Surviving Assignments 101: Essential Tips and Tricks for Students

Assignments are a fundamental part of university life, and while they can be stressful, they’re also an opportunity to showcase your knowledge, critical thinking, and academic skills. For many Australian university students, assignments often feel like an overwhelming challenge that can affect mental health and academic performance. However, with the right approach and strategies, you can not only survive but thrive during the assignment season.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss essential tips and tricks for surviving university assignments, from planning and researching to writing and editing. Whether you’re tackling your first university assignment or are a seasoned student, these tips will help you improve your productivity, reduce stress, and submit your best work.

1. Start Early – Plan and Break Down the Assignment

One of the most important tips for surviving university assignments is to start early. Procrastination can lead to unnecessary stress and rushed work, making it harder to complete the assignment to a high standard. By starting early, you give yourself plenty of time to research, write, and revise your work.

Why Planning Matters

Planning is key to managing your time effectively. Begin by breaking the assignment down into manageable tasks, such as:

• Reading the assignment brief

• Conducting research

• Organising your findings

• Writing the introduction

• Drafting the body paragraphs

• Revising and editing the final draft

By segmenting your assignment into smaller tasks, you can avoid feeling overwhelmed and maintain focus throughout the process.

Create a Timeline

Once you’ve broken the assignment into sections, create a timeline or study schedule. Allocate time for each task and stick to the schedule as much as possible. You might also want to build in extra time for unforeseen issues, such as delays in finding resources or needing to adjust your argument.

A timeline will keep you organised and ensure that you don’t leave any part of the assignment to the last minute. For example, if your assignment is due in two weeks, you could aim to complete your research in the first three days, draft your outline and introduction by the end of the week, and write the first draft by the weekend.

2. Understand the Assignment Brief

Before you dive into research and writing, it’s essential to fully understand the assignment brief. Many students overlook this step and end up veering off track with their assignments. Make sure you:

• Carefully read the assignment instructions: Understand the word count, the topics you need to cover, and the format required (e.g., essay, report, case study).

• Clarify assessment criteria: Understand the grading rubric and what is expected in terms of research, argumentation, and analysis.

• Check submission guidelines: Know the due date, file format, and any specific referencing or style requirements (such as APA, Harvard, or MLA).

If anything is unclear, don’t hesitate to reach out to your lecturer or tutor for clarification. Having a clear understanding of what’s required will save you time and effort during the research and writing process.

3. Conduct Thorough Research

Research is the foundation of any strong assignment. The quality and depth of your research will have a significant impact on the strength of your argument. To ensure you’re well-prepared:

Use Academic Sources

As an Australian university student, it’s crucial to use academic sources, such as peer-reviewed journal articles, books, and credible databases, to support your arguments. Avoid relying on non-academic sources like blogs or Wikipedia, as these may not be trusted by your professors.

Most universities provide access to online databases such as JSTOR, Google Scholar, or library portals where you can access scholarly articles, research papers, and books relevant to your topic.

Take Notes and Organise Your Research

While researching, take detailed notes and organise your findings. Tools like Evernote, OneNote, or even Google Docs can help you keep track of your research. It’s also useful to highlight key points and quotes that you may want to include in your assignment.

Create a simple system to track your sources, such as a bibliography or reference list. This will make citing your sources and creating a reference list easier later on.

Stay on Track

It’s easy to get sidetracked during research, especially when you come across fascinating tangents. However, staying focused on the topic at hand is crucial for maintaining a strong argument. If you come across information that is interesting but unrelated to your assignment, make a note of it for later reading but move on.

4. Create an Outline

Creating an outline before you start writing is one of the most effective ways to structure your assignment. An outline helps you organise your thoughts, ensures that you cover all key points, and provides a roadmap for your writing process.

Typical Structure for an Assignment

The structure of your assignment will depend on the type of work you’re submitting. Here’s a general structure to follow for essays:

• Introduction: Introduce your topic, state your thesis or main argument, and outline the structure of your essay.

• Body: Present your arguments and evidence in a clear, logical order. Each paragraph should focus on one point or idea, with a clear topic sentence and supporting evidence.

• Conclusion: Summarise your main arguments, restate your thesis in light of the evidence presented, and offer any final thoughts or recommendations.

Your outline should also include key references that you plan to use in each section of the assignment. This will help ensure that your arguments are well-supported and that you’re not missing any important points.

5. Write the First Draft

Once you’ve created an outline, it’s time to start writing your first draft. Don’t worry about getting everything perfect at this stage; the goal is to get your ideas down on paper. Here are a few tips for writing your first draft:

• Write freely: Focus on getting your arguments and ideas down without worrying too much about grammar or punctuation. You’ll have time to revise later.

• Follow your outline: Stick to the structure you’ve outlined, but feel free to adapt it if you come across new insights during the writing process.

• Use citations as you go: Include your citations and references as you write to avoid forgetting them later on.

Remember that your first draft is just that – a draft. You can always refine and improve it during the revision process.

6. Revise and Edit

Once you’ve completed your first draft, the next step is to revise and edit. This process involves improving the clarity and coherence of your assignment and fixing any grammatical or spelling errors.

Take a Break Before Revising

It’s a good idea to take a short break after finishing your first draft. Stepping away from the assignment for a few hours or even a day will give you a fresh perspective and help you spot areas that need improvement.

Check for Structure and Flow

During revision, ensure that your assignment has a clear, logical structure. Make sure that your arguments are well-supported by evidence and that the information flows smoothly from one section to the next. Each paragraph should have a clear topic sentence and support your thesis.

Proofread for Grammar and Punctuation

Once you’re happy with the structure and content of your assignment, it’s time to proofread. Check for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. Tools like Grammarly or Microsoft Word’s built-in grammar checker can be helpful, but don’t rely on them entirely. Read through your work carefully to ensure it’s error-free.

Cite Your Sources Correctly

Ensure that all your references are correctly cited in the appropriate style (APA, MLA, Harvard, etc.). Double-check that your reference list is complete and that all in-text citations correspond to the sources listed in your bibliography.

7. Seek Feedback

If time allows, seek feedback on your assignment before submitting it. This could be from a friend, classmate, or tutor. Another pair of eyes can help spot mistakes or areas that need improvement. Some universities also offer writing centres or peer review sessions where you can get constructive feedback on your work.

8. Submit on Time

Finally, make sure you submit your assignment on time. Late submissions may incur penalties or result in a grade reduction, so be mindful of deadlines. Set reminders and ensure that your assignment is submitted in the correct format.

Conclusion

Surviving assignments as an Australian university student doesn’t have to be a daunting experience. By starting early, breaking down tasks, conducting thorough research, creating an outline, and revising your work, you can manage your assignments with confidence. Remember, organisation and time management are your best friends when it comes to submitting quality work without the stress. Follow these tips, stay focused, and you’ll be well on your way to academic success. Good luck!