How To Cope With University Deadlines

One of the things you’ll need to learn fairly quickly at university is how to cope with deadlines for essays, projects, or assessments. University is all about encouraging independent learning and making you responsible for your own time – this means that your lecturers won’t spoon feed you every single bit of information you need or keep reminding you to do your “homework”.

Here is our guide to coping with deadlines at university:

Get all of the information

The most important thing is to know when the deadline is, what you’ll need to do, and how long you’ve got to do it. Find out where and what time you’ll need to hand your work in and plan your work timetable around your deadlines.

Plan ahead

Planning is everything and you’ll probably find that you have multiple deadlines to meet at the same time, so you’ll need to make a fully comprehensive and realistic timetable. Trying to write four essays the night before they’re due in isn’t going to get you good marks.

Find out what the markers want

Know the marking criteria inside out, find out what the markers want, and make sure you give it to them. Use the marking criteria as a sort of check list and make sure your essay, project, or assessment contains all the components that your tutors are looking for.

Know the correct procedures

Handing in work usually involves filling in forms or signing something so make sure you know what you need to do. It’s also worth finding out what you need to do if you need to hand in work late. This may involve more forms or proof of an absence or illness, such as a doctor’s note.

Stay friendly with your tutors

If the worst happens and you miss a deadline you’re more likely to get sympathy or help if you’re on good terms with your tutor. Let them know as early as possible that you’re going to miss the deadline and keep them informed about when you’re going to be able to hand the work in.