If you've just left 6th form, it's likely everybody there was still 'miss' or 'sir' and you still pulled a ghoul-like grimace whenever the end-of-lunch bell rang. Fortunately, university life is a whole new ball game and the relationship between you and your tutors infinitely more adult and enjoyable. And just as the teacher / student partnership is a world away from A Levels, so too is the learning curve you're about to embark upon.

Rather than the sponge-like learner of old (soaking up ideas and facts and repeating in equal measure), studying for a degree encourages an open mind, self-motivation and bags of enthusiasm for your subject. You are encouraged to gather information from a multitude of sources (books, lectures, films, post-pint chat with peers…) and then formulate your own opinions. Rather than your previous, heavily structured pattern of learning, here the barriers are broken down and you can set your own agenda - be that pace, style and approach.

However, don't let all this academic freedom go your head and think of it as an excuse to launch into presidential-style speeches during seminars or start convincing yourself you're the font of all knowledge. Listen to what others have to say, both verbally and on paper, and whether you agree or disagree, set about stating your conclusions tactically and constructively, i.e. DEBATE DON'T DICTATE! And remember, questions are often as important as answers (bring me a 10,000 word dissertation on this matter by lunch tomorrow!)

Believe it or not, tutors don't expect students to lock themselves away 24-7, nose tucked inside book. University is about experiencing life not just the inside of a library. They were students once too you know. However, that is by no means a free ticket to Slackersville. Do try to have your work in on time and manage your study periods well (also note, tutors will have heard every excuse in the book, and then a few more!) If you are having difficulty coping with your workload or are in the throws of a confidence crisis - TALK to your tutor about it. They will offer moral support and suggest ways of dealing with your worries. Perhaps they can introduce you to a study skills tutor or discuss extensions on your deadlines. And during those "everybody is cleverer than me" moments, take a deep breath and take note that you didn't get into university just because the interviewer liked the shoes you were wearing.