Getting started with your studies

The following questions provide you with an overview of important questions related to getting started with your studies.

1 Have I received all my study material?

Check this by reading the inventory letter attached to your study package. Look at the codes and check that every item is there. If not, contact the Department of Despatch immediately (despatch@unisa.ac.za).

2 What is expected of me?

Read through Tutorial letter 101 (or the first Tutorial letter) for each module you have registered for, to find out what is expected of you. You will be told which textbooks to buy, when assignments are due, how you will be examined and who your contact lecturers are. Note that some of the assignments are compulsory.

3 How do I organise all these papers?

Keep all of your module documents (study guides and tutorial letters) together. Group them according to the course codes appearing on the outside cover and slip them into plastic envelopes in a file. Colour-coding your guides and letters is also helpful. Keep your own notes together.

4 How do I keep record of what I must do?

As you read each tutorial letter, write down every assignment and examination date (on your Year Planner or in your diary). These are the deadlines you must keep! Every assignment must reach Unisa before the closing date. Also note the dates of any group discussion or other Unisa activity.

5 Which books will I need?

Make a note of which textbooks you are going to need. Buy them secondhand or from a bookseller (see list on the pamphlet Understanding your Unisa) as soon as possible.

6 Who do I contact when in difficulty?

It is important for you to contact the correct section for the help that you need. The best place to start is to contact us via email at: despatch@unisa.ac.za or study-info@unisa.ac.za . You can also vist the Contact us page of the Unisa website to view a list of different contacts at the University.

7 What are my courses about?

Read through each of your Study Guides as quickly as possible (two hours only for each!). You will get an idea of how much work is in a module and how difficult it is. Finish doing this within one or two days of receiving your study material.

8 How do I organise myself and my work?

Make a study timetable — you will feel in charge of your life and you will enjoy your studies far more.

9 How can I get a quick start?

• Calculate how many hours you need per week per module. (A semester module needs about 6-8 hours and a year module 4–6 hours per week). Remember that some modules may have a lot of time-consuming practical work.
• Write down when you plan to study on a daily basis. Use every available moment.
• Now write down exactly when you are going to study each module (at least twice a week).
• Do all of your modules every week.
• Revise every day.

10 What other support do I have?

As a Unisa student you may be studying by yourself, but you are not alone. There are many support services available.:

• Join a study group (or form your own) and register for tutorial classes or peer collaborative learning sessions.
• Attend orientation sessions and all the skills workshops presented by the Directorate for Counselling & Career Development. Contact your nearest office for more details.
• Visit the library as soon as possible.
• Speak to a counsellor
• Buy Effective Study

11 What if I have chosen the wrong course?

If you feel that you have made the wrong choice of course/module, consult a counsellor as soon as possible.

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