Preparing to Study Humanities
It may seem obvious to say so, but humanities subjects are all about words, so if you do not own an English dictionary, buy one. The books you read for your degree will contain some unfamiliar words, and it may not be convenient for you to use an online dictionary every time you meet an unfamiliar polysyllable. You may also find a guide to writing English useful, such as Chambers’ Guide to Grammar and Usage (Chambers Harrap 1997 ISBN 0550180524). University-level academic writing has to be much more precise than most other styles, and this will probably put a strain on your understanding of punctuation and grammar that you have not felt before.
In seminars you may be asked to discuss an ethical or cultural question using examples drawn from current events. If you are not already in the habit of reading a broadsheet newspaper (such as the Guardian, Independent, Telegraph or Times), you should take it up. You do not have to read a newspaper every day or from cover to cover. Dip in and pick stories and features that interest you. Have a go at the crossword (do not be dispirited if you find it incomprehensible). Read a review of a television programme you have seen. Do you agree with the reviewer?
Student life is hectic! If you do not keep an appointments diary already, start now. Good time management can make all the difference to your university experience.
You will be expected to word-process your essays and to use the internet. Since you are reading this page you can already use a computer, but you might like to familiarise yourself with word-processing and e-mail if you are not already used to them.
Finally, become bookish! If you are not already in the habit of poking about in bookshops, take it up. Bookshops often have tables piled high with new releases (usually at the entrance to the shop). What kind of books are they? What does the choice of titles and the way they are marketed tell you about the shop and its customers?