Student Networking Advice

Retrieved from http://www.google.ca/advanced_image_search

The effective tip that I would like to discuss this week is “Networking.” Not only does networking in the business world but yes it also applies to your everyday studies. By effectively networking with other classmates and even your instructors you become exposed to important information that you might not have otherwise been aware of. Make the most of your post secondary years and make the effort to establish and build meaningful and lasting relationships – yes this can ultimately even land you that new job, in some cases, once you have graduated. In addition, you will be amazed at how much you will learn just by talking to other people on campus. These days, higher learning school systems are so competitive amongst one another that there are so many resources provided to students that they do not know about. It is sometimes easier by talking one-on-one with other individuals, in order to absorb new information (receiving new information all at once can sometimes be very overwhelming). Being a continuing education for a few years (before taking on full-time studies) I was unaware of everything that Humber had to offer (for example, tutoring session for $10 for every 8 hours of tutoring!). I would also recommend networking with the new faces in your class because of the more obvious reason, that is; so you can get help from your fellow peers when you are in struggling with a particular topic or course. Some people are very passionate about helping others, so don’t be shy…if you have a question just ask! 
 

Please visit the following link to read more, such as tips on networking in college and university at my EFFECTIVE TIPS FOR STUDENTS FACEBOOK PAGE

Retrieved from http://www.google.ca/advanced_image_search

The Importance Of Time Management

Retrieved from http://www.google.ca/advanced_image_search

The next effective tip that I have for college and university students is to MANAGE YOUR TIME!! I know it all sounds so repetitive and you have probably heard it on numerous occasions throughout high school. The truth is the earlier you are capable of learning this skill in life, the more natural it will become a part of your everyday life.  Up until I began writing everything down, and I mean everything, I was constantly forgetting to do things. Time management allows for you to allocate the time that is required for things that need to get done, as well to allow for time with your friends, family, and other leisurely activities. If you make the effort to manage your time wisely, it will pay off and soon become natural to you.  Not only is it important to get you through college and university, but as an adult it will be an effective skill used in order to balance everyday life of a family, full-time job, and any other priorities.  

Retrieved from http://www.google.ca/advanced_image_search

I don’t just use one but I use multiple planners, including my phone, a calendar planner, and just plain old lined paper. I know this may seem a little bit excessive, but when I see things everywhere and I am surrounded by reminders it helps drill into my mind the daily/weekly things that need to get done. Yes, having more than one source of tracking things can sometimes get confusing, so if there is one method you prefer be sure to use it on a regular basis.  

Some of the effective methods I have used to manage my time: 

Retrieved from http://www.google.ca/advanced_image_search

Cell Phone Calendar & Memo Pad – I am constantly using the calendar in my phone for appointments, assignments, and other various tasks which I know I will easily forget about during a busy day. Having that automatic pop-up in your phone is a great function and has been a great tool to help me get things done and out of the way. I have very recently started something new, which is creating categories in my memo pad. It’s not that I am a forgetful person, but all of a sudden life just one day got so busy I thought I would be better off safe than sorry. How many times have you gone to the grocery store, or the mall or Wal-Mart, just to get home and realize that you completely forgot to pick-up that ONE item you specifically went there for?? This method has really been working out great, since I can easily update each category in seconds. I would suggest you give it a try, especially if you are extremely forgetful…it is something new I have started doing routinely as of this year. 

Use a Daily Planner/Calendar – I am a strong believer in having a daily planner because it encourages you to see things that need to be done on a weekly basis. This way, at the beginning of the week you can tell at a glance what your week is going to be looking like. I also like to have fun with it and highlight what it is I have completed on my weekly list of things, as it gives me a sense of accomplishment.It is also great to include other important tasks outside of work or school that need to be incorporated into your week, such as weekly sports practices or other events.     

