Tips and Tricks for Academic and Well-being Success
The first few weeks of September can feel like a bit of a whirlwind. Between getting settled into classes, reconnecting with friends, joining clubs and societies, and adjusting to a new routine, it can be easy to feel like the semester is already moving faster than you are.
Whether this is your first semester at Mt.A, or you have done this a few times before, the beginning of the academic year is a great opportunity to establish habits that will make the months ahead a little more manageable. This article will share some tips and tricks to help you start strong and make the most of your semester!
Find a routine that works for you
University schedules often come with a lot of unstructured time. A two-hour break between classes might seem like plenty of time at the beginning of the day, but those hours can disappear surprisingly quickly. Try creating some structure around when you attend class, study, eat, exercise, participate in extracurriculars, and relax. Your routine does not need to account for every minute of every day, nor does it need to look like anyone else’s.
It can also help to establish these habits now rather than waiting until midterms arrive. Spending even a little time reviewing material each week can make preparing for an exam much less overwhelming than trying to relearn several weeks of content at once.
Figure out how you study best
There is no single perfect way to study. Part of university is figuring out what actually helps you learn rather than what simply feels productive.
Study strategies include self-testing and regularly reviewing your notes. Instead of only rereading a chapter or highlighting your notes, try closing your book and seeing what you can explain from memory. Create practice questions, use flashcards, teach the concept to someone else, or work through problems without immediately looking at the solution.
And if you do not understand something, ask! Attend office hours, talk to your professor, ask questions in class, or connect with the academic supports available on campus. You do not have to wait until you are struggling to use these resources.
Take care of yourself, too
Starting the semester strong is not only about academics.
Sleep, eating regularly, movement, social connection, and taking time away from schoolwork all matter. It can be tempting to sacrifice these things when your schedule gets busy, but taking care of yourself is part of being able to keep up with everything else.
The same goes for your physical environment. Keeping your room or study space reasonably organized can make it easier to focus and can give you one less source of stress when everything else gets busy.
Most importantly, remember that having a routine does not mean following it perfectly. There will be weeks when assignments pile up, plans change, or you simply have less energy than usual. A schedule should be a tool that helps you – not another standard you feel like you are failing to meet.
Looking for some additional support?
The Mount Allison Wellness Centre is hosting a group counselling session with one of our counsellors on Monday, Sept. 28, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in Avard-Dixon 111.
This session is an opportunity to learn strategies for navigating the semester and talk about some of the challenges that can come with academic pressure and university life. All students are welcome to attend.
Ava Horwood is the Wellness Intern with the Wellness Centre at Mt.A