What to Expect in Semester 1 of Any BA Program

If you have enrolled in any BA (Bachelor of Arts) program, be it Delhi University School of Open Learning (DU SOL) or any other college or university, then the first semester is the most important for you. It forms the foundation of your college studies and tells how further studies will be.

Understand the course structure

BA course usually has three types of subjects:

• Core Subject: These are the subjects that are related to your main stream, such as BA Political Science, History, Hindi etc.
• Elective: Subjects that you can choose according to your interest, such as Sociology, Psychology, Economics etc.
• Foundation/Skill-based Courses: Such as Environmental Studies, Communication Skills, or Computer Fundamentals.

In the first semester, you have to study 3–4 subjects including some of these. Make sure to get the syllabus from the university website or student guide.

Gather study material

• Textbooks: Buy the books suggested for each subject or borrow them from seniors. Some books are also available online in PDF form.
• Online resources: Video lectures and notes related to the subject are available on YouTube, NCERT, SWAYAM and other platforms. You can also refer to them.
• Use the library: If you have a government or college library, then books and reference material can be found from there.

Make a study timetable

The direct path to success in BA is regular study. For this, it is necessary to make a precise timetable.

• Fix a few hours for study every day.
• Give equal time to each subject.
• Keep Sundays for revision and planning for the next week.

Adopt smart study methods

• Learn to make notes: Make small points while reading a book or listening to a lecture.
• Make charts and maps: For history or social subjects, it is beneficial to make timelines, charts and mind maps.
• Write a summary of each chapter yourself: This makes it easier to remember and understand.

Connect with classmates

• If you are in a regular college, study with friends.
• If you are studying through open learning (like DU SOL), then you can join online groups, Telegram or Facebook community. Notes, old papers and information are shared there.

Work on important skills

In BA, not only studies, but some important skills also have to be learned:

• Writing skills: How to write an answer, how to prepare an essay – this is very important.
• Art of Research: How to gather information on any topic and present it well.
• Skills in communication: To create effective communication, especially in English and your mother tongue.

Keep an eye on university updates

• Check the notices from time to time by visiting the university website.
• Note the dates of exams, assignments, admit cards etc.
• If you are studying from an institute like DU SOL, then login to the online portal and get all the information on time.

Start preparing for the exam from the beginning

• Find and solve previous years’ question papers.
• Highlight the important points that you find while studying.
• Take a test yourself from time to time so that you can know how much preparation you have done.

Use time properly

• Make a balance for study, entertainment and rest every day.
• Study by taking small breaks so that you do not get tired.
• If you are a working student, then fix evening or morning time for study.

Do not hesitate to ask for help

• If you do not understand a topic, ask friends or seniors.
• Contact college teachers or online tutors.
• Many institutes also run Doubt Clearing Sessions or Student Help Desk – take advantage of them.

Conclusion

The first semester of BA is a new beginning – which determines the direction of your further studies. If you are always on time for your first term when studying, take time to study everything and try to understand it all. Then the path ahead is quite easy and enjoyable.

Remember – studying is not just for passing exams, but it is also a means to improve yourself.