Starting at Salford
Starting something new, like going to university can seem a little daunting. So, we've put together some guidance on how to be prepared. Read more about how you can find your feet and settle in at Salford.
Settling in as a student
Starting university is an exciting time of your life that opens up new opportunities for you to grow, develop and have fun. Part of this growth will include some challenges along the way and may take you out of your comfort zone but don’t worry. Give it time to feel right.
Going to university is not only about your academic development but also the life experiences, friends and memories you’ll make so make sure that you give yourself the opportunities to do this and seek out ways to get involved!
Life on campus
Living with other people
One of the big changes when you come to university is that you may suddenly find yourself living with a group of students with whom you share a kitchen and sometimes even a bathroom. To help things go smoothly, why not try:
Dividing tasks: It’s useful to make a cleaning schedule for the communal areas early on to make your flat a nicer place to live in.
Always wash your dishes: Keeping the kitchen and common areas clean is a must, and a big part of it is always washing your dishes. That way, when your flatmates need to use the kitchen they won’t run into a pile of your dirty plates.
Respect your flatmates’ privacy: While it is important to become friends with your flatmates, make sure you never invade their personal space. Sometimes people just want to be by themselves, and you need to respect that. That said, if you’re concerned because you haven’t seen someone for a few days and they hadn’t mentioned that they were going away, mention it to someone.
Essentials on campus
Whether you’re looking to socialise with friends, catch up on your studies or find a spot to have your lunch, you can find the right space on campus. We have a variety of study rooms (including silent rooms and group work areas) along with kitchenettes. Try a few of them out to find your favourite space.
Where to eat, drink and shop
If you want a coffee, snack, meal or treat while on campus, we offer a range of options to suit most tastes and cater for halal, gluten free, vegan and vegetarian diets. There’s something for everyone across all three campuses! The maps around campus will show you some of the best spots to eat and drink.
Campus spaces that will come in handy
There are areas on campus to relax, study, socialise and even heat up your food. We’ve got spaces with microwaves, cold and hot water, so don’t feel like you need to buy your lunch or a brew on campus. Why not explore some of the campus buildings and find a space you like. Make sure you bring your Student ID card so you can access the rooms.
Five time management tips
1. Prioritize tasks
Make a to-do list and rank your tasks based on their importance and deadlines. Focus on completing high-priority tasks first to ensure you stay on top of your responsibilities. For example, something that is due in two weeks that is worth 40% of your final module marks is higher priority than something that is due in three weeks and worth 10% of your final marks. You also need to consider how long something will take to complete when you’re prioritizing.
2. Create a schedule
Develop a weekly or monthly schedule that includes dedicated study time, classes, extracurricular activities and personal commitments. Stick to this schedule as much as possible to create a healthy routine and find some balance between your university commitments and your personal life.
3. Break tasks into smaller chunks
Large projects or assignments can be overwhelming. Break them down into smaller, manageable tasks. For example: understand what you have been asked to do; search for information; read and take notes, draft your assessment, and review, edit and submit your work. This approach helps you stay motivated, track progress, and prevent procrastination.
4. Take regular breaks
Give yourself short breaks during study or work sessions. Stepping away from your desk and having a break by stretching, going for a walk, practicing deep breathing or anything else that gets you away from screens can refresh your mind and help you be more productive when you return.
5. Remember effective time management is a skill that improves with practice. Experiment with different strategies and find what works best for you.
What your classes will be like
We use a variety of teaching methods here at Salford, here are some of the more common ones. Learn what they are, why they are important and how you should prepare.
Lecture
Lectures give you the essential information about your module topics. They will also provide you with important information and advice about assessments or exams. Your lecturer will lead these sessions by talking through course content, but it may also include interactive elements where you have discussions with other members of your course.
What do you need to do?
Turn up and listen. Try to join in if the session is interactive. Make notes – this is both for later reference and to help you engage with the session.
Seminars and tutorials
Seminars and tutorials follow on from the lectures. They are made up of a group of students and are interactive so you may need to prepare for them. They give you the opportunity to meet and work with other students on your course. You will talk about the topics covered in the lecture, hear others’ perspectives, ask questions and discuss assessments.
Practical session and workshops
Practical sessions are skills-based. You will build on skills and receive feedback from your tutor. You may also be working on pieces that are linked to some of your assessments.