The summer holidays are over, autumn is just around the corner and the new semester is here faster than you would have expected
Here are my tips to start the new year in an organised way!
Of course, it's always helpful to start with a tidy and organised workspace, so if you still have papers lying around on your desk from last year and you haven't cleaned them out yet, you should definitely do so
It's also a good idea to create a study corner where you feel comfortable and safe. Whether your desk is in the basement or you only have a tiny little corner to yourself, try to design it the way you like it and experiment with some decorations and different lights to create a nice atmosphere
Although I'm a big advocate of minimalism, there are still one or two things that you should buy
Even if you work on the computer most of the time, it is still good to get a notebook to take notes (I prefer to write down my notes by hand and not on the laptop)
To avoid a mess of notes, a folder is essential. I can't stress this enough, GET A FOLDER AND FILE YOUR NOTES/DOCUMENTS
Get nice pens that you can write well with to get the nicest handwriting possible (my handwriting is terrible so I use fountain pens). Of course you also need different markers to highlight the most important things
Get a planner or bullet journal to write down all your important appointments and have everything at a glance
Think of 2-3 meals or snacks that are quick to prepare and whose ingredients you usually have at home to keep you well-fed while studying. Regular meals are important to keep your body and brain working well
Same with hydration, you need to drink regularly and keep yourself hydrated to function properly. So buy your favourite tea/coffee, a cute cup to make it more appealing and your brain will be happy
Are you someone who listens to music whilst studying? Yes? And you don't have your own playlist yet? I think you know what to do in this case
The important questions and answers
In order to be up to date and always well informed, it definitely makes sense to write down a plan at the beginning of each year. The questions are embarrassingly easy but of great importance. This plan really saved my ass, so I can only recommend it to everyone
1. What year/semester am I currently in?
2. When does the semester start and end?
3. How many subjects do I have this year and which lecturer is responsible for which subject?
4. Are there subjects that are more important than others?
5. What do your exams look like in the respective subjects? Are there oral exams, written exams, project work or essays?
6. When will the exams be written/when are the deadlines? Write down each date of each exam/deadline
7. Which topics are covered by which lecturers?
8. What do I know about my lecturers? Are the questions asked easy or difficult to answer? Does he stick to the script or does he expect his students to read into the subject on their own? Does he ask open questions or single choice questions?
9. Are there any special features this year, such as an internship or an excursion or practical lessons?
10. Are there any places nearby (libraries, parks, cafés) where I can study? If not, then you should look around a bit and I'm sure you'll find something quickly
11. Is there anyone besides my lecturer that I can ask for advice? (Maybe other fellow students or students from higher semesters)
12. Facts on the table. How were my performances in the past and where do I want to go this semester? What are my goals and what possible mistakes have I made? Actually write down possible mistakes to visualise them
13. Who can I turn to when I am feeling bad, who is my reference person or is there perhaps a counselling teacher, a psychologist or a safe place to ground myself?
14. Last but not least, remember why you decided to start this study and what motivates you to persevere. Why do I want to do it so badly?
Once you have written this plan, keep it in a place where you can find it easily. Since I started answering these questions over and over again, I have become much more organised and confident in my studies. Of course, these are just the very basics. Feel free to add your own questions or materials, but once these things are checked off, a good start to the new year is definitely assured
Currently listening to: Asking Alexandria - Alone Again 🎶
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