Are you ready for university? Are you ready to get used to being apart from your family and friends, understand what it means to take full responsibility for your actions, learn how to do your shopping, cooking, and laundry while balancing your studies at the same time? If you are hesitating to answer these two questions you have nothing to worry about! We’ve prepared a shortlist of some tips that will help you feel ready and excited for your next couple of years-to-come in your life.
Manage your time and get started right away Postponing tasks may not seem like a ‘big deal’ at first, but putting off work ‘for later’ will not only get you into the habit of not managing your time properly but also increase your stress levels, resulting in a lack of sleep and constant feel of guilt. To avoid getting into a situation of having to perform an all-nighter, and depriving your brain and body of the sleep it requires and deserves, get yourself a planner before coming to university. Use it to break down your coursework into manageable steps such as research, bibliography writing, etc., and plan your everyday duties, appointments, and events.
Make peer pressure work for you Surround yourself with success-oriented people who are committed to their university studies. Even if you do not feel like you are on the same page they are, this will only inspire you to work harder and feel prouder later with the results you achieve. Nobody wants to feel like they have done nothing. Something else you should consider is developing study groups. This way, if you feel like you are stuck and cannot get yourself into studying, ask a friend to come with you to the library. This is the best recipe for getting work done.
Always remain positive No matter how hard or impossible it might seem at times, remember that you are neither the first one going through it nor the last one. Success is all about doing the best that you can with what you have. It means pulling through when you feel the lowest. A positive attitude is a key ingredient for achieving the results you want.
Listen actively in class Taking notes from a lecture is essential, but if you are unprepared for the lecture, you wouldn’t know what points to focus on. Reading the learning material beforehand is key to taking efficient notes, only then you’ll be able to listen effectively and since you’ll already be familiar with the topics, if there is anything unclear, you will pay closer attention to.
Make sure your brain is switched on when you read If you have ever found yourself reading something but then found your thoughts all over the place, you know how time-consuming re-reading texts can be. When you get yourself in a situation like this one, you should stop reading for a couple of minutes and do something else instead. The best thing will be to go for a 10-15 minute walk, preferably outside. The fresh air will help you clear your mind and the physical activity will help you organize your thoughts. If this doesn’t work for you, move to a different location. Changing the environment will excite your brain and stimulate it to perform better.
Do not get stressed out and remember to have fun! Time pressures, adjusting to university life, finances, relationships, and balancing work, school and personal life may all contribute to your stress and lower your productivity levels. Make sure you devote time to your mental health by doing activities that you truly enjoy. Going for a run, doing yoga or something more simple like meditating or painting can help reduce stress and anxiety, and make you feel more energized, inspired and ready for work.