Is uni different to school'?
Think university is just more school? Think again.
University offers the chance to study topics that interest you most, work more independently and learn in all kinds of new ways.
How lessons compare
At school, you’re probably used to learning in a classroom with a teacher giving information, some individual or group activities and set homework.
At university, students learn in a number of different ways depending on what they are studying, which year of study they are in and the topic they are currently working on.
Lectures
If you’ve ever spoken to a university student, you’ve probably heard them mention ‘lectures’.
Lots of people think this is just a different word that uni students use for ‘lessons’, but lectures are actually a different type of lesson.
Lectures are usually focused on information delivery. They are big group sizes, perhaps 50-100 students.
The teacher, or ‘lecturer’, will stand at the front of the room and deliver a presentation to students, giving them the information they need about a particular topic.
Seminars
Uni students also have seminars on their timetable.
These are an opportunity to work in a much smaller group, more like the classes you’re used to in school, and they give students a chance to discuss what they learnt in their lectures.
This is also a chance for students to ask their lecturer questions about the topic, and to get support with their learning.
Lab work and specialist spaces
You may have done some lab work in school before, perhaps in Chemistry or Biology when you’re working on experiments.
Just like at school, uni students sometimes need to work in labs or specialist spaces to do experiments, testing, or to create specialist pieces of work.
They'll be given instructions and demonstrations from a member of staff, but unlike school, they'll often be able to work on their own experiments and use the labs in their independent study time, not just in lessons.
Does the move from school to uni feel too big?
Making the move from school to college and then maybe to university can feel like big steps.
But don’t worry, everything you’ve been doing at school and college will help you work towards studying more independently – which is a big part of life a uni.
Studying independently also doesn't mean studying completely alone, because you're never alone.
Universities will support you to adjust to the new level of study and will always have support services available if you need them.
Watch our video below to find out all about the support services available to all students at Portsmouth.
Student Support Services Guide | University of Portsmouth
At Portsmouth there’s a whole raft of student support services run by highly experienced teams, such as:
- one-to-one study support
- personalised money advice
- holistic health
- wellbeing info or emergency contact numbers
Whatever support you need, we are here to help.
Daniel
Do you ever need a helping hand at uni? We've got you covered.
Alexis
Academic support, personal wellbeing and careers advice - we’re here for you!
I'm Daniel
- and I'm Alexis.
Daniel
And today we'll be talking you through all the support available here at the University of Portsmouth.
Alexis
The first thing to remember is that the MyPort team is your one stop shop to help you get access to the help you need. They'll listen to any problems and questions that you have, and direct you to where you need to be, including helping you access multiple support services for complex issues. They may refer you to an advisor in our Student Life team who can help support you through this process.
Daniel
Let's make sure that you're set for success on your course first. When you arrive at university, you're assigned a personal tutor - a member of your department whose there to help with any kind of academic concerns you may face, or any questions or worries along the way. They're there to ensure that you perform to your best, and so anything that you are worried about, please do not hesitate to go and speak to them.
Alexis
Each faculty also has student engagement officers who are there to help you with less course specific issues, such as stress and motivation, personal problems and extenuating circumstances forms.
Daniel
Additional support and disability advice known as ASDAC is a service used to support students who share they have a disability or need additional support for their studies. With them, you can access confidential advice, discuss reasonable adjustments, or accessing funding, as well as so much more.
Alexis
Over in the Lion Gate Building, the Math Café have tutors available every day to give advice and help with math skills, regardless of your course.
Daniel
And if English isn't your first language, we offer pre-sessional and in-sessional courses. The Global Café runs every Wednesday for cultural and language exchange activities.
Alexis
The university isn't just here to support your studies. Your personal wellbeing is just as important. The Student Wellbeing Service can provide support through workshops, events, courses and 1 to 1 mental health support and counselling.
Daniel
They also run a Wellbeing Café every Wednesday where you can enjoy various relaxing activities such as origami and crochet, and share common concerns with fellow students.
Alexis
The Residence Life Team, or ResLife, are here to support all students living in university halls. Their services include 24/7 welfare support, so no matter the time of day, they're only a call away.
Daniel
The University’s Chaplaincy offers a safe, inclusive space for all students of any faith and none. They offer pastoral support, places of quiet reflection and prayer, a dedicated Islamic prayer room and somewhere to pop in for a free cup of tea or coffee and a chat.
Alexis
We're also here to help with all the day to day practical stuff.
Daniel
The Student Finance Centre helps you apply for and manage your loans from Student Finance England. They can help you apply and access the uni support funds, as well as discovering scholarships, bursaries and so much more. For those studying on Student Route visas, the International Student Advice Team is here to help and guide you through the visa process.
Alexis
The Student Housing team are also there if you ever need help finding flatmates or housing, dealing with contracts, landlords or neighbours.
Daniel
And finally, as you're thinking about your next steps, the Careers and Employability Office here in the Rosalind Franklin Building is here for you if you ever need a job, help planning a career, or even start your own business. And they're here for you as well up to five years after you graduate.
Alexis
Whatever you need help with, the University of Portsmouth is here for you.
Daniel
And don't worry about needing to remember everything. The MyPort team is always your first port of call, so you don't need to go to different contacts or repeat yourself on multiple services. They're available every weekday, either in person, via email, on the phone, or webchat.
Alexis
Thanks for joining us. We want you to have the best university experience and to set you up for success, so never be afraid to reach out
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