Talk to People in Your Classes!
Everyone in your class is there for a reason, get to know their reason and bond over it! Exchange numbers and find potential study partners, friends to steal notes from if you miss class, or even just someone who will help you out when you miss that last sentence the prof said. University can feel huge until you get to know the people around you, and then you will start to see familiar faces everywhere you turn!
Join a club or an organization!
Getting involved on campus is a great way to meet new people and to break up your long days of classes and studying! Head to Clubs Fair during the first week of school and check out your options! (and remember that Her Campus @ UAlberta is ALWAYS accepting new members!)
Start studying during syllabus week!
Syllabus week is usually a breeze, but the second week of classes can hit hard! Get a head start on readings and assignments and start to figure out how and when you would like to study for each class!
Stay on top of things to ensure you have balance in your life!
All work and no play is no way to live! Ensure that you are staying on top of readings, assignments and studying so that you can avoid cramming and unnecessary stress. Balancing studying with things you enjoy will make your semester more manageable and enjoyable! Pre-read the assigned readings before the class, pay attention and take notes during lecture, review your notes as soon as possible following lecture to optimize retention! If you study consistently throughout the semester, midterms and exams will be less stressful!
Find ways to actively learn and study!
Reading, lectures, note-taking, and reviewing can be important in the learning process, however they are not the most effective study methods. Try using flashcards, quizzing yourself, practice tests, “teaching” the content to someone, or explaining the concepts to a family member! Actively engaging with the content helps to ingrain it in your brain and makes it easier to recall! Prioritize learning rather than memorizing!
Remember why you are doing what you are doing!
Why are you in University? What are your goals? Are your goals SMART goals? Where do you want to be in 5 years? 10 years? How are your current actions and choices going to affect your future? We all have our own “WHY” and it is important to come back to that when you need motivation!
You are going to be amazing and have the best semester yet!