Tag: student life

  • ‘There are ways to make your last year your best year’: How to succeed in your final year as a History student

    ‘There are ways to make your last year your best year’: How to succeed in your final year as a History student

    Ever wondered how to succeed in your final year and still stay sane? In this blog Nia Picton-Phillips reflects back on her final year of studying History and offers tips on how to get the most out of it. Nia graduated in July 2019 with a first class degree and is just about to start a MRes in Humanities & Social Sciences with us.

    Nia with Dissertation
    Photo by courtesy of Nia Picton-Phillips

    It is often assumed that your third and final year of university will be the toughest. Don’t get me wrong, it was by no means easy but there are ways to make your last year your best year – academically and personally.

    Although I graduated with a first class degree, the start of my university life did not suggest this result. In my very first personal tutorial at the beginning of the First Year I was asked to establish a goal: “to graduate with a 2:1”, I said. Well, finishing my First Year with a 2:2 completely dented my belief in being able to achieve that goal. Initially I was disappointed but as they say: ‘every cloud has a silver lining’ – so I began searching for ways to improve how I studied.

    Let’s start by addressing the elephant in the room … the dissertation. The first grade you’ll achieve this year is from the 10% Task (Dissertation Artefact 1) and it is the perfect opportunity for you to gather the majority of your research. It is a small but important assessment and while it may seem daunting, it allows your supervisor to give you guidance very early on. Speaking of which, do not be afraid to ask your supervisor for help! There were many occasions when I felt I was probably bugging mine (sorry Mathias) but your supervisor has been assigned to you for a reason. They are only an email away so make use of their knowledge and advice and be sure to schedule regular meetings to get feedback. Also set personal deadlines to motivate yourself and stay on top of the dissertation – you will come to appreciate this when the deadline for the final draft approaches much faster than expected. And do not forget about the ‘Dissertation (History)’ page on Moodle. It is there to help you navigate and successfully complete your dissertation. Finally, relish in the pleasure of completing the dissertation and be proud of yourself for such a huge accomplishment!

    The greatest advice I can give is to always start early. Whether it is an essay or the dissertation, give yourself the time to succeed. Not only does this allow you to keep on top of the workload, it also allows you to have a clearer idea of the task ahead. As a rule, I would start researching for an assignment a few weeks before it was due and this gave me the foundation to efficiently convey my arguments. It also made writing quicker and that bit easier. The same can be said for the dissertation. Several of my friends thought I was insane for starting my research for the dissertation in the summer before the Third Year commenced (such an exciting summer right?) but I had already felt prepped to do so by the proposal which I had completed at the end of Second Year. For me, preparation is key.

    It is very easy to become stressed and overwhelmed so remember to give yourself a break. Manageable workloads and study breaks helped to clear any clouds of anxiety, ensuring I completed work to the best of my ability whilst maintaining my sanity. One thing I did to aid this was to make a personal timetable – scheduling time off is just as important as scheduling your work. I often treated my university work like a job in which I always tried to give myself the evenings and weekends off (and sometimes more) to relax and do things for myself.

    South Parade Pier
    South Parade Pier
    Photo by courtesy of Nia Picton-Phillips

    In addition to taking time out for you, be sure to socialise as well. It is a year of lasts for many of you, so take the time to enjoy it while you can. I know it’s early, but around Christmas my friends and I often went to the temporary ice-rink at Guildhall Square which made for the perfect break amidst all the pressures the Third Year can bring. Enjoy going to local pubs too – it is a great way to socialise outside of the stereotypical student night out. The visits to local pubs with friends have become some of my favourite memories of my time at university. Summertime in Portsmouth is even better, in particular with the sunny Southsea Common and the seafront. Nothing was more relaxing to me than sitting down at the beach, letting my stress roll away with the sound of waves. Finally, attend the staff-student social at the end of the year. It is a great way to celebrate with those who have shared this journey with you and believe me they root for you just as much as your friends.

    Your peers will become a huge part of your final year, if they aren’t already. ‘Coach Phillips’ – this was a running joke amongst my friends because I was always on hand to offer advice, help, or just a friendly ear to bounce off an idea (I was even presented with a jacket with the name on it). You are all going through the same thing so use this to your advantage. Having people around who agreed or disagreed with my arguments helped how I felt about those points myself. If you can verbalise your argument or idea, you can write it too! University is a journey you take together and it is a wonderful time to experience with your friends. The fun you will have with them will alleviate any pressures you may feel and challenges you may face. I met some of the greatest people during my time at the University of Portsmouth. Cherish them.

    Finally, don’t let the pressure of the future get to you. It is acceptable to not know where you want life to take you. But if you are one of the many who are unsure, the university has a Careers and Employability Service which will help you. From CV guidance, to volunteering and job roles, to recruitment fairs and careers advisors, this service will help you with narrowing down your ideas for life after university. They are also available to you for five years after you graduated, helping you to navigate life.  

    Remember, the satisfaction and reward of completing your degree will far outweigh any of its challenges. So enjoy it, have fun and good luck!

