Get Ahead Live Events

January 2022

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

Before your courses begin, we will be offering a series of live online sessions on the Get Ahead platform to help you prepare for University. The events are free and there is no need to book. Make a note in your diary and access the event a few minutes before the start-time.

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
Session 1: How to get the most out of your lectures

Date: 11/1/22
Time: 11am - 12pm

This session will introduce you the main purposes of both live and recorded lectures and some practical strategies for getting the most from them. Main areas covered:

  • Preparing well for lectures
  • Engaging effectively with lecture content
  • Making useful notes to aid your understanding
  • Creating quick and easy resources to support your revision and exam preparation
Session 2: Key Academic skills for International Students

Date: 11/1/22
Time: 10am - 11am

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

Session 3: How to write at University

Date: 11/1/22
Time: 2pm - 3pm

This session introduces you to the key features and expectations of university level writing. You will develop your understanding of core assessment criteria which will prepare you for your upcoming studies.

Session 4: Useful information and top tips for new Aston students

This session will provide you with useful information to help you get the most out of your time at Aston. Lots of topics will be discussed, including:

  • MAP and blackboard
  • Study resources
  • Additional support

Experienced Aston students will also be present to answer your questions.

Session 5: Demonstrating the process of writing a research paper

Date: 13/1/22
Time: 10am - 11am

Are you curious about how to write a research paper at University? In this session, an example topic is used to model the process - from understanding the task, to finding sources, to drafting the text. Active participation will be invited in this informal workshop.

Session 6: Getting to know the Careers Service

Date: 13/1/22
Time: 10am - 11am

This webinar will introduce you to the Careers and Placements Team at Aston. Focusing on the wide range of support and resources available, including booking appointments and employer events through our online portal, accessing software through the Careers website to help with psychometric tests and interviews.

Session 7: Reading more efficiently

Date: 13/1/22
Time: 2pm - 3pm

This session will take you through how to read research articles efficiently. Main areas covered:

  • Expectations for reading at University
  • How to take a selective approach to reading
  • Using an efficient reading strategy for academic journal articles
  • Creating useful notes when reading.
Session 8: Discover your library

Date & Time:
20/1/22 | 10am - 11am (*BSS students only)
26/1/22 | 12pm - 1pm

This session will introduce you to Aston's library services. You will learn how to access the range of resources you can access as an Aston student and you will find out how the library team can support you throughout your studies.

Questions about MAP? Blackboard? Online resources at Aston?
Digital drop-ins might be for you

These student-led drop-in sessions are an opportunity for you to drop-in and ask experienced students questions about MAP, blackboard and study resources at Aston University.

  • Monday: 17/1/22 | 2pm - 3pm
     
  • Tuesday: 18/1/22 | 11am - 12pm
     
  • Wednesday: 19/1/22 | 11am - 12pm