Making friends, getting organised and on top of that getting your work done: teacher training student Marco Bessert reveals how to make your first semester a success.
Marco Bessert already knew that he enjoyed passing on his knowledge when he was tutoring during his school days. At the University of Oldenburg, he is now getting a little closer to his dream of becoming a teacher every day. Since October last year, he has been studying chemistry, philosophy, values and norms to become a secondary school teacher. He chose Oldenburg for two reasons: ‘Firstly, the university is close to my home in East Frisia, and secondly, the university is known for its excellent teacher training,’ he says.
It's a decision he doesn't regret, even though his studies demand a lot of discipline. ‘The workload is always high. Being well organised helps me stay on track,’ says Marco. His tip: before each semester, look at the study plan and exam regulations and then create your timetable in Stud.IP early on. He learned exactly how this works during his first week at university. ‘During orientation week, they not only explained to me how “studying” actually works, but also taught me how to use the relevant software. I would recommend all first-year students to take part in the introductory courses.’
The varied activities offered during orientation week had another significant effect on him: ‘I was able to make contacts that have since developed into close friendships,’ he reveals. Marco met some of the people who are now particularly important to him in the chemistry mentoring programme, for example. In this programme, professors accompany small groups of students during their first semester. For Marco, one thing is certain: ‘Everything is easier with friends.’ Not only does he regularly attend lectures and seminars with them, but they often go to the canteen afterwards or spend their evenings together.
Growing as a person
While many of his fellow students prefer to study in groups, Marco finds it most helpful to listen to music while writing study notes. ‘That way, I can block out my surroundings and immerse myself in the material,’ he says. He finds this relatively easy because he is studying subjects that he is genuinely interested in. ‘It's a completely different way of learning than it was at school.’
When Marco needs a break from studying, he meets up with his friends, plays sports or makes music. ‘Sport provides a good physical balance to studying, making music helps my creativity – and both clear my head,’ he says. He also enjoys being out and about in Oldenburg: ‘There is a lot of nature and a wide range of leisure activities. For me, this also includes the university with its green spaces and wide range of sports and cultural activities.’
Marco is certain that in his first year at university, he has not only grown into his subjects, but has also developed as a person. His tip: ‘Get organised, attend not only the lectures but also the tutorials, and set yourself realistic goals. But most importantly, don't forget to take breaks.’