  • ‘Take the time to explore new opportunities’: How to get the most out of your Second Year at Uni

    ‘Take the time to explore new opportunities’: How to get the most out of your Second Year at Uni

    If you are about to start your second year studying History, then Amelia Boddice can give you some great advice on how to get the most out of the year. Amelia is in her final year; for her BA Dissertation she will be working on a fascinating project on Elizabethan England.

    I found the Second Year tough but ultimately rewarding. In particular I enjoyed the chance to select optional modules on topics which I like to study. There is plenty of choice so I could explore new topics and see whether I liked them or not. This also allowed me to work with people I had not previously worked with.

    The seminar structure of the Second Year allowed me to build on skills which I had gained in the previous year but I could also focus on my interests as I could read articles which reflected my choices and interest. This meant I was passionate about the topics we discussed in class and this was ultimately reflected in the grades I achieved.

    There is certainly an increase in pressure as the marks you get in this year count towards your final grade at the end of your studies. This is, however, made manageable because I found that the deadlines are spread out more evenly. This gives you the time to seek advice and provides you with the opportunity to organise any group work.

    All this choice aids in the process of choosing a topic for your dissertation or major project – I found this very helpful. I took the time to discuss viable dissertation options with lecturers before ultimately deciding on a topic. The lecturers were more than happy to help! The resources provided on Moodle are very helpful too and make this process, which once seemed so scary, much more manageable.

    There is a noticeable increase in workload but your contact hours will actually decreased. I used this time to make sure that I was looking after my wellbeing and was exploring the local area. It is important to find places where you enjoy going and which allow you to relax after completing your assignments. For example, I really enjoyed going to the Tenth Hole with my friends!

    The additional time also meant that I could begin exploring career options as the university has valuable links with employers which you can use. I volunteered for The National Museum of the Royal Navy during my first year and in my second I took part in the Women’s Community Activism Project which was an oral history project. These connections meant that I discovered new interest and jobs that I would not have previously considered. Now, with the work experienced I have gained, I have a strong CV for when I go on to applying for jobs or post-graduate schemes.

    The Second Year is very much like a bridge between the first and final year, a year during which you can take the time to explore new opportunities. Take this year to discover your interests and enjoy the course.

    Good luck!

  • Welcome to the Journey! Starting as a First Year History student

    Welcome to the Journey! Starting as a First Year History student

    Are you just about to start your first year as a History student? In this case, Welcome to Portsmouth University! You will probably wonder what it will be like and what to expect. Then why not read this blog written by one of last year’s ‘freshers’, James Farrar. In his blog James, who is just about to start his second year, looks back at his experience of starting the exciting journey as a History student.

    University is not an unknown, unexplored frontier. It is a fantastic place of opportunity and learning. You are not the first to land at its shores. Neither was I or the millions that went before. Thus, this should be a time of excitement. The future can be as intriguing as the past.

    Just like going from school to college, the transition from college to university can initially be somewhat daunting. Yet you have got this far already, and over the next few weeks everything will gradually become second nature. Being able to adapt to new situations is something we all can do, whether consciously or not.

    Of course, there is more work to do at university than at college. This is okay, as long as you keep an eye on it. Be realistic with your targets – slow and steady wins the race, a good pace is ideal. Remember to give yourself some downtime too!

    I found it best to plan out what I would be doing each day of the week by using a large wallchart where I would enter everything important. If you plan and utilise your time well, most things will naturally fall into place, making your life much easier in the long run. Being in the right environment can also help your work ethic. Some people like being independent, completing work in their room while others like to study in groups in the library. Whatever works for you is best!

    On the topic of the library, in my opinion this is the ‘crème de la crème’ of university spaces. Although the system of books can at first seem overwhelming, the library staff are as efficient as Christmas elves, with books belonging to a logical place and space. The library website too is easy to navigate and has the brilliant feature of allowing you to check how many copies of a book are currently available. I personally like paper books more than eBooks; I therefore spent a fair amount of time in the library. Never disregard paper books or the library, you might just find a book that is absolutely perfect for that piece of work you are writing. The library also boasts numerous computer stations, study spaces, and a café, so there is no reason not to visit!

    Certainly, one of the challenges that I faced in the First Year was juggling different modules all at once. However, in time you learn to juggle far better than any performer. Planning really is your friend, along with your timetable. You will instinctively get into the flow and your brain will do the rest. Seminars and lectures are new experiences too. Lectures are, in essence, presentations aimed at giving you vital information to prepare you for the seminars that follows. Seminars are group discussions where you will reflect on the reading you did in preparation as well as the lecture beforehand. The two work together.

    I found it best, if possible, to not read for significantly different modules on the same day. Looking for themes across modules gives you a stronger understanding of history as you will start seeing links and similarities. Never think that the reading for one module is only relevant for that particular module. You may be able to recycle information at another point. Thinking thematically will also help you to write essays.

    Yes, essays are part of the course – shock horror! In all honesty, in a strange and bizarre way, I looked forward to writing essays as each one is a blank canvas to showcase your understanding. You will be writing detailed notes about a topic, analysing different historians’ views, and forming your own opinion. Although it may not take a great length of time to write an essay, start even before you think you need to start to ensure you have plenty of time to deal with any problems, or add new points.

