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By on February 25, 2015 in Academic Life
Image by CollegeDegrees360, Flickr

Image by CollegeDegrees360, Flickr

 
 
Post-secondary years are stressful for most. There are assignments, exams and readings all piled on top of each other, not to mention juggling a part-time job for some. It can be hard to balance all your duties – but it is not impossible.

All it takes to accomplish your goals is some inventive thinking. It allows you to perform duties on tight deadlines, complete tasks more quickly and efficiently, and have more time for yourself. Most importantly, you’ll be less stressed. Don’t know where to start? Here are some tips:

  1. Skim through the readings.
    Read quickly, and avoid overthinking certain passages. Highlight and make notes in your book (if it’s not a library book). This way, you can refer back to your book if you need to, but avoid spending too much time taking notes. Make your notes brief phrases rather than full sentences to save yourself some time.

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  2. Try to schedule time in advance to complete homework and study.
    Put away a few hours here and there to study and complete assignments, especially when you have to work. Have readings to do? Do them on the bus or subway. You’d be amazed how much you can complete while commuting.

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  3. Eliminate distractions.
    Put away your cell phone, stay off social networking and avoid instant messenger when doing homework. You may just accomplish more than you expected.

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  4. Take fewer courses.
    When you are selecting your courses, try not to take on an unreasonable load. See what has worked for you in the past, and go from there. If this is your first year of school, take a look at the required credits per year for your program. You may even wish to see an academic advisor to help you choose the right amount of courses. They may be able to help you choose the right combination of courses that range from lightweight to a heavier workload.

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  5. Take time off work to complete assignments, if you need to.
    If you’ve tried all of the above and you still aren’t finishing your work, take time off from your job. This should ease your stress and give you ample time to do your homework. Try not to do this too often, though – you don’t want to get in trouble or get fired.

 
Managing your workload while in school can be tiresome. By avoiding distractions, skimming through readings, assigning time for homework, taking no more than the required number of courses, and taking time off work when necessary, you can reduce stress. Don’t dwell on your workload. Do something about it.

By on August 14, 2013 in Academic Life
Image by Ohfoohy, Flickr

Image by Ohfoohy, Flickr

With the volume and speed at which information is given to you during university, you can often times feel completely lost. No matter how many times you look over your textbook or your notes, a concept just doesn’t seem to stick. Instead of ignoring it and hoping that it doesn’t appear on your exam, it’s time for you to ask for help. There are plenty of people and resources out there that can help. When you want to ace that course, think about starting here:

Online Resources

If you can’t follow what your prof is saying during the lecture, being taught the material from a different angle may be just what you need to succeed. With the ability to pause, rewind, and fast forward videos and podcasts, those who like learning things slowly have the opportunity to really let the information sink in. Try these:

Professors and TAs

They’re the ones who teach the course and give out the assignments and exams, so it only makes sense to contact them for help. This does not mean bombarding them the night before an assignment is due to answer all of your questions; it means attending office hours and going to every tutorial. You don’t want your prof to think of you as “the procrastinator” and they definitely won’t appreciate staying up late to answer questions you should have asked several days ago.

Students Who Have Taken the Course

Getting help from a student who has taken the course with the same prof may be the best place to get help. Sometimes, they can even be more helpful than a prof or a TA. A student who has been through the experience will know tips and tricks to understand course content and how to do well in the exam. There might be certain things these students picked up on that the professor liked seeing in assignments and essays. Definitely ask these people for help! If you feel like you’re really struggling, consider paying for a student tutor who will assist you throughout the term.

If your school has a Students Offering Support (SOS) chapter, take full advantage. SOS offers Exam-AID sessions run by students, for students. For a small donation of $20, you are given access to an Exam-AID session usually taught by a student who has taken the course. Sessions cover the entire course and come with notes made by the student instructor. This great organization puts all proceeds from Exam-AID sessions toward development programs in Latin America. Whether you attend their Exam-AID sessions as a way to cram or as a refresher, you can rest assured your money is going to a great cause.

Students Currently Taking the Course

They may not have the expertise and knowledge that professors or previous students have, but they may be struggling in class just like you. You’re all in the same boat, so help each other out! Consider starting a study group and meet once a week to discuss questions, readings, assignments, etc. It’s also a great way to make some friends in class.