Published: March 21, 2018
If you’re anything like me, the start of a new academic year is the perfect excuse to go shopping and buy an excessive amount of stationery. I have an ever-growing collection of notebooks, pencil cases and pens. I hope I’m not the only one….
Organisation is key to ensure the right balance exists between both your work, part-time job (if you have one) and social life. I’ve always tried to be as organised as possible. Knowing what you should be doing and when helps to reduce the pressure that exists around approaching deadlines.
Here, I will share some of the ways I’ve stayed organised during my first year at university.
Organisation:
1. To keep on top of deadlines, I downloaded a countdown app for my phone. This may seem a little excessive, but it puts into perspective how long (or not) I have until a piece of work needs to be submitted.¿
2. With so much information and dates to remember, use a diary to plan your days.
3. Remember to ALWAYS save and back up your work in more than one place. I repeatedly save my work on my USB stick AND Google Drive account. A simple to-do list is one of the most effective ways to remember what you need to do and when. I use colour coordination for each individual module to differentiate between tasks
Study Tips:
1. I regularly read the lecture PowerPoint for the second time at home or in the library. Sometimes it’s difficult to write everything down during the actual lecture as it can be quite fast-paced.
2. Before starting an essay, I write all the potential ideas and points that I may cover onto a blank Microsoft Word document to organise my thoughts. I search and write the quotes from books and websites on a separate document. I start writing the final essay once I have all the references and information I need. However, everyone works differently. Pick an approach which is best for you.
3. Don’t leave things to the last minute!
4. I find that I focus on one piece of work more than others. Remember to spend time and put effort into all your tasks.
5. You know when you’re writing a sentence and it doesn’t seem to make sense? Or when you can’t think of any more points or arguments to make when you have a huge word count left to fill? It’s probably time to take a break! Maybe go to the gym (if that’s your type of thing), read another chapter of your favourite book, meet up with friends or watch an episode of a TV show. Always remember to drink plenty of water and take several breaks throughout the day.
6. If you can’t concentrate at home or in the library, change your environment. I often spend some days in the library to complete my work and other days at home.
7. Always proofread your work! Don’t submit anything without reading it at least once.
8. Ask for help if you need it. Email your lecturer if you have any issues and questions about your work. Finally, the first year of university can help you prepare for your second and third year. If you find there’s a specific organisation or study approach that doesn’t benefit you, change it.
Topic: Advice and tips, Course