Study Tips for Midterms & Finals

Midterm and final exam weeks suck. Here are some time management and stress management tips to help you excel.

whoa..., exams are coming! With midterms and final exams, students have two goals. First, you want to go the exams, or at least get decent grades and do as well as possible. Second, there's your sanity; you want to get through exams with a minimum of stress and test anxiety. Fortunately, with the right study skills techniques, you can both manage your stress and do well on the tests. Here are some study skills tips for final exams to help you do well and stay sane.

• Time management. Plan, plan, plan. Before finals begin, get out your calendar and schedule as much of your finals week as possible. Then stick with the schedule. (Here are some more time management tips for students.

• Schedule in study breaks. Don't plan to study non-stop for the next five days. You'll go insane, and you'll be too fried to do well on the exams. When you write your schedule, include short study breaks to help you recharge. You'll feel so much better and will be able to concentrate so much more. Here are some suggestions for great study breaks.

• Take advantage of study sheets and study sessions. Just be careful not to use these as crutches. They're not supposed to replace studying. Here's more about study guides and review sessions.

• Schedule in sleep. Some people can function well on three hours of sleep a night. Most cannot. You'll do much better during exams if your mental state is good, and sleep is essential for this.

• Exercise. There's no better source for stress relief. Just don't overdo it to the point that you're procrastinating heavily. Go for short, stress-relieving activities, like racquetball or a treadmill run. And don't underestimate the value of a brisk walk.

• Prioritize. You have limited time to study and will have to choose what to spend the most time with. You could spend hours and hours on that math exam because if you do really well, you might be able to pull off a C. Or you can spend hours and hours on a history exam because if you do well, you've got a good shot at an A. It's up to you.
• Form effective study groups. Just don't waste your time with lousy ones. Here are some tips for effective study groups.

• Free your schedule. As much as possible, eliminate other responsibilities. Work fewer hours. Put off social events. Definitely put off shopping.

• Ask your professor for help. If you're confused about your notes or the readings, go to the resident expert. This works much better if you don't put off studying until the last minute. It's a good idea to read through all of your notes before you start to study, so that you can inquire early about things that confuse you.

• Keep things in perspective. What's the worst thing that can happen if you don't do well on this test? Excessive stress will make you crazy and hurt your performance on tests, so as much as you can, relax. And if you're having serious problems with anxiety during final exams, seek help at your school's counseling center. This is a common problem that schools are well equipped to help you with.

Listening to Music While Studying Is Not Good for Your Brain

Many people likes to study while listening to music, watching television or listening to the radio. But actually studying while listening to music is not good for your brain.

Recent research shows that the habit of students who like to listen to music when studying brings negative effect on the brain.

Studying while listening to music, is not appropriate, because the background music can affect the brain’s ability to perform tasks related to memory, which in turn also affects concentration.

A research that has been published in the Applied Cognitive Psychology journal, conducted by asking participants to remember the eight data in sequence. This research was conducted at five different conditions, namely a quiet neighborhood, played music that was liked,  music that is not liked, the data which is not stable (random order) and the data which is stable.

The result, participants’ ability to remember is bad when they are in a condition of listening to  music, weather it is music they like or dislike. While the best memories happened while they are in a quiet environment with a fixed or stable data.

“The participants’ low memory when listening to music and experiencing random data is due to variations in the acoustic environment. It is destroying the ability to remember the sequence data and repetition,” said Nick Perham, researcher and lecturer at the School of Psychology, University of Wales Institute in Cardiff, according to Health24.

Perham explained that to remember data, the ability to maintain control of information in short-term, which is through memory repetition, is also needed.

But this will not occur when the learning environment or a place to remember  experience acoustic variations, or sound changes like with background music.

“When you study to memorize, then find a quiet environment,” Perham recommends.

However, other studies show that listening to certain sounds such as lecture materials during sleep can actually improve memory. In fact, to take advantage of these findings, a pillow that comes with speakers is no produced so people can sleep while listening to music or lecture materials.

STUDENT TIPS : Concentration and Memorization

Concentration is an important attribute when studying. If you concentrate, you can focus on what you need to do and eliminate outside distractions. In order to concentrate better, it helps to have a set place to study. Keep a study routine; know what time of day is best for what kind of studying. When you study, go ahead and focus your mind on the subject at hand. Look over notes and decide what you need to accomplish.

