The Spring semester is starting soon, or maybe it has already begun at your school. Since COVID-19 is nowhere near gone, it is safe to assume that this year will be another year of pandemic schooling. That is okay though; because, this post is filled with easy tips to help you be a better student this semester.
By “better student” I mean not sleeping through classes, missing assignments, and feeling an overwhelming sense of doom throughout the day. If this was you last year, then for your own good, I am begging you to keep reading.
Over the three-ish year lifespan of this blog, several posts about highschool/college academics have made it to the home screen. For help using the tips below effectively, I have included links to past blog posts and resources I personally find useful.
Tip #1: Create a structured morning routine
Read the article: 4 Steps To Crafting the Perfect Morning Routine
The secret to a productive day is a structured day. Starting every day like you are going out, even though you are staying in, will force you into a rhythm. Pick a suitable wake-up time and build or modify a simple morning routine. Stick to it for a few weeks and it will become second nature.
Tip #2: Schedule your classes into Google Calendar
Read the article: How To Use Google Calendar To Become More Organized
You can get away with using any online calendar. Most email platforms and cell phones have their own calendar applications. The important part is to set notifications of upcoming events so that you are reminded of classes before they start. I like to sync these reminders to my phone since I check it often.
Tip #3: Formulate a study schedule for each course you are taking
Read the article: Create a Study Schedule That Actually Works
Time-blocking is the best method to use for maximized productivity during the day. The general idea is that you should be studying for two hours per one credit hour each week. Using the time-blocking method, you can schedule small chunks of your day for each subject. You can also focus on one or two subjects per day. Do not forget to take some breaks!
Tip #4: Use sites like Tumblr and Pinterest to find your study style
Read the article: How I Use Tumblr To Study
This may be a full-circle moment for you if Tumblr was your platform of choice in middle/high school, but it is a great resource for everything college-related. You can find posts on note-taking styles, supplies, college hacks, and more. I also have several Pinterest boards dedicated to college and highly recommend you search these two sites for study motivation.
Tip #5: Form an online study group
Read the article: This tip does not have a corresponding article. Although, now that I think about it, I should make that happen.
Last year I would often get PMs or texts from classmates asking questions about upcoming assignments or projects. After some messages back and forth we were able to solve the problem, but it occurred to me that an online study group would be way easier. Get in contact with one or two classmates and meet on Zoom once a week. You can give feedback, answer each other’s questions, and overcome the loneliness that comes with online school.
Tip #6: Always remember you are doing your best
These are unprecedented times and your wellbeing should be first and foremost. If things get too overwhelming, take a step back and reset. Make sure to eat and stay hydrated. Also, get enough sleep. I know that you are working hard and you should remind yourself of this fact often.
Good luck with the upcoming semester! Do not hesitate to reach out to me through the comment section or via email if you have any questions. I am also quick to answer DMs on Twitter and Instagram. Let’s crush this semester together!
