Starting your maths degree can be an exciting and overwhelming experience, all at the same time. Here are some suggestions to make settling in easier.
Do any prep work they sent you
You might have been set some maths work to do in preparation for starting your degree. If you haven’t done this yet, then it is still worth doing it, even if you are a few weeks in. It is amazing how much your brain can go rusty over the summer.
There is no such thing as ‘this year doesn’t count’
Your first year might only count for a small chunk of your final degree grade – however don’t be deceived – this year still counts. Maths is often learnt in sequence and the understanding you gain in first year will mean that you can do well in subsequent years. A poor first year understanding can lead to massive gaps in your knowledge. Have the right mentality from the outset.
What does optional really mean?
You have spent your life attending compulsory classes set down on a timetable. Now you are at university, you will have some optional sessions such as support classes designed to run alongside your main modules. The word optional can cause many students to skip them altogether. Optional classes will help you do much better in your degree and are often aimed at all students rather than just those who are really struggling.
People just like you
It can be daunting to start a maths degree and find that you are studying alongside people who are very good at maths (just like you). Remember that you have passed all the entrance requirements and that you are perfectly qualified to be on your course. It can however still be a shock when you are used to being the top of your school or college.
Help – the maths is different!
Some maths degrees start off gently, whereas others like to increase the pace straight away. Either way – at some point you will start to find the maths difficult and of a different style to A level maths. This could be the first time you have ever found maths hard and it can be a big shock to some people. It is important to stay calm and seek help (another reminder to go to the optional support classes).
Speak to any second year and they will tell you how they got used to the different style and overcame their difficulties. You will however need to work hard – this is often the key to success with university mathematics – even if you thought Further Maths A level was a walk in the park. There are also books which can help you adapt to the style of university mathematics such as How to Think Like a Mathematician.
Embrace life outside of maths
Never before have you had so much choice when it comes to socialising. Make the most of what is on offer, while remembering that not everyone makes lifelong friends on their first day. Don’t be afraid to try new activities part way through the year, and try not to worry if you don’t find people you click with straight away. Try and plan your time to balance clubs and societies, part time work and the demands of your course. You can’t do everything!
Don’t forget to make some maths friends too!
Some people find that they are mainly socialising away from maths. This is absolutely fine – however maths is a collaborative subject and you are going to find assignments and revision tough if you don’t have many friends who are doing maths. Try and be sociable with your fellow maths buddies – it will make your course easier and your lectures and seminars much more enjoyable.
Seek help if you need it
Anyone over the age of 25 will constantly tell you how your university days are the best days of your life. In reality students can find things tough – it could be finances, relationships, loneliness or the demands of your course. Make sure you stay in touch with friends and family back home and seek help if you need it. Not every student is having the perfect time like you imagine. Starting a maths degree is a big transition and it can take a long time to adjust.
Have an eye on the future
Even though it is early days, it is worth starting to think about careers and work experience. Being in your first year means that it is a great time to think about careers, without the pressure of having to get a job straight away. If you start exploring options now, you will be in a much better position by the time you get to third or fourth year. Time really does fly (even though you don’t believe it right now).
Image Credits
That huge lecture theatre by Teddy-rised@Flickr
Lecture Theatre – City Side by Nottingham Trent University
_MG_8327 by Georgia Southern@Flickr