    You will be shown the appropriate technique to write essays and the university offers fantastic additional support in the form of the Learning Development tutors if you want further advice. Of course, the lecturers are all on your side too and want you to do well. There is never a stupid question, and emailing your tutor or lecturer is an ideal way if you need a pointer in the right direction. I found one-to-one tutor meetings very useful as it was a perfect opportunity to ask anything. Furthermore, the feedback you will receive on seminars and essays is invaluable as you will know exactly what you can do to improve next time.

    You will be shown the appropriate technique to write essays and the university offers fantastic additional support in the form of the Learning Development tutors if you want further advice. Of course, the lecturers are all on your side too and want you to do well. There is never a stupid question, and emailing your tutor or lecturer is an ideal way if you need a pointer in the right direction. I found one-to-one tutor meetings very useful as it was a perfect opportunity to ask anything. Furthermore, the feedback you will receive on seminars and essays is invaluable as you will know exactly what you can do to improve next time.

    Having completed my first year, I have so far found university to exceed my expectations. By now, you have probably heard the phrase “transferable skills” just as many times as Brexit. Learning how to write academically in conjunction with creating and expressing an educated argument are some of the skills you can expect to gain. Everything is worthwhile when you receive the grade you deserve. University will inspire you to achieve the best you can in relation to your commitment and dedication.

    Forging new friendships is a bonus too! University will shape you for the better both academically and socially as a person. Welcome to the beginning of a rewarding and fulfilling journey!

  • ‘Step outside of your comfort zone’: How to get the best out of your second year at university

    ‘Step outside of your comfort zone’: How to get the best out of your second year at university

    Are you just about to start your second year studying History? This blog, written by Eleanor Doyle, President of the University of Portsmouth Students’ Union History Society, offers great advice on how to get the most out of your second year of studies. Eleanor is just about to start her final year.

    My best piece of advice for second year is to be brave and have the confidence to step outside of your comfort zone. My second year at Portsmouth University flew by and although it might feel as though your summer was gone in a blink, second year goes by even faster.

    One of the most exciting parts of second year is that you have the opportunity to choose the units you study and so you can tailor your degree to your interests. For me, this meant I spent most of my time flitting between crime and punishment in early modern England and social relations in London’s urban slums in the 18th and 19th century. While this might not be everyone’s idea of a great year, I really enjoyed the variety that came with these units. However, random chance meant I also spent my time studying post-war Germany. This was well and truly out of my comfort zone! I felt quite daunted at the prospect of studying a unit I knew nothing about, especially when I was aware most of my friends had a head start from their A-levels.  However, I am very happy to say that this unit turned out to be fascinating and I had some of my best results ever! My experience in this unit makes me convinced that stepping outside your confidence zone is one of the best things you can do in your second year.

    When it begins, second year can feel a bit like a limbo between the nerves of first year and getting stuck into your dissertation in third year. However, second year is great in its own right! By the time you start your second year, you feel more comfortable with how seminars work, the way you work best and the types of things that interest you. (Although, don’t worry if you haven’t figured all this out yet, as you go through second year your skills and confidence will grow and you’ll realise you were better than you thought.) Also, the type of work and assessments you do in your second year give you a fantastic opportunity to get really stuck into topics that fascinate you. I wrote a blog post on Jane Austen using the surviving letters she sent to her sister, Cassandra, to look at how Jane understood herself and her world. Attempting something like this was certainly out of my comfort zone when I started my second year, but I can confidently say it was one of the most enjoyable pieces of work I’ve ever written.

    Second year is also a perfect time to try something new or develop your extra-curricular skills by taking up some of the great opportunities around. I enjoyed being one of the University’s student ambassadors at our last Open Day and I had the chance to take over the department’s Twitter page to have a chat about my experience at university. I also took a big step and became History Society President and I can’t wait for the year ahead. However, there are also a huge number of opportunities outside the University that you can make the most of during your second year. I took on new roles in my job at the Mary Rose and took up rock climbing as a hobby! These completely different things really helped me in my second year because they made sure I took time to step away from my work and focus on something else.

    Finally, second year is also the time when people start thinking about their dissertations. I found this rather daunting at the start of the year but I now know I was definitely not alone! I would strongly advise you to approach all the reading you do for your seminars and essays with an open mind, even if you think you don’t find the topic interesting. For me, this mind-set helped me decide to write my dissertation on gin palaces in 18th and 19th century London. This was certainly not an option I had even considered before my second year!  You never know what might inspire you and the earlier you start being open to new ideas, the easier it is to decide what you really like.

    Overall, second year is wonderful. Like anything, it has its stresses and its deadlines but having the confidence to take it on and get as much as you can out of it means your second year is one you’ll never forget. My experiences across my two years at Portsmouth University have prepared me well for my next challenge: third year! Now I can’t wait to get started.

    Good luck to everyone starting their second year – I hope you’re brave and bold and get as much out of it as you can!