International Student Ambassador Imran shares his tips to navigate group work challenges at university
Group projects are part of the university experience that can either go really well or feel like a disaster waiting to happen. At the СÀ¶ÊÓƵ and in my course, teamwork is a key skill you’ll need, whether it’s for group assignments, presentations, or class discussions. To help you survive (and thrive!) in these projects, here are a few simple tips to make group work a bit smoother.
1. Set expectations early
Don’t wait until the last minute to decide who’s doing what. Meet up early on, discuss what the project needs, and split tasks based on everyone's strengths. The University Library has study rooms you can book for group meetings, or if you prefer, you can always use Zoom or Microsoft Teams.
Tip: Write down your plan. Use a shared document to keep track of responsibilities and deadlines.
2. Use uni resources
The СÀ¶ÊÓƵ offers loads of tools to make group work easier. Moodle is perfect for sharing files and using forums to discuss ideas. You also get free access to Microsoft Teams for video calls and file-sharing—ideal for when face-to-face meetings aren’t possible.
Tip: Keep all your project files and communication in one place to avoid confusion.
3. Communicate often
Communication can make or break a group project. Set up a group chat on WhatsApp, or stick to email if you prefer. Keep everyone in the loop and address any issues as they come up.
Tip: Have regular check-ins to update each other on progress. Don’t let miscommunication cause delays.
4. Handle conflicts early
Conflicts are bound to happen - especially if someone isn’t pulling their weight. Don’t ignore it. Address the issue early and calmly. If things get really tough, you can always ask your tutor for advice.
Tip: Be direct but polite when discussing problems. Offer solutions rather than just complaining.
5. Work to your strengths
Not everyone in your group will have the same skills - and that’s a good thing! Some might be better at research, others at writing or presenting. Play to each other’s strengths by dividing tasks based on what people are good at.
Tip: Make sure everyone knows what they’re doing and feels comfortable with their tasks.
6. Manage your time
Procrastination is a group project’s worst enemy. Set mini-deadlines for each part of the project, so you're not rushing everything at the end. Tools like Trello or Asana can help you stay on track.
Tip: Aim to finish a few days before the deadline so you have time to edit and polish your work.
7. Practise and review together
Before you submit or present, make sure everyone is happy with the final product. If you’re presenting, practise together so everyone knows their role. For written work, have someone proofread the whole thing for consistency.
Tip: Schedule at least one rehearsal for presentations, or a group editing session for written projects.
Group work doesn’t have to be stressful. With good communication, clear planning, and a bit of flexibility, you’ll be able to tackle team projects at university without any major drama. Plus, learning how to work with different people is a skill that will serve you well beyond uni life!