6 Sure-fire Tips And Tricks For Getting In To The Swing Of Study
By Mindy Davies, Social Media Reporter
Illustration: Nicole Clowes
Semester two has begun and no matter if you are a newbie or a practiced uni-life campaigner, there’s no time to waste… We hope that your break, whether a holiday in the sun, or the snow or more of a working vacation, has helped you to recharge your batteries for the semester ahead. The Griffith Social Media team would like to take this opportunity to welcome new friends and welcome back our existing ones as we run through some sure-fire tips on how to get into the swing of study again.
1. Don’t stress out, get yourself organised
My top organisational tips include:
- Download the Griffith App so you can access your timetable, campus maps and other helpful stuff on your mobile.
- Set up weekly files on your laptop to save notes.
- Colour code & bind notes.
- Write up a study timetable – mine is colour coded, this is optional… 🙂
- Write down due dates for assignments and exams somewhere you will look regularly. I like to use a blackboard hanging above my desk.
- Download the course profile for each course – this is a map for assessment plans, learning tools and required readings.
- Do whatever works for you and get organised!
2. Get Social
Join a club: Keeping a study, work, health and social life balance is really important. Go check out the Social and Cultural Club sign-on days and join one. You will meet other students who have similar interests, share something you’re passionate about and get more involved in uni life. This is a great way to make some new friends and networks.
Get a coffee: There are loads of great coffee shops on campus! If you are like me and have stopped drinking coffee over the holidays this is the perfect opportunity to get back into the healthy habit of being caffeinated at all times. Mmmm coffee…
3. Get Healthy
Eat healthy: If you are organised you can pack a cute lunch like your mum/dad did when you were a kid (or maybe… if you’re lucky still does). I also head down to the farmers markets on Saturday or Sunday mornings. Market food is fresher, cheaper and friendlier.
Do some exercise: Don’t let study run your whole life. Get up half an hour earlier and go for a run. Check out the Sports clubs on campus, such as social beach volleyball, basketball, slack lining, cheer leading and ultimate Frisbee.
4. Know your transport options
Look up your local public transport options whether it’s on the Gold Coast tram or catching the Brisbane buses trains and ferries. Public transport is cheap, easy and you can use the time to catch up on your readings, listening to podcasts or just enjoy the people watching possibilities. If you are close enough to ride your bike, you are even luckier. You will have thighs of steel and free bike parking. If you absolutely have to drive, see if anyone from your classes wants to carpool with you. It will help you save money and the environment. That’s a win, win!
5. Keep a diary
During the first semester of this year I lost track of my diary and it was a huge stress inducer. If you are like me and have a variety of study, work, volunteer and social commitments, a well-kept diary is an absolute lifesaver.
6. Attend free workshops
For help with transitioning back in to academic writing and revision attend some Library Workshops for a range of free training, consultations and self-help resources to help you succeed at university…
Happy studying!
Mindy
Here’s some helpful links