As I’m entering my fourth and final year of my degree, it has truly been nothing but a lesson. Not just lessons in my schooling, but also in balancing work schedules, my social life and still saving some time during the week for me. At first, university was a never ending cycle of hoping, praying and trusting I knew what was going on. Now, I’m able to make it through the week confidently, and still in one piece.
Calendars are your friend
I cannot stress how much easier it became once I created a calendar to lay out my week. Not only does it help me keep track of my classes and assignments, but also schedule time to hunker down and study. Doing this helped me eliminate the stress of spontaneous time management, and evenly distribute my studying throughout the week.
Setting boundaries with your phone
Studying with your phone in near proximity is a trap for most. Personally, I like to change the focus setting on my phone, which changes my phone to black and white settings, silences every possible notification, and renders my phone completely unappealing while studying. Alternatively, putting your phone down in the next room could do the trick.
Lock in
The most important step in the process of becoming an academic weapon is completing your assignments with the mindset of learning something, not simply to get it done. When writing a paper for example, I like to take some time to digest the information I’m citing or reviewing, and at the same time, reflect on the goal of the assignment. I find that completing an assignment with intrinsic intentionality is far more rewarding than getting it done just for the external reward of the grade.
These steps, among many more, are the backbone in which my academic success lies. While there are a million methods to success and meeting your own goals, it wouldn’t hurt to give these a try whenever you’re feeling a little lost during your university career. So, turn on a good playlist, find the right study method and lock in!!!