As a new student at Aarhus University, you’ll constantly be meeting new ways of doing things. Students also have very different needs for help. This site is a compilation of tips and topics that in our experience are particularly important when you start your studies.
AU Studypedia has concrete advice, exercises, forms and more on academic writing and working methods that you will meet as a university student. It’s a good idea to get to know the site so that you can use it as a resource during your studies. For example, you'll find exercises that you can use when you need to build up an argument in a written assignment or if you get stuck in your writing process. And if written assignments become too hard, time is running out, and your motivation is dwindling, there’s advice on how to boost your study motivation.
Although being a student is a great time, many new students find the demands for independence and self-discipline challenging. You’re expected to take responsibility for your own studies at university. So it's important to build good study habits right from the start.
As a university student, it's your own responsibility to know when you have classes, what room you have to be in, and what you need to prepare before you show up for class. You also need to know about practical information and deadlines, such as registering for classes and exams.
Your study time consists of more than just classes. Everything that happens outside the classroom is an equally important part of your studies - and you have to manage it all yourself. This includes reading the syllabus, group work, project work, exercises, exam periods and perhaps internships etc. Your study time should also fit in with the rest of your life with friends, family, interests and possibly a student job. You have to make it all work for you, and that often requires good habits and discipline. The pages below contain specific suggestions on how you can learn good study habits.
There are many ways to manage studying - probably as many ways as there are students. After all, what works for one student may not work for another, and we all have different preferences.
Study strategies aim to strengthen your academic understanding and help you manage your studies. As a new student, you first need to figure out what works best for you. Many people do this unconsciously over the course of their studies, but it’s important to have it in mind at all times. Consciously working with your own study strategies helps you acquire new knowledge - it's all about learning how to learn.
Different strategies will be appropriate for different courses, and whatever the strategies you find beneficial, it will take time to master them. Trying out different strategies and adapting them through your academic work will help you build study skills that you can use throughout your university education - so why not start now? The pages below have suggestions for different ways to work with your study strategies in your academic work.
Note-taking strategies are about taking good notes, rather than many notes. How to better understand and remember academic content.
Many students will find that it takes time to get used to the new university environment. For most, the transition will stir up many different emotions - both positive and negative. This is completely natural. And it's only natural that you’ll face academic, social and personal challenges during your studies.
It's important to try to hang on in there if you find studying challenging, whether it's at an academic, social or personal level.
Personal wellbeing is about how you feel in your student life and how you can deal with any feelings of stress, loneliness or inadequacy. If you’re experiencing challenges with your personal wellbeing, you can take advantage of some of Aarhus University's free counselling services.
If you’re experiencing challenges with your academic, social or personal wellbeing, it’s important to remember that you can seek help and support from a number of different organisations at Aarhus University.
Brightspace is a teaching portal for all students at AU, with important information from lecturers. Log in to Brightspace here.
Consider Studypedia as a toolbox that you can rummage around in to find exactly the tools you need to build a good framework for your learning and the academic side of your student life.
The landing page on Studypedia has nine different topics that touch on different aspects of the academic side of student life. The structure is designed so that you can quickly navigate the site according to your needs.
Join one of the many student associations and clubs at AU and become part of a community with other students. Find a student association here.
Become part of a community in Aarhus via genlydaarhus.dk, where you can find other young people who want to meet and go to the cinema, exercise, play board games, be creative and much more. Find or create an invitation on genlydaarhus.dk
