Each new semester is a chance to do better than the last. There are just a few things you need to do to ensure you succeed — here are a few tips to get you started.
1. Create a Schedule Ahead of Time
Start by outlining a schedule for the entire semester as soon as you have the dates for your big assignments, tests, and finals. You’ll likely want to tweak your schedule as you go along, but it should be useful for seeing when you need to begin preparing for something important. This will help you avoid leaving a project until the last minute and will ensure you spread out your time evenly when you have a few exams to prepare for.
2. Learn How to Study
There’s no single right way to study — what works for your friends may not work for you. It’s important to figure out what allows you to retain the most information and stay focused. This includes studying at the times of day when you’re most alert, choosing a location where you’re unlikely to become distracted, and figuring out how long you should study before you need a break.
3. Meet More Classmates
You may find it easier to study if you can talk about the material with other people, perhaps even as a study group. For this to be possible, you need to know at least one person in each of your classes. Put in the effort to reach out to someone and start establishing more connections.
4. Use Feedback
When you receive a disappointing grade, it’s normal to feel upset. However, you can actually use this experience as a valuable learning opportunity. Check exactly where you went wrong. Did you misunderstand the material? Fail to answer the question fully? If you’re unsure, ask your professor. Then, you’ll be able to use the feedback for future assignments and do much better.
There’s no need to wait until you’ve received a grade to reach out to your professors, though. Whenever you’re finding something difficult or even if you just want to make sure you do extra well on a project, pay your professor a visit. After all, that’s what their office hours are for.
5. Use Other Resources
Beyond classes and office hours, your university likely has many resources to offer you. Take full advantage of the materials in your campus library, try out the equipment in the labs, and sign up for workshops to develop study skills. If you’re struggling with any of your classes, consider receiving extra support from a tutor.
6. Participate in More Than Academics
Being successful at university is about more than just academics. Make this a time of your life to remember and gain valuable experiences by participating in extracurriculars. Join a club, organization, or sports team to meet other students and discover new passions.
To study hard, you need to be in control of your life. For many students, this means moving off campus into student rentals. Find apartments near Queen’s University at Foundry Princess. We provide you with everything you need to have a successful semester, including pure fibre internet, community study rooms, and an onsite Avenue C market. Apply for a room now while spaces are still available.
