The new semester is starting up, meaning it’s a fresh start on a new set of courses. If you are just finishing your first year then you may be experiencing some discouragement after the dreaded release of marks on SSC. However, it is important to stay positive and take action on the tasks that you may not have taken advantage of last semester! Some suggestions:
- GET HELP: If you feel you are not grasping the material reach out to the TA or Professor as early as possible. They are there to help, and they really do appreciate getting one-on-one interactions with their students! Also, these interactions may be beneficial down the road when looking for volunteer opportunities or references.
- RELAX: maintaining a balance between studying and relaxation is extremely important. This can come in numerous different ways such as exercising, meditating or even getting active in the community such as volunteering… or don’t be afraid to take a nap! I personally found that I was able to succeed further by incorporating yoga into my daily routine.
- SET DEADLINES: this small task allows you to stay on task. I have found that writing deadlines and test dates on my calendar, and checking them off as they are done allows me to visualize my accomplishments and stay on track.
- FIND USED TEXTBOOKS: nothing feels better than saving some money on textbooks. There are numerous of students who were once in your shoes and can offer textbooks at a discounted price. Join clubs on Facebook such as “UBC Textbook Exchange”.
- DON’T CRAM MATERIAL: space out the studying as best as you can in smaller chunks, this allows the material to be more manageable and will likely allow it to stick better. My motto is: study smart not more.
- USE RESOURCES: UBC offers a tremendous number of free resources that often go unnoticed. Take advantage of tools such as the UBC Library, study spaces, Speakeasy, Peer tutors and UBC Careers Online. Also, take advantage of the time you have as a UBC Student to get involved with volunteer opportunities in labs!
- TAKE NOTES: I find the easiest way to understand the material is to resort back to good ol’ note-taking by hand. This allows you to understand the material as it is being spoken!
- SOCIALIZE: make friends in your new classes, this acts not only as a source of relaxation. It also allows you to work through problems with others who are going through a similar thought process. Use each other as study partners and help keep yourself on track!