the whole of the subject, they often have a commitment that rubs off on the students.

– It is different than sitting by yourself and reading single texts, says Frida Mariann.

Group teaching contributes to security

She also prioritizes learning activities such as seminar and colloquium groups, which are not compulsory. Here, the threshold for making contact with the teacher is lower than in a large auditorium. She also gets the opportunity to discuss the subject with fellow students. The smaller groups also help her not feel so alone, and she can vent her frustrations and uncertainties with her fellow students. She thinks it is important to have someone to talk to in everyday life.

– You don't have to be best friends. It's about being confident in someone in a study context, says Frida Mariann.

She finds that the discussions in the lectures and in the groups improve when the students are confident in each other.

– You will also be more inclined to attend lectures if you have a familiar face in the room that you can sit down with, she says.

Frida Mariann's study tips

  • Get an overview of teaching and the syllabus. Make a plan and have it readily available. Then you know you'll reach the finish line.
  • Attend lectures and group lessons. Prioritize your studies.
  • Arrive prepared for the lectures. Then you get more out of the teaching.
  • Get to know fellow students. It makes you feel more comfortable in the learning activities.
  • Don't think that everything has to be perfect from the start. Take time to get to know each other.
  • Unplug every now and then. For example, join a student association or take part in training. The brain does not benefit from going into high gear around the clock.