![]() Your school has great resources to help support you too! Whether it’s your first time back in the classroom after 10 years or simply a return from a long vacation, many programs have tutors and specialized support centers to help you start and finish that paper, figure out that tricky math problem, or organize a complex project. Don’t wait until the end of the term to realize you could really use some help. Don’t forget to celebrate your successes with them when they do help you along the way, whether they’ve picked up your kids from school, allowed you to leave work early one day to take your exam, or lowered the music so you could concentrate on reading. Set expectations for your availability during the semester, and see if they can offer support. Get By With a Little Help From Your Friends It’s easier than ever to connect and collaborate using apps such as WhatsApp, LinkedIn, Zoom, Skype, and Google Hangouts. Students today are well-versed in collaborating and even socializing online. Thanks to a wide array of social tools, your support network can reach far beyond a physical campus. If you’re studying online, you can still make connections. Plan social outings to get to know your fellow students and remind each other to take breaks. Ask your professor if you can take a few minutes at the beginning or end of class to discuss organizing a group. Study groups can be a great way to explore challenging course concepts. ![]() And don’t forget to include study sessions, group discussions, and even your professor’s office hours. Many of those should be available on the syllabus but pay attention to changes and update your calendar frequently as the course progresses. If you are in a self-paced class, consider booking regular “class times” into your calendar each week, so the classwork gets priority in your schedule and you don’t fall too far behind.īe sure to write down in advance as many of the assignments, projects, exams, and important dates as you can. That way, you’ll be sure you won’t miss them or accidently overbook. ![]() If you are taking a course with mandatory classroom time (either in-person or on the web), start by marking those times on your calendar or planner in advance. How you do it–whether you use an “old-fashioned” written planner or an online system like Google calendar–doesn’t really matter as long as it works for you. Get organized right from the start by getting in the habit of writing down all your assignments, upcoming deadlines, and important dates in one easy-to-see, easy-to-use place. Pick up your favorite newspaper and tackle the daily crossword or Sudoku puzzle. You can also keep your mind in shape with mental puzzles and games. Taking frequent breaks can improve mental agility and prevent burnout. Build up your strength with some interval training: The Pomodoro technique advises breaking down tasks into 25-minute intervals and taking five-minute breaks in between. The more you exercise it, the stronger and more agile it will be. Your brain is just like any other muscle in your body. For example, auditory learners might want to avoid studying in a bustling café. Not sure what your ideal space for studying is? Take this learning styles self-assessment to understand the way you best process information and help you determine the right environment for tackling your coursework. Find a place with limited distractions and noise levels conducive to concentration, like a quiet corner in your home or a local library. Find Your Study ZoneĮven if your course is offered online, you’ll need more than a laptop to do your best work. Settling into a good routine right from the start, while maintaining a healthy balance between work, school, and life, can be the key to success. Getting back into the classroom after a break -no matter how long -can be tricky.
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