Surviving University: Tips

Misty Alexander

Blog Writer
Grammarly
Microsoft Word
Becoming a student is an exciting time of life, but many students find it hard to survive as they are not properly equipped or have not yet adjusted to the current shift in environment. Here are some helpful tips or rather guidelines which are guaranteed to help you as you embark on your journey
1. LEARN HOW TO BUDGET
· Track Your Spending. ...
· Set Long-Term Financial Goals. ...
· Build Credit Into Your Budget. ...
· Create an Income Source. ...
· Spend Below Your Means. ...
· Keep Searching for Scholarships. ...
· Set Aside Savings.
2. KNOW WHEN TO GO HOME ON A NIGHT OUT
· Do your best not to succumb to peer pressure and stay out longer than you intended either.
3. START A MEAL PLAN
· Having at least a hint of a routine regarding what and when you eat will prevent you from demolishing a week's shopping in a day or two. And by doing so, you'll save a fair chunk of cash too
· Learn some basic cooking skills eating properly at university aren’t as hard as you might think.
· Spend some time mastering basic cooking skills and learning a few simple meals and you'll soon be able to feed yourself and save a whole load of cash in the process.
· Eat healthy in times of crisis; it’s common for many of us to turn to junk food to help us cope. We know it’s hard but choosing to eat steamed vegetables instead of French fries will go a long way towards your overall health and focus. Brain “super foods” such as blueberries, avocados, kale, fish and whole grains are packed with nutrients your brain will love and you will appreciate.
· Citrus fruits are also good for the brain, and they have the added benefit of being good for the immune system — which we could all use a boost of right about now. Oranges are an especially good source of Vitamins C and D and are the perfect snack before your online lecture.
4. CONTROL YOUR BLADDER IN LECTURES
· Try fitting pee breaks in before every class and lecture. Bet you never thought you'd have to re-toilet train yourself when you went to university (ps. I did this when I went to college).
5. LEARN HOW TO READ QUICKLY
· Never attend your class without doing the reading, a quick speed read can help bring you up to date (and it can help with revision).
· Use a highlighter to bring out any important sections or quotes.
· Or, at least what you think seems important in the 10 minutes you've spent swatting up on the topic.
· Then, if you're put on the spot, you can divert discussion towards one of the 'interesting' passages you highlighted when you read the article 'thoroughly' the night before.
7. ASK FOR HELP WHEN YOU NEED IT
· If you're struggling to keep up with coursework, speak to your tutors. If you don't speak up, the situation may get worse as more deadlines pile up.
· Likewise, if your stress concerns financial issues, it's important to reach out and get some help.
8. USE YOUR STUDENT DISCOUNT WHENEVER YOU CAN
· Taking advantage of student discounts is pretty much our best university advice.
· This is the one time in your life where you'll get discounts for being a student so take advantage of it.
9. MAINTAIN YOUR SANITY.
· “Schedule do-nothing time. See family and friends. Hang out with non-law school people. Turn off electronics. Cook, sleep and exercise. Find a hobby. If you have a significant other, have them help keep you accountable and find a relaxing hobby to do together.”
10. BEWARE OF PEOPLE TRYING TO RIP OFF STUDENTS
· When it comes to things like dealing with landlords and paying bills, the sad fact is that a lot of people will try to take advantage of an unsuspecting student
· Do your research so you know your rights, and try your best to come across as confident, even if you're squirming inside. Make sure you know your rights as a tenant, learn how to haggle on your bills and discover how and when to complain.
11. SET A SCHEDULE
· Students, especially those unused to online courses, should adapt to a new routine. One of the best ways to help do that is by making a schedule for yourself to stay on track and create consistency.
· Especially those unused to online courses should adapt to a new routine. One of the best ways to help do that is by making a schedule for yourself to stay on track and create consistency. Thankfully, there’s more than one method, and students can pick and choose according to individual preferences.
· If you’re fond of your phone, use the calendar app to remind you when class starts and what assignments are due each week. Set reminders for yourself 15 minutes before class is scheduled to start so that you’re ready to go when the professor begins their online lecture.
· If you like to have a creative outlet, bullet journals are widely popular and give you the flexibility to organize your time that best suits your needs
12. TREAT ONLINE AS IN-CLASS
· Don’t roll out of bed 5 minutes before class .You probably wouldn’t go to class with you bed, so don’t do it for online class either. By treating your online classes the same way you think of on-ground classes, you’ll be much more prepared and attentive.
13. ENGAGE WITH THE COURSE
· Logging in only on days when the class is scheduled may not be the best path for success. Go into your e-learning platform and email and check every day for updates and new materials, you’ll be more attentive and prepared for the class. Read all of the materials and supplementary readings provided by your professor and annotate as much as possible.
14. REMOVE DISTRACTIONS
· While you’re sipping your coffee and watching or listening to the recorded lecture at the regularly scheduled time, don’t pause it to get up and do unnecessary activities if you can help it.
· Of course, there will inevitably be distractions that are out of your control like needy pets, children or even partners.
· The advantage of online school is that you may be able to pause the lecture and handle those issues. However, do what you can to be as distraction-free as possible.
· For instance, silence your phone, turn it face-down so you’re not tempted to text a friend, close any tabs on your web browser open to YouTube or social media, and treat that time as if you were physically in the room with your professor and other students.
15. FORM ONLINE STUDY GROUPS OR HAVE A STUDY PARTNER
· Law students tend to agree that a good study group makes the difference between passing a class or failing. Even as you practice social distancing, reach out to your classmates online and get a study group going. Technology makes it easier than ever to create online study guides, share notes and gather via video chat for brainstorming sessions.
16. GET SOME SLEEP
· Speaking of rolling out of bed, sleeping for a minimum of 7-8 hours every night will make your brain and body happy.
· Rest has been proven to increase the likelihood of retaining information, which makes it a key studying technique.
· Pulling all-nighters before the big test is tempting but try to avoid it if possible. If you’re suffering from depression and anxiety, this can affect your sleep schedule and even keep you from sleeping well.
Your university experience does not have to be a nightmare, a little planning and organization you can have a successful and productive one.
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