‘Get Ahead’ is an engaging online platform aimed at giving you the best possible start to university life and study.

As you start your course in January 2023, we are running a number of online webinars which are open to all new starters.

There is no need to book. You can join any of the following sessions by clicking on the 'Enter live event' tab on the left hand side at the session start time (UK timing).

To access our events:

  1. Go to Blackboard via: https://vle.aston.ac.uk/
  2. Login using your Aston username and password
  3. Select ‘Courses’ from the left-hand menu
  4. Search for, and select, ‘Get Ahead at Aston’
  5. In Get Ahead, select 'Enter Live Events' from the left-hand menu
  6. Then, select the event title from the list. (Access to the event opens 15 minutes before start time).
Session 1: Communicating with Confidence at University

Date and time: 10th January 2023 10am - 11am

Join this session to help you gain confidence about communicating with lecturers and fellow classmates when you begin university. Informal discussion will be encouraged so feel free to bring any questions or concerns.

Main areas covered:

  • How communication at university differs from school
  • How to develop different types of professional communication
  • Examples of effective emails, presentation techniques, and more
Session 2: Getting Organised for Postgraduate Study

Dates and times: 10th January (3pm - 4pm) and 11th January (11am - 12pm)

Main areas covered:

  • Expectations of PG level study and assessment
  • Key academic and organisational skills
  • Strategies to support your studies
Session 3: Key academic skills for international students

Date and time: Thursday 12th January (10am - 11am)

In this session you will gain advice for how you can improve your Academic English and Skills, both in preparation to study as well as during the academic year. Questions and discussion about this topic will be welcomed.

Main areas covered:

  • Tools and strategies for improving your Academic Language
  • Types of Academic skills needed for university study
  • Resources the university has to offer to help during your studies