Demystifying your first year at Birkbeck

1. Demystifying your first year at Birkbeck Annette McCone Widening Access and Retention

2. Aim provide an overview of the academic year explore how you might be feeling banish myths and misconceptions provide first hand experience of life at Birkbeck

3. Butterflies

4. The first year – 3 terms • Autumn (3rd October – 16th December) • Spring (9th January – 23rd March) • Summer (23rd April until 6th July)

5. Autumn – what to expect • 12 weeks • 1st week induction; student handbook; getting to know staff and fellow students • Teaching – lectures, seminars, labs • Reading week half way through – catch up or get ahead • Stay Ahead Programme – November • Preparing for assessment – December • Meeting first deadline – December/January

6. A typical week – your timetable

7. Spring Term • 12 weeks • “January Blues” • Using feedback from term one assessments to “feed forward” • Revisit and review work from Autumn term • Reading Week – catch up or get ahead • Preparing for exams – identify a study buddy

8. Summer Term • Consolidating knowledge from previous terms • Exam revision – consider taking block of annual leave? • Exams – always during the working day • Preparing for next year • Update your CV • Enjoy the break!

9. Five fast facts • There is 24 hour access to the building – study rooms are always available – Room 536 • There are showers available – ask reception for the key • There is a cash machine and prayer room at the School of Oriental and African Studies • ULU has the largest swimming pool in central London – gym is £26.00 direct debit but can pay daily £4.50 • Buy one get one free at the BBK bar on a Friday …