studycris: my first semester in college is coming to an end (my major is journalism) and while I stu
studycris: my first semester in college is coming to an end (my major is journalism) and while I study for my final exams and do my exams I’m realizing how many mistakes I’ve made during these months, bad organization, lack of motivation.. so I’m trying to make I list so first of all, I can remind myself no to work like this again, and secondly, help everyone who might be in this situation. Please have in mind that this is my personal situation while studying journalism and communication, it may not apply to your major or even your country’s system.GO TO CLASS. I feel like this is the most important one. I go to class during the evenings, from 3pm to 7pm, so most days I just wanted to stay at home and take a nap. Specially on Fridays, I just went to class a couple of Fridays because going home at 7pm wasn’t on my plan honestly lol but this really made me miss a lot of stuff, not just explanations (which are really important because I mostly memorize things when someone explains it to me) but importante info like how to make an essay, extra work, tests, due dates… you can’t always rely on your partners and ask them “what did you do last friday?” every single Monday specially when you’re super shy like me.Mind mapping is super important. I had this super important history test and I messed up everything because I was unable to remember when things took place and I mixed moments from history. I wish I would have done more mind maps and schemes so I had super clear when anything happens and I didn’t end up saying stupid things like king Louis XIV was in the middle of the Greek era.Stop procrastinating. I mean this one is obvious but you do it a lot more often in college.Keep your notes organized, use a lot of folders is necessary. Folders are your friends. Don’t wait until you start studying for your finals to summarize, do mind maps, whatever method you use. Do it the same day you take the notes or at least, that week. That will save you a lot of money while studying. I’ve lost so many hours re-writing my notes while I could’ve spend that time.You’re going to need a tidy desk. Stop studying in your bed. I’ve lied to myself many times saying I would study while in bed but that’s a total lie, I always end up falling asleep. Wake up, take a short walk, wash your face and sit on your desk. Your bed is to sleep or watch Netflix.Don’t start watching Netflix shows while studying for your exams. Seriously.Keep in mind your teacher’s email, what hours and days they’re available to talk to them, ask them every question. They won’t bite. And maybe get to know them a little.Do a little research and find old exams and tests. Keep in mind how your teachers like to do their exams. Ask if you need.If you’re tired, go to bed, relax, take your time. Don’t force yourself. When you’ve been studying day and night for a month, your brain can’t work that hard anymore. Take breaks and take care of your mental health. It’s better to take a day off and come back in a good shape that pushing yourself to focus when you can’t clearly do it.On the other hand, don’t complain every single day. I’ve realized so many days I woke up super lazy, tried the bare minimum, felt unmotivated and just say “well, it’s not my day, I’m gonna relax and finish this tomorrow” I mean, relaxing is important but don’t allow yourself to be a lazy ass every day.Keep and schedule. Follow it. Wake up every day at the same time and create an habit.In Spain there’s this website called wuolah.com, where everyone is organized by their university and their majors and you can upload your notes, exams, etc. Whenever someone downloads your content, you get a little money. Everyone wins, you get notes or content you need for your exams and people who uploads it get money back. If you’re studying in Spain you need to check it out, if you’re from other country check out if there’s something similar, if not, try to start this on your university. I mean this website was created by a couple of students from my uni a few years ago. It’s not that difficult and it awesome. (I promise this is not spam, it’s just that this website has saved my life so many times)Use ambience sounds/music. I can’t listen to music while studying but I hate being in silence so I’ve discovered “coffee shop ambience sounds”. I’m currently working on a post about this for you.Go to the library or study spaces. I’m always too shy to ask my classmates to come with me to the library and I panick just thinking about going by myself. But this is something I’ve tried a couple of times and seeing people working on their exams and being concentrate helps me so much. I need to do this more often.Pinterest is a great place for inspiration.Use the pomodoro technique.I hope this helps!! :)x -- source link