First Semester might have hit you like Eskom’s continued loadshedding – frequently, inconsistently, nasty and most of all, dark! Many of our Dux students have shared the trials and tribulations of the first six month of the academic year, and it was not pretty. But Second Semester is on the horizon, and it is time to dig deep and get going. Get ready now for your next six months.
First Year Truths is a good read, so check it out. It will stand you in good stead to embrace these truths, if you have not already and use them to bounce into semester two. Here are four more tips to make semester two an easier ride:
1. Get Organised -
No, seriously, how long does it take you to find things, get going with study time, or know what needs to be done next. Being organised is invaluable. Organise your study space, organise your laptop folders, file your papers, organise your bag.
Get your textbooks BEFORE the semester starts - One of the worst ways to start a semester is to not have the books you need on day one, and even worse is to not have your books halfway through your semester. This sets you back more than you will realise.
Go over the syllabus - Knowing what to expect helps you prepare. Each course should have a syllabus document detailing the professor's expectations of you as a student, the coursework, and projects you will complete throughout the course, and a schedule of due dates.
CLEAN everything - When you organise, clean. Wipe things down, clean out your backpack, clean out your folders, run a disc clean up on your laptop. PURGE.
Check your university/college email REGULARLY!
2. Plan your Semester Two Schedule –
Set up your timetable, if you have assignments and test dates put them in, insert your tutorials and study times. Routine is key and getting back to a routine will be a huge advantage in kicking off semester 2 well. Make sure your schedule includes a decent sleep routine as well as some down time for you to relax with friends or just by yourself.
Use a Nice Planner - Paper planners are a staple in almost every student’s bag. If you don’t use a planner every day, it’s time to get on it. This is the first step in organizing your busy student life.
3. Set Semester Goals –
Reflect on your semester one and the results you got and set concrete goals for each module for S2. Decide what needs to be done to improve in semester two. What worked in S1 – keep. What did not work in S1 – get rid of.
Track your goals
4. Learn how to study –
You would think this is a no brainer, but so many students just do not know how to study properly. What got you through high school will probably not get you through UNI or college. Adapt or fail. Sign up to how to study sessions, go online and get some tips, understand your learning style. Develop a good study system that will help you stay on top of things. This includes taking good notes. Revising is a lot easier when your notes are good.
On the side:
- Start fresh – it is a new semester.
- Make time for the things you love and the people you love.
- Put together a cool playlist for your down times to relax
- Learn to say no - It’s ok not to go out tonight. It’s ok to not join another club. It’s ok to skip that event and chill with your favourite series instead. It’s ok to not do the extra credit. It is okay.
- Get on top of your admin – fees, accommodation payments, or any clubs
- Introduce yourself to your lecturers – make connections
- Get all your stationary and supplies you need
- Choose a good seat in the lecture hall
- Practice the commute if you are not living on campus and always make sure you plan for that “stuck in traffic time”
- Get focused
- Keep the faith.
Managing the pile of responsibilities that comes with student life doesn’t have to be overwhelming! With the help of some amazing planning tools, a little motivation, and will power, you’ll be able to conquer it in no time.
The Dux Student Support Advantage
Your goals, in reach, together with Dux. You are our priority and helping you get where you want to be is our mission.
We specialise in giving all the support needed for the increased mental health and wellbeing you need to thrive academically and in life. Contact us today, and get your ducks in a row: 060.656.1305 |info@duxpd.co.za
Dux | dʌks | noun “The top pupil in a class.”
Dux PD powered by People Dynamics.
No Comments