Get A First Class Degree

This is just a summary of the things I did which helped me most to get a first class degree:

1. Learn to touch type, it will save you hundreds of hours
   
2. Learn to use your word processor properly, this too will save a lot of time
3. Choose the right degree course, obvious but often ill considered
4. Use past exam papers and projects to benchmark your work
5. Take time to find out about every service the University offers you, and make sure you take advantage of these services
6. Manage your time, be as productive as possible

Of all the above, I would say the ability to touch type was the single biggest advantage I had over other students. I was able to complete work in far less time, then re-invest that time in what you could call ‘value adding’ activities, i.e. further research, extra revision or spending more time refining and polishing assignments.

That said, getting a first class degree, for me at least was not about quick wins, it is about chasing every possible mark, every percentage point and taking advantage of every single opportunity.

Opportunities are not put before you on a plate, opportunities have to be sought, getting time with lecturers, investing time finding out about services and resources, learning how to take notes effectively, practicing mnemonic techniques, developing time management skills and lots more.

Each one of these things contributes in a small way to improving your degree performance. Using one or two of these techniques will give you some advantage, but putting all of these things together is what really gets you a first class degree.

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