Old Fashioned Lined Paper – I usually use this method for the school week or at work (if it is high demanding job). The reason I like to write things down on lined paper is so that I can mentally think about how long it will take me approximately to complete a specific task, as

Retrieved from http://www.google.ca/advanced_image_search

well as to make sure that I do not leave anything until the last minute. Even at the office, sometimes there are just so many things that need to get done so it is better having it written down. The allocated times are an indicator that I have spent too much time on something and I either need to get a move on or need to come back to it later. Sometimes your brain just also need a break, so if there is something more pressing that needs to be completed move onto that and just come back to the incomplete task later. If you are not a fan of writing things down you can also make up a simple template in excel or any other computer application you prefer to use. I have found even in a work environment time slots are necessary, because it pushes you to complete something within a certain time limit and move onto the next project. As you have completed a task, crossing it off the list might give you a sense of relief that you are getting closer to the end of your daily to-dos.

A couple of other key things to keep in mind are to expect unexpected things to come up, squeeze in some relaxing time, always try to plan ahead, and be flexible. You are not always going to follow your daily or weekly time management schedule 100%. Start with the critical things and easiest things first to get them out of the way. But also, don’t procrastinate by putting off the challenging projects, as these are the types of projects that require brainstorming and constant improvement before the final product is complete.  

I hope you find use of these time management tips to help get you through a busy and chaotic semester! 

Here is a quick article on tips to be successful throughout the school year, 9 Awesome Study Tips For Students


To find more effective tips for students visit, my EFFECTIVE TIPS FOR STUDENTS FACEBOOK PAGE

My Innate Friend The Procrastinator

Retrieved from http://www.google.ca/advanced_image_search

Okay so we are all dreading the first few weeks of school – trying to get our new timetables sorted out and daily routines back in order (or maybe not so much for those dedicated students that attended school for the summer as a part of their program requirement…or maybe you just had no choice because you might have failed a course or two – ouch!!)…either way, we’re back in full swing after a little summer break. Things are a little big hectic and if it is your first year into higher learning institution, you might be sharing the same fearful thought as others wondering HOW on earth are you going to survive??? So what will YOU do to try and be a successful student? Whether or not you are aiming to achieve those “outstanding” honor roll marks the purpose of this blog to try and provide useful and effective tips for students to make it through the term. 

The first effective tip which I always found important after many (I repeat many) years of being out of high school is to avoid ‘procrastination.’ I think the reason why this first tip comes to mind is because not only are we repeatedly told in school to avoid this bad habit, but it also applies to everyday life. 

Essays & Reports – Among all of the homework and assignments from your other classes, you are absolutely dreading to start that written paper, especially if you are not so great at writing. My tip to students is simple…just avoid the procrastination aspect here altogether! Just try to make a habit of thinking about topics or ideas that you can use and build from there. When you are driving on your way home or waiting in a line-up take some time to gather your thoughts. When you actually think about something, the ideas should follow. If you are really stuck then try asking friends or family or even do some research online. Usually, I have always found deciding on the main topic and building upon that was the most difficult. If you get a head start on things, you will at least have some time to change topics in the worst case scenario that you have come to a complete dead end. In addition, I would always recommend for students to have the final copy of the paper assignment done and printed a few days in advance, if at all possible. I have found that having a fresh mind and fresh set of ideas has allowed for me to discover some really awful components that I, for whatever reason, thought was a good idea at the time. As well, the fresh set of eyes helps to catch the very last errors that I may have missed in the editing stage.  

Exam Time - When exam time rolls around, you will often hear students say, “I learn things

Retrieved from http://www.google.ca/advanced_image_search

better under pressure” but I once read something along the lines of, “it takes repetition and more exposure to something in order to become better at it.” This very instance is occurs without you even really being conscious of it. Remember when you go that brand new smart phone and didn’t even have a clue how to use it? Your own exploration and consistent use of the device has now turned you into somewhat of a Samsung Galaxy Guru now hasn’t it? Better yet, I bet you are even more impressed with your own ability to type 8546632587 words per day to your friends, family, coworkers, etc. I know when I first got my Blackberry Torch (yes I know, I’m not quite as fancy as the rest of you yet…), I was holding the device up to my face trying to acquaint myself with the location of each tiny letter on the keyboard – ugghhh, after spending all those years at mastering the T9 function on my previous flip phone! 

I hope these examples of avoiding procrastination will be somewhat of a helpful tip to get students through the term. If you can think of any related situations where you would have been completely screwed due to your innate friend the “procrastinator” please feel free to share! 

For more related topics, visit my EFFECTIVE TIPS FOR STUDENTS FACEBOOK PAGE