You all did brilliantly last semester, and you should be proud of what you have already achieved!

 

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For some of you this marks the end of your first year, or your second year, and for some of you, this will be your last semester here at ARU! Whatever situation you’re in, this semester matters, and we’re here to help you achieve your best!

 

 

Look at your feedback from last semester

 

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Whether you submitted essays, projects, did presentations or sat exams, you will have feedback on what you did well and what you could improve on. It's easy to look at your mark quickly and ignore the feedback. But make sure that you look closely at your feedback so you can analyse your strengths and weaknesses. If you have any questions about your feedback, make sure you ask your tutors about it so you know exactly how you can improve. This way, you can ensure that you get even better results this semester!

 

Recognise how awesome you are!

 

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By looking back at your feedback, you’ll be able to see how great you did last semester! It’s easy to focus on what you did wrong, but you also need to see what you did well. You are brilliant – you wouldn’t be studying at university if you weren’t, and you should remember that!

 

Use your de-stress techniques

 

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Make sure that you have a good way to de-stress, and if you don’t, find one! This semester will heat up even more, so you need to make sure you have a way to unwind when things get tough. It could be anything from going for a walk, to watching a movie, or meeting with your friends. You can also check out ARU Students’ Union’s de-stress events which happen every month on the calendar!

 

Learn to manage your finances better

 

Maybe last semester your bank account made you feel a bit...

 

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So it’s a good idea to start working on your finances. Learn to budget your money, and how to save where you can. If you have any issues with money, make sure you book in to see the Student Money Advice Service, who can give you specific advice regarding your issue. You might also benefit from finding a part time job at the Employment Bureau, to give you some extra cash.

 

Join a society if you haven’t already!

 

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If you haven’t yet joined a society, that’s okay – it’s never too late! Find one that inspires you and sounds interesting, and join! It’s a great way to meet new people, make friends, and pick up a new hobby. It can also give you something to do when work starts to pile up to take your mind off it.

 

Try something new

 

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Whether you’re going to take out a gym membership, or try an art class, find something new to try. You might find a new hobby which you love! It’s also a great way to meet new friends and manage stress levels.

 

Make use of your resources

 

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Remember to make use of the library! It’s a great way to enhance your knowledge, and to show your lecturers you know what you’re talking about. Also use your tutors for help with your assignments – it’s what they’re there for! They can help steer you in the right direction, and help you get the marks you want.

 

Get help if you need it

 

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On that note, there’s no shame in asking for help if you need it – in fact it makes you smart. See your tutors if you’re not sure about something, to make sure you do your absolute best. They can help you with a really tough essay, or a subject you’re struggling to understand.

 

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Check out Study Skills Plus for help with academic skills. If you know you need help with your writing, or presentation skills, they run all kinds of workshops aimed at helping you guys with your assignments.

 

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If you know you need some help finding a job when you graduate, make use of the Employability Service. They run drop-ins 12-2pm every day on Cambridge and Chelmsford, and also run several workshops and events to make you even more employable than you already are.

 

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There is also the Wellbeing and Counselling Service if you needed help with mental health issues or counselling. This is nothing to be ashamed of, and will only make you a better person; if you need the help, take it.

 

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We at ARU Students' Union also offer an advice service if you needed any other kinds of help and guidance. We are separate to ARU, and meetings are confidential. You can discuss anything from university, to family problems with our advisors, for free.

 

Try your best!

 

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Ultimately, the most important thing you can do is to try your best. You should be extremely proud of what you have achieved so far, and be excited for what you can achieve this coming semester!

 

 

We know you’re going to smash it!