Author: Sundus

The most effective exam practice technique: sample answers

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University of London study notesWith  exams around the corner, every student struggles to find the best possible technique of learning, preparing and understanding core concepts of subjects. Some prefer extensive reading, some make long notes, while others find it easy to memorize pointers.

When I was in my first year, I found it quite difficult to manage my studies. Basically, I was unable to explore the different ways of preparing for university examinations. However, the first time experience was both challenging as well as inspiring. Where there were subjects for which I had been preparing all year, through essential readings and past paper practice, there were some modules for which I had been making sample answers, or, answers to past examination papers for each chapter, for example.

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Era Of The ‘Selfie’

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toy_story_original_cineIt might seem a bit irrelevant on this blog, but I don’t think so!

The ‘selfie‘ fever across the world has definitely hit students and broadly education as well. In my institute, where I used to see people usually walking and talking, now I find them in groups taking selfies. Pictures, pictures, pictures everywhere. Whether it’s notes or a date sheet on the noticeboard, you will see students taking their picture and saving them inside their complex world of cellphone. Continue reading →

A New Academic Year: Some New Ways, Some New Hopes!

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Do not give up, the beginning is always the hardest.A new academic year has begun. It has been a month for me now since I began classes at my institution and it has been great getting back to my studies after a somewhat boring summer.

The results of the past year and the first experience have taught me a lot. I have registered for four modules and this time around I have two modules which need to be studied on my own: Sociological theory and analysis, and Population and society. I cannot take regular classes for these at my teaching institution, however I will be provided with guidance by my teacher. I am taking classes for Elements of social and applied psychology and Social research methods. I have plans to study in a very organised manner – hopefully preventing the procrastination monster from dragging me down with it. And I believe I have learnt this art already by finishing up with four chapters per module. Especially considering these chapters are quite lengthy!

Since the results 2013/2014, I have realized what it takes to produce excellent grades. Putting in a little extra effort can take one to another level. Dedicating a lot of time to research and preparing answers allowed me to perform well. And therefore I aim to brush up on those techniques and use them wisely. Studying two modules without a proper supervision or regular tests and reinforcement will be a whole new experience. (Though I hope I don’t take of advantage of that). I believe this will allow me to set up my study patterns more effectively. Having no regular classes at college will actually leave me with more time to devote to reading and research.

This time I will experience the true essence of studying through this programme – self studying. I hope to achieve better!

Best wishes to everyone around the globe for 2014/2015.

Sundus

Sundus is studying for the BSc Sociology in Pakistan with support from Roots College International. The BSc Sociology is not available to new students from 2014, however you can still study for a Diploma for Graduates in Sociology.

Tackling the serial killer of academic life – procrastination!

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Procrastination is the thief of timeProcrastination itself is such a long word for lazy people that it is not even read rather just understood in the mind. But it is truly the serial killer of academic life. From postponing important assignments until the deadline, to leaving notes completion and research work until ‘tomorrow’, all such activities contribute to becoming a major procrastinator.

All students, no matter which field they belong to, or are part-time workers or are part-time studying, rely on delaying their study work, for instance, assignments, research, reading, writing etc. Although everything and many things are sometimes more important than your studies, it really helps if you manage time effectively and avoid wasting it.

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Staying productive over summer with ‘Understanding Research Methods’, a UoL MOOC on Coursera

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Keep calm its summer timeIn an attempt to make the summer vacations productive, I got a chance to enroll for the Understanding Research Methods course offered by University of London via Coursera. In case you have not heard of it, Coursera is a very famous website that offers massive open online courses or MOOCs for short, from universities around the world. The world’s best courses are offered free all year round which include topics and subjects ranging from computing and information technology, health and medicine, to social sciences, development, and even music and film.

Being a global leader in distance learning and flexible study, the University of London also offers courses designed and taught by professors of its lead colleges and institutes through Coursera. Some of them include Creative Programming for Digital Media & Mobile Apps, English Common Law: Structure and Principles, The Camera Never Lies, What future for education?, Enhance Your Career and Employability Skills, and more.

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UoL Examinations – A freshman’s ‘fresh’ experience

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Woman writing exams

I think this is probably a pretty accurate image of how I looked in the exam room!

May 2014 was a tough yet valuable learning experience with my first examinations as a University of London International Programmes student. A first experience is like a new driver on a new road; you learn through your mistakes. In any case, you explore your capabilities, test yourself, and polish your learning patterns.

As for me specifically, it was ahead of calling it just tough. I had a very intimidating exam timetable and it definitely had a role to play in my overall experience as well as my exams. I had a total of five exams, with two exams each day, and only one that was ‘single’. The four exams as a ‘couple’ each were quite tough and made it very difficult for me to manage them, especially with having only four to five days in between. It caused me a lot of anxiety and due to sitting for such prolonged periods of time during them, I got severe backache and swelling of the legs. For future though, I know I will be able to manage such a situation more efficiently as I have learnt many things from this new experience.

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Revision Week at Roots Ivy International College Islamabad, Pakistan

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Revision session participants

Revision session participants

It is only when one month is left for the final exams to begin, we all gear up our revisions. A Revision Week had been organised for the  University of London undergraduate students of DHA Islamabad and Faisalabad campus of the Roots Ivy International College from 23rd March to 31st March.

After many years, this revision program was organised with a foreign lecturer to provide students with guidance from a highly qualified teacher who is known in his field around the globe.

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10 Ways To Manage Exam Stress

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Keep calm and study for exams posterAnd the countdown begins!

With almost about two months to the final exams of the University of London International Programmes’ EMFSS programmes, I’m sure we all are experiencing panic and stress. However, these are NOT conducive to the exam atmosphere. It not only hinders the capacity to memorize and comprehend, but also causes depression and anxiety leading to health issues. And I don’t think these are affordable at this point and time.

So here are some ways to manage your preparation and reduce the amount of stress you have on your mind before the exams:

  1. Follow a timetable. Use the timetable designed in the Strategies for Success booklet that you receive with your study pack. It is the best way to organize yourself and your study patterns even in the last two months. Also, look through the tips given in the booklet on how to write in the exams.
  2. Divide your days into tasks between the different subjects you have. This way, you will be study every bit of a subject each day without losing the information by both retaining and comprehending it.
  3. Make room for something creative and fun every day. Go for a walk, read a novel, cook your favorite food, paint, or whatever it is that you do in your free time. It will relax your brain from the pressure, pulling you out of the strict environment for a while. Continue reading →

The perks of being a ‘sociology’ student

/ Sundus / 6 Comments

Hello everyone!

I recently got a chance to write blogs for this Official Student Blog of University of London International Programmes. So I just thought I’d introduce myself with the struggle through which I finally got into UOLIP and some quick tips on subjects that you rarely find on this blog.

High school for me was quite a nightmare. As a science student, I was usually just average. I did not really want to be a doctor and that was, for a long time, hidden beneath many layers of parental pressure and the ‘not-knowing what else to do’ feeling. So there came a time when I completely lost my sense of direction. When I was constantly bombarded with failures. And the sad part was, it was only the science subjects. No matter what I did I was unable to score well, despite working very hard. I am one of those whom you call ‘hard working’ rather than ‘intelligent’.

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