Workload
If you are taking a full-time course you will usually take four courses each Semester.
Most first year students have around five contact hours per week for each course. This is made up of lectures and (where appropriate), labs and tutorials. Your courses may also include field trips.
For every hour you spend in class you will probably need to spend on average one or two hours working on your own, reading through your notes, preparing assignments, writing laboratory reports and doing research in the Library.
It is important that you study consistently though the semester to keep up to date with the work. For most courses it is important to attend all lectures, labs and tutorials. Prepare by printing off and reading lecture notes and additional readings before classes. Don’t leave assignments until the last moment. If you are having problems, speak to your lecturer or tutor.
Library, Teaching and Learning has lots of good resources to get you started.
Study shock
When you begin to study in a new environment you might feel confused, uncertain, tired, disorientated and frustrated. This is quite normal as you adjust to university study and independent learning. This is particularly so for international students who are also studying in a new country. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Library, Teaching and Learning can help you with study and academic skills and there are people on campus who you can go to for support and assistance.
Read the rules
Check the Calendar for all the rules and regulations. Make sure you are familiar with key dates and if you are unsure of anything don’t be afraid to ask.
Do the work
It’s easier to keep up, than catch up. If you feel you are falling behind, ask for help from your lecturer or tutor. Library, Teaching and Learning can help you with study and academic skills.
Check the student intranet
The Lincoln University student intranet (learn@lincoln) is where you will find links to your course materials and student email, the library, IT Services, timetable and dates. It’s also where important notices for students are posted.
Check your progress and stay on track
Talk to your lecturers and tutors. Discuss with other students. Contact Library, Teaching and Learning for help with your academic writing
Keep connecting
There are a variety of groups and organisations which can provide support and assistance during your time at Lincoln University.
If the going gets tough
If you encounter academic difficulty with a course, your first step is to make an appointment with your lecturer or tutor outside of class. They can give you some advice. Make an appointment with a learning advisor from Library, Teaching and Learning.
If you are failing your assignments
Seek help immediately!
You could talk to the:
Withdrawing from study completely
The process to withdraw properly, is outlined on page 16 of your Course Information Guide
You have until the end of the third week of lectures in Semesters One and Two (or the end of the first week of lectures in Summer School) to drop a course and be eligible for a refund of tuition fees. The course is deleted from your academic record.
If you withdraw from a course after these dates you will not be eligible for a refund of fees. The course remains on your record and a grade of WDN (withdrawn) is assigned. This has no impact on your GPA (grade point average).
Approximately half way through the semester you can no longer withdraw and if you drop out of the course and do not sit the final exam you will receive a grade of DNS (did not sit). This grade does affect your GPA (grade point average).
Check out the key dates for deadlines to withdraw from study completely and receive a refund of tuition fees and the deadline for withdrawing with a WDN grade.
This is particularly important for domestic students collecting a StudyLink Loan and/or Allowance and all students on scholarships.
If you want to discuss a withdrawal the following staff can assist:
- Your academic course advisor
- Scholarships staff
- International Student Advisor
- Student Administration staff
- Student Finance staff