As the academic year opens, the stress of university work once again emerges. For all students, this period feels hectic, but for those with endless pages of reading to glance over, there is an added worry of dreaded seminars which feel unfollowable. But how much does pre-reading actually matter in the bigger academic picture?
As a combined honours student, I have a binary view of pre-reading. In Classics, it is undoubtedly more difficult to do, as the reading is usually found in specific excerpts within seminar materials. Filtering through historical records over summer is not an adequate way to spend time when other responsibilities get in the way, but this is overcome as soon as the Canvas page becomes live. And yet, for English Literature, I am always finding the reading lists online to get through the novels or poems for the upcoming semester, given how direct and accessible the pre-reading is. Furthermore, Classics assignments often require multiple sources directed towards one topic; English exams focus upon one or two texts which you can more readily pre-read in anticipation of.
Pre-reading offers the ‘comfort blanket’ of general understanding for a module. Awareness of one subject will help when analysing another, given how transferable knowledge is. But failure to read required materials does not necessarily result in failure to complete assignments, especially for those in their first year of university. If the reading needed for the exam is done, you can still pull through and produce high level work.
The ability to pre-read is also determined by student schedules, which brings in the cost of higher education; across the UK, 68% of students are doing paid work alongside their degree. Prestigious institutions like Oxford University famously restrict and discourage students from working in term time, due to the impact it has on exams. Their reputation as one of the best universities in the world makes it hard to argue against their student advice, which advocates for intense exam preparation. A linear pattern emerges: pre-reading, and simply the ability to dedicate more time to study, is the factor which most heavily impacts university results. Yet, with the current cost of living, this isn't an option for many.
Ultimately, pre-reading will make your study experience a lot calmer and more organised, giving you an umbrella of understanding when sitting in lectures: but this does not mean you will automatically fail university if other responsibilities prevent you from doing so. Pre-reading is academically beneficial, but not always a viable option for students. Approach work with as much dedication and passion as your timetable has to offer - but, for the sake of your student debt, make sure to read what the exam will be on.