Monday 13 January 2014

Ready for the new study year? Here's how to kickstart the semester.


10 Tips to kick start your new study year

It is the start of the New Year and getting back into the swing of study can be tough. Receiving all your University material at once can be quite overwhelming. It is best to take small steps and ease yourself into your new study year. Here are ten tips to kick start your new elearning year.
To ease yourself into the new semester or trimester;
      1 . Enrol in your subjects

  - start with navigating your way around the university website
  - ensure your username and password works

  - enrol in your course subjects if you haven't already done so

 

  1. Organise Yourself

-De-clutter your study space

-Refill your black and colour ink cartridges

-schedule study times

- have plenty of printer paper and pens/highlighters on hand
- organise your file storage and back up system

        3.  Order Your Textbooks

- you will need them by the first day of the teaching period
- check your course outline on the uni website for compulsory text books

-order second hand textbooks to reduce costs

        4.    Prepare your diary
         - digital or physical diary - a digital diary is good as reminders can be set

-schedule in important events  into your calendar ie: weddings, birthdays

-write in your assignment due dates as soon as you know them

-write in the exam period and holidays

        5.    Introduce yourself to your fellow students

          -if you are a distance learner - go online and start and an introductory thread in the discussion forum (if it is open)
             - if studying on campus and you don't know anyone, remember there will be plenty of other students in your situation. Take a chance and say hello.

          -join online study groups if available (these don't have to be at your university)

        6.    Eat well

- eat plenty of the 'right' foods everyday

-get adequate sleep every night


         7.  Move everyday

          - exercise even if you only have time for 15 minutes!


          - vary your routine so you don’t get bored

          - alert body = alert mind

         8.   Get into good habits now

           - stick to your study schedule

          - check your University email regularly

          - log on to University forums most days

          - use your diary (helpful for goal setting)

         9. Write down your goals

          - have long term and short term goals

          - write down what you need to accomplish each study session ie: read article xyz

          - reward yourself regularly

         10. Be kind to yourself

               - the overwhelming feeling will go away

              - take one day at a time, take one week at a time

              - tick of the study schedule (usually provided by your university) as
                you complete each week/task

              - the more you use online tools , the easier they will become to use
              - take a break! Mini breaks and a longer break during the holiday
                period

No longer do you have to think ‘where do I start?’ – You have already started. You have taken the first steps to further your education – well done!