Full-time students should aim to study for about 40 hours per week, including class time and independent study. However, the time spent in this way will differ between courses and between individuals. Students are expected to be active in their learning, to work together and discuss their work with each other, ask questions and seek assistance and guidance if they need it, either from their lecturers and tutors or from other staff. Because of the large number of students and the diverse range of activities at the University, some students may feel that staff do not consider them to be important or that they should not ask questions. This is not the case, but students need to actively seek assistance when they need it.
Parents can help by encouraging students to approach staff when necessary.
Parents should be aware that academic assessment varies among units at the University. In some units the main assessment is an examination at the end of semester and students who are in such units may not receive sufficient information to be able to gauge their academic progress until after the final exam. Any reluctance to discuss their progress with their parents may thus be caused by a lack of feedback rather than a lack of goodwill. They are encouraged to participate actively in the social and other extra-curricular activities on campus, as this is an important way to develop friendships and networks. Social activities, clubs and societies are usually organised and run by students rather than staff.