Five steps to prepare for HE at B&FC

Five steps

to prepare for higher education study at B&FC

Start

Timing is everything

STEP 1: consider your time management

Many students who are completing higher education courses at B&FC also juggle jobs, family and a range of other commitments. It's definitely do-able, but you'll need to consider a few things to make sure you fit everything in:What's the best way for you to record your to-do list? A diary? An app on your phone? A handwritten list? Think about what's worked for you in the past (and what hasn't!) and set up something to record your deadlines. What are your priorities? There are some things you can't say no to. However, there might also be a few aspects of your life that could be put on hold when you are working towards deadlines. For example, you might consider changing your working hours slightly, if that's realistic. You might need to consider your childcare schedule, or think about how much time you spend on social media.When are you most productive? It's really important that you have an awareness of when you work best and then consider where you can build in some time slots for study. Remember that even short slots, such as an hour or so, will be useful. Be realistic: don't plan to do study at 6am each day if you know you'll hit the snooze button.

Next

Super study

STEP 2: be ready for different types of study

Study is actually a very broad term so it's a good idea to break it down to make sure that you know what to expect. Your degree-level study will include: Reading Different kinds of writing: taking notes; writing assignments Thinking about topics and ideas Working in groups Working independently Planning and prioritising Discussing different points of view Presenting and sharing information Reflecting on your study and practice All of these skills will develop your graduate attributes needed for employment, so they are all important. However, it's likely that you'll be more comfortable with some of them than others. Have a think about the ones you've done in the past and the ones you're less familiar with. This will help you to decide what you might like to work on with us before you begin your course.

Next

Shake it off

STEP 3: prepare for a positive challenge

The different types of study we've just seen may take a while to develop. Generally, students don't begin a higher education course with complete confidence in every single one. Learning involves growth, which can involve challenges. B&FC have lots of support in place to help you see these challenges as positive ways to develop your skills ready for employment and future success. It's possible to develop all the aspects of study: they are not fixed as something you're good or bad at. 'It’s not that I’m so smart, it’s just that I stay with problems longer.' - Albert Einstein

Next

Think about it

STEP 4: start to think more critically

When you start your higher education course, you're going to hear the term critical thinking quite frequently. Put simply, this means looking at an idea from various perspectives and considering how it might be interpreted in different ways. It's likely that you already have this skill: now you need to be aware of it and hone it, ready for use in study. Read an article in a magazine or newspaper and ask: is this information reliable? Is the writer trying to persuade you of a certain point of view, or sell something? Is there another way of looking at the topic that the writer dismisses? Why might that be? How does it compare to other articles you've read on similar topics? Does it draw a similar conclusion or a different one? What conclusions might you draw?

Next

Get to know us

STEP 5: talk to the HELMs

The Higher Education Learning Mentors are here to help you with all the academic skills you need to achieve at B&FC. If you want to work on your writing, control your commas or refine your research before you start your course, then we will be happy to help. Just email HELMinfo@blackpool.ac.uk and tell us what course you've applied for and how we can help you. Also remember that we'll be running Flying Start sessions over the summer to help you develop your skills and confidence and meet other people starting degree-level courses. Keep checking this page for more information and booking. We can't wait to work with you!