Taking the leap from undergrad to postgrad can feel like stepping into the unknown – exciting, but a little nerve-wracking too! Luckily, Kent postgraduate student Fizza is here to share her top tips and reassuring advice for anyone about to start their next academic adventure:
The shift from undergraduate to postgraduate can be challenging to navigate, however, I can assure you that it is not as scary as it may appear!
Embracing Independence
Postgraduate study covers a vast amount of content with greater performance expectations (obviously), but the exciting bit is the independence it brings along. As the lecture contact hours are fewer than undergraduate study, you are left with ample time to plan out your degree.
Study, Rest, Repeat
The way I personally have managed to plan my week includes designated non-consecutive days to study for the upcoming coursework and other days to just wind down — that can be doing your favourite skin care, cooking something good, or exploring the town with friends. In this way, I try to give myself a break within study days to avoid burning out. Ensuring a healthy balance between my studies and leisure time has allowed me to organise and prioritise my life in a better way.
And of course, it’s totally a personal choice because you know yourself better, so give yourself some time and see what works for you during this transition.
Support that makes a difference
As a Masters comes with greater academic exposure, the way you manage the workload and handle the pressure is key. Here I must highlight the University of Kent’s resourceful and advanced study facilities with great support teams that cater to students from every aspect, making the whole experience productive and stress-free.
Study spaces and vanilla lattes
Part of my study hours are spent in the Templeman Library to access the digital e-library while sipping my favourite vanilla latte from the library café. Days when indoor spaces feel limited, the University’s beautiful outdoor locations come to the rescue. You get to be around nature and see pretty views in the midst of a mid-semester breakdown.
Learning through experience
I am currently studying an MA in International Negotiation and Conflict Resolution at the School of Politics and International Relations. My programme has been extremely knowledgeable, exciting, and insightful so far, as the courses we are taught are highly intellectually stimulating and engaging.
We get to practically work with a diverse group of students as part of our seminars and workshops, which becomes a memorable experience in itself. I have gained a greater insight into world conflicts and the workings of negotiation and mediation. The credit goes to my professors for teaching modules in a way that essentially builds your skillset all along.
My participation in Negotiation and Mediation exercises and learning Research Methodology toolkits has equipped me with leadership, resolution, communication, and organisational skills. Apart from this, you get to know your areas of improvement through feedback, which aids your academic as well as personal development.
My advice would be to gain as much advantage as you can from the resources and experiences your university provides because it will always come back to serve you in unimaginable ways.
It’s okay to have off days
That being said, there will be days when you won’t feel as productive and energetic as others. And if you are an international student (like me), then missing home will always be a feeling sitting around the corner to hit you anytime. Know that it is completely okay and human to feel like that.
Be kind to yourself by giving yourself some time to rest and recover. Reach out for support and go on that walk — because your health matters.
We are all here, living our independent journeys which come with a variety of experiences, but the beauty comes with embracing it all and living it together. So, the next time you find yourself or a friend feeling down, give yourself some space, breathe, and say aloud: you’ve got this!