How to get off to a good start in your studies

If you need upskilling to follow along on a course, chances are you will find it on IDA Campus. Here you will find popular courses taught by certified teachers and skilled instructors.

Finding good study habits often requires a bit of experimentation. Everyone is different, so what works for you will also be different.

Almost every university will tell you after you enrol that your studies are a full-time job. And that’s true. But just as working people aren’t expected to be productive every hour of the week, as a student, you also need to create time and breaks in your daily routine.

A crucial thing for new students is to plan and structure their day. You can write in your calendar when you plan to study, when you have classes, and possibly work. Doing so ensures that you get some free time where you can let your mind rest.

If you never structure your day, you can end up being a student 24/7. Figure out how you thrive as a new student. Is it, for example, by reading in the study hall, in a library, or perhaps at home? Do you work best in the morning or the evening?

Many factors can affect how well you thrive and stay motivated, so it’s important to pay attention and figure out what works best for you.

Academic quarter

At university, there is the concept of the academic quarter, which means if your class is scheduled to start at 9, it actually starts at 9:15. It’s good form to arrive at 9, so you can use the time to chat with your fellow students.

Intro week

Before your first real day of classes, there is usually one or more weeks dedicated to orientation. Here, tutors, in collaboration with the university, have put together a great programme for new students, including social events and essential information about your new course.

You will have the chance to meet many of your future fellow students and learn everything from where to buy textbooks to details about an introductory trip.

Since this orientation programme may take place a few days before your first official day, it’s a good idea to keep your calendar relatively free before the official start so you can participate in these activities.

Reading rooms and libraries

The cities are full of great reading rooms and libraries – did you know some even have small kitchens where you can heat or store your packed lunch?

Especially at universities with little classroom teaching, it’s a good idea to make it a routine to find a place to study outside your home, as it can keep your motivation up.

In reading rooms, there aren’t the same tempting distractions as at home, so you’ll read much more efficiently – win-win!

Set deadlines in your calendar

Having the deadlines for your upcoming assignments easily accessible in your calendar can be very helpful. This way, you can plan your time in advance and avoid unnecessary stress and pressure.

Part-time job?

There’s no need to stress about getting a part-time job from the start if it is not an important part of your budget for your stay in Denmark. It’s much more important to settle into your course and find your new routines. Everything else will fall into place.

Boring subjects

Regardless of which course you start, there will be subjects you find extremely uninteresting or struggle with. This is entirely normal and no reason to despair. If it affects your motivation, talk to your fellow students or the student counsellor.

Lecturers

At university, you often have a more impersonal relationship with your lecturers, as they may be lecturing to hundreds of students at the same time. Depending on what you are used to from your own home educational institution, this can take some time getting used to.

Best of luck with your studies. We look forward to seeing you on campus and at our events.