Tips To Ace All Your Classes
Hey new students!
I think it’s safe to say that most people want to do well in all of their courses, but it can be challenging to adjust from high school to university-level academics. In high school you have parents and teachers to keep you accountable and on top of your work - in university the responsibility falls completely on you to keep up with everything. Fear not, it's not as hard as you think! While there is definitely an adjustment period, you will get into the rhythm of studying and you will gain all kinds of new skills. If you find you're struggling through the transition, check out these tips to ace all of your classes:
- Go to class: This may sound silly but trust me, you need this advice. It can be oh so tempting to skip class because your profs won’t make a big deal of it, but it will seriously make such a difference that you were actually around to listen to the lectures when it comes time to doing your papers and assignments. Just force yourself; I know it’s hard, but it will be worth it.
- Keep your syllabi: Some profs are kind and upload it onto Moodle, but it is so important to have these as a reference because they includes details about your assignments, due dates, and often describe what your profs expect from you as a student.
- Get to know Moodle: Moodle is the online learning platform for your courses - professors will often post assignments, readings, notes, etc, on this forum to give students access to necessary resources and materials.
- Write down due dates on your free agenda from the SA Office: Having all those important dates and deadlines written down in one place will make you feel much more prepared to manage all of your semester's papers, projects and exams.
- Do the readings: Yes I know that readings are boring and textbooks are horrible, but when it comes time to midterms, papers and finals, if you have been keeping up with your readings, these will be much less overwhelming.
- Make time to study: Yes there are a lot of other things I know you would rather be doing, but it is important to set aside time for this important task. If you dedicate a small amount of time each week to studying, you will be sure to have time left over to do the fun things you would much rather do without the added stress of 'I know I should be studying'. Also, be sure to check out my blog on study tips from June!
- Start your projects early: Working ahead is a great strategy, plus you will make sure that if you need to request resources from the library, they will arrive in time for your deadline.
- Take the class UNIV 150: Academic Success: This short course is designed to equip students with the tools and skills to work and flourish in the university environment. Offered for 1 hour a week for 7 weeks (at a cost of only $20!), this mini course features various professors who speak on topics ranging from researching, writing essays, good study habits and more!
- Chat with your professors: Because of King's fabulous open door policy (if your prof’s door is open you can walk right in), professors are very accessible and willing to help students with questions about assignments and class material. You should definitely take advantage of this opportunity, as well as make regular visits to your faculty advisor because he or she will be able to help you at with any questions about recommended and required courses and advise you throughout your university experience.
University is a lot of work, but it is totally doable, and you can definitely do well so long as you’re willing to put the time and effort in to your studying, assignments, midterms and finals.
Happy studying!