Hi, it has been a month since my last blog. It is important to get a good academic grade in your examination- not just to land you a job when you graduated, but this is also your responsibility as a student! As we had just passed our reading week, I think it would be a great idea to share my study tips with everyone, which I found it quite handy. This eventually landed me a result that I am contempt with, even if I had a busy schedule throughout my first year!
Reading week is over and now- back to life at the university!
Always listen to your lecturers
Lecturers will often warn us at the beginning of the semester so that we keep up to our workload- but most of us just ignore it anyway! It could be a painful lesson for you if you don't listen to their advice- often cliché but it does work magics when you do. Besides, lecturers will often give hints and tips for examination topics so make sure you note them down and pay attention to what they are saying in the class!
Study skill sessions at the library
Do not forget that our library has an extensive series of award-winning MLE workshops! There are useful sessions on skills such as note-taking and referencing, which will come in handy when you need them. If you are too busy to attend a workshop, you can search for online resources available on the library's website- I had used an online resource for my referencing for a coursework and it's helpful!
Pre-reading as much as possible
Let's admit it- most of us probably do not do all the reading requested in the course description provided. But I personally suggest reading them if possible. I did them for one of the most challenging courses I have- auditing and it really helps me to understand the topic better. This provides me a strong foundation and hence able to reflect on the lecture and ask questions when I am in doubt. This increases my understanding towards the topic and help me in securing my marks during examination!
Planning, planning, planning
Everyone has the same amount of time per day; hence it is important for you to plan for your studies as early as possible! Break down the topics into small chunks and set a daily target to be met. By planning to study bits by bits per day, this can help you to avoid cramping all academic commitments. Besides, this also provides you the flexibility of focusing on the harder subjects when it is near examination.
Choose your own study style which suits you the most
People do recommend group study sessions as it helps you to increase your understanding. However, I personally prefer studying a topic alone before getting into study groups with my friends to discuss on answers on topical questions. I do know few of my friends who perform better when studying in a group, so just experiment different ways of studying and this helps you in finding out which suits you the best! Don't just follow other's opinion and stick to the way even though you are suffering, as this might not suits you.
A short conclusion- It is always better late than never. If you have not been focusing on your academics in the past few weeks, week 7 is a great chance for you to start on committing to your studies. Try out these study tips above and hopefully it would come in handy!
