Welcome (or welcome back) to the University of Alberta! Whether you’re new here, or consider yourself to be a well seasoned veteran, we call all agree on one thing: that University is (sometimes unbelievably) difficult. Perhaps you are blessed with brains, or maybe you are a killer athlete. Regardless of where you excel, we all have to take a peek at the grades section of eClass from time to time. Read on to hear my top tips to make that gander a little less daunting, and your University experience much more enjoyable.
- Go to All of Your Classes
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I really cannot stress this first point enough. Unless you have a very valid reason (including, but not limited to mental or physical health, a court date, or family emergency) you should make every effort to attend your classes. Not only are you missing relevant information, explanations, and examples, you are also missing out on the opportunity to ask your instructor and peers valuable questions. After all, it’s not always what is on the Powerpoint slides that matters, but the conversations that occur between them as well.
- Place Less Emphasis on Looking Fly
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Take it from the poor soul that wore the cutest pair of heeled booties on my first ever day of University and ended up with blisters for weeks, sometimes functionality is more important than the way we look on the outside. While I am not suggesting you roll up to class without showering for a few days, I am recommending that you learn to place more value on getting to class and staying on top of your assignments than painstakingly piecing together the most gram worthy OOTD you possibly can.
- Learn How to Prioritize–Seriously
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This works in a variety of ways. While on one hand it is obviously important to prioritize assignments and exams based on their deadline and course weight (Google Calendar is a life saver), it is also imperative that you prioritize yourself and your own needs once in awhile. Whether it’s getting groceries when you need them, taking time for self care–my favorites include a cup of tea and a Korean sheet mask–or calling your mom, sister, or best friend when you feel overwhelmed, taking proper care of yourself is no less important than writing a killer paper–after all, you can’t do your best if you aren’t at your best.
- Don’t be Afraid to Reach Out and Make Connections
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The most valuable resource I have gained since my time at University has undoubtedly been the friendships and connections I have made. Not only do these connections prove valuable if you happen to miss a day’s notes, need some clarification about that one theory, or need a reference for a job, but they are also incredibly important for our social and mental well being. While you may believe that your partner for a semester long group project is nothing more than that, they may actually end up being be the best friend you were looking for.
Article by Stephanie Shin