1. Start assignments as soon as you get them. I don’t mean writing an entire essay the day it’s assigned, but just do something towards it - brainstorm some ideas, list the lectures that are relevant to the topic, or find and bookmark 4 readings for it. Starting an assignment is always the hardest part and this way you get it over and done with, which is really motivating. You also feel really organised for starting right away. And definitely make sure you write the due date into your planner and make a plan for when you want each step done.
2. If you take notes by hand, summarise them on the computer; if you take notes on the computer, summarise them on paper. That way even if you don’t have a computer with you you’ll still have the paper notes; if you forget the paper notes, you can access the information on the computer.
3. Label all notes! With the course title, term, lecture number, date, lecture title, and lecturer (for lecture notes), or the course title, week, book/article name and chapter, lecture they correspond to, and date for readings. Then create a little table of contents so you can easily see what lectures and readings you need for each assignment or test.
4. Go to all your classes and do all your readings. You need to be exposed to material at least 3 times to really remember it. If you go to class and do the reading that is 2 exposures already, which will make studying for exams a lot easier.
5. Pay attention to details. Due dates, required formatting, referencing styles, word limits, spelling, grammar….these might seem like little details but it’s amazing how much they can take away from your grade if you get them wrong.
6. Do the readings ahead of class and think of a question to ask about them. Not only will this make you seem really smart and impress your lecturer or tutor, but thinking of questions and finding the answers to them is really good for memory and learning. Don’t actually ask questions in every class or your classmates will hate you (unless there is a set question time), but see if your question is answered in the lecture, and if not then ask it in class sometimes or else ask it after class, flick the lecturer an email, or do some extra research.
7. Join clubs. The best way to make friends, experience university life, and keep yourself sane during assignments. This also looks good on a CV - heaps of people get degrees so make yourself stand out by doing some other stuff at the same time.
8. Talk to the people in your classes. I know this is hard for a lot of people (me included) but it is really reassuring to know you’ll have someone to sit next to and borrow notes from if you’re sick. A good way to start doing this is to find someone who’s sitting alone and looks a bit bored or lonely and ask if the seat next to them is free. Then try asking them what their major or degree is, or what they think of the course so far. People love talking about themselves so this is a great way to start a little conversation!
9. Start studying for exams early, but only do a little bit a day. You will learn more, and be less stressed, if you study an hour a day for two weeks than if you study for 14 hours in one day.
10. Sleep and exercise. It’s easy to think you’re too busy for these things, but you are not. These are essentials. It is so much easier to learn and concentrate after 7 hour’s sleep and a twenty minute jog. You’ll also be much happier and healthier!
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