Academic success is a concept that looms over students throughout their university journey, but truthfully, it is a concept hard to define and unique to all.
For some students, academic success is reflected in good grades (relative to the goals you set yourself), and for others, grades come secondary to maintaining positive wellbeing during study periods. It may look like striving to achieve 100% attendance, or improving your interaction with other students by joining a club. All of these are representations of academic success, and none more valid than the other. There are so many internal and external contributors that shape the university experience, and how to define and approach academic success. For some students, defining their unique sense of academic success can be a challenge in of itself. To help with this, we’ve outlined some key considerations to guide you through discovering what success looks like for you:
Meaning & Purpose
Take time to reflect on your decision when you applied to university. What encouraged you to undertake study? What attracted you to the degree you enrolled into? What do you hope to achieve at the completion of your degree? Why do you feel passionate about this? Reminding yourself of why you started, and what you’re aiming for, is a great way to ground yourself in the work you do.
“My purposeful meaning for being at university is because I am passionate about mental health and wellbeing, and I want to make a difference in the field.” – Student Sarah studying a Bachelor of Psychological Science and Master of Mental Health Practise student
Goals & Direction
To keep you on track with your aspirations, we recommend taking the time to create goals that align with the SMART framework below.
An example of a SMART goal could be:
I will complete exam revision for five hours per week in the three weeks leading up to my mid-trimester exams.
Connection & Belonging
Socialising is a core component of the university experience, and making connections with likeminded individuals in the same field can be so rewarding. To boost your sense of connection and belonging, you could engage in a club, or volunteer group on campus.
Recharge & Refresh
It is crucial to ensure you take the steps to cultivate positive wellbeing during your study, as this is hugely influential in achieving your desired outcomes. Part of this includes recognising signs of burnout and making small changes to reduce the risk of becoming burnt out.
Interested in learning more about about your study style, and mastering your productivity?
Click here to learn more.