It may help to know that you will reward yourself if you concentrate. Think about a special treat at the end of a study session. Don't study one topic for hours. Vary the routine and the subject matter. Be studying a bit and allowing the information to digest, you may understand it better. You need to schedule breaks for study time. Give yourself a chance to move around. Many people worry about studying, so it may be a good idea for you to schedule worry time for half an hour a day. Think about your problems then. It is amazing how scheduling time for worry decreases worry during the day.

Memorization is another technique to use to help with studying. Several memorization strategies are suggested for studying. One strategy is using acronyms. An acronym is a combination of letters that represent words that need to be remembered. An acrostic is a sentence or rhyme that has a first letter cue for you to remember. Many people use lists to memorize. You can also invent stories about each component of the list by using a strategy called chaining.

Another memory technique is to put what you have to remember in a certain location and walk to it. Keywords are another good memorization tool. Another tool is to put an image with a keyword in an effort to remember it.

STUDENT MOTIVATION

Motivation

Motivating yourself is an important attribute in student success. You will take control of your learning when you begin motivational techniques.

You need to go ahead and study some every day. Don't get so behind that you have to read the entire book before a test. A little studying every day will make a huge difference. Whenever your teacher gives you an assignment, go ahead and work out an outline or a plan that evening. It is best not to put the paper away until the assignment is due. Get familiar with the assignment and find out what you have to have to complete it.

Realize what makes you want to study. You may want to learn the subject, or you may want to earn a degree. You need to know what is driving you forward. The best motivator is yourself. If you understand why you want something, then you will become more focused on attaining it.

It helps to put all your assignments into smaller segments and set goals as to when to finish. Every time you study, have a small goal - read five pages, write three paragraphs - to get done during that session. By separating the overall assignment into smaller bits, you will feel that you have accomplished something and want to do more.

The most important motivational force is going ahead and doing something with the task at hand. Don't procrastinate. Accomplishing a small goal will make you feel better. When you finish one task, go ahead and put down your goals so you will be focused for the next task.

Sometimes it helps to have a mentor, a faculty member or a friend with whom to discuss your work. A third person can point out what you have accomplished and encourage you to do more.

" Success... is not measured by the value of wealth that you have accumulated throughout your lifetime! When you achieved your dream - no matter how simple that dream may be, for as long as you are happy and contented with what you have achieved, it is only then, that will be able to appreciate what success is all about!"

Let us not seek perfection,
Because we are not perfect.
Let us not judge,
Because we are not gods.
Let us not dictate
Because we are not tyrants.
We are Human...
We Learn...
We Fall...
We Fail...
We Get Up...
We Reach Out...
We Help...
We Live...
We Conquer...
We Let Go... but...
We Never GIVE UP.

How to Improve Your Study Skills

Learning Strategies

Two common learning strategies include the concept of thinking out loud and problem based learning. Both are effective strategies suited for different types of learners.

Thinking out loud is one way of mastering new knowledge. Private speech, also known as thinking out loud, was important to you as an infant and a young child. It gave you an opportunity to sound out your knowledge and your questions.

Thinking out loud is particularly useful in memorization, reading poetry and dramatic pieces, editing papers and working through mathematics problems. Using speech and hearing to reinforce your learning will be helpful in remembering the information.

Problem based learning is generated by your professor. You are given a problem, and you have to find the answer. Your teacher serves as a mentor and encourager.

Steps to solving the problem giving in this type of learning include exploring the issues by learning new ideas and concepts. It may help you to list what you know so you will figure out what you do not know. Write out and refine the problem in your own words. Come up with some possible solutions. Choose one as the best and work with it. Write down actions to be taken within a specified timeline and find out what you need to know. If you find out enough to support the solution that you chose, you can go ahead and write up the problem. If not, go back and choose another solution. Once your have your problem solved, present it to the teacher and the class.

It is important for you to find your correct learning style. Websites are available that provide surveys to find out your style. Your college counseling center will also have tests available. Once you understand the best way for you to learn, then you can begin to organize your notes and homework to best suit your style.

Interview Tips for Students

What to Expect in a Typical On-Campus Interview

• Interviews are usually 30 minutes in length – arrive 10 minutes early so the interview can begin promptly.
• The interviewer will usually spend a few minutes at the beginning introducing himself/herself and giving some information about the company and job openings – it is fine for you to take notes.
• The interviewer will ask questions based on the student's resume – he/she will want to hear specific examples of behaviors from past experiences, not hypothetical or vague answers.
• Time will be left at the end for your questions – be sure to have specific questions about the job openings or location, etc.
• If you want to highlight or point out something you've accomplished that didn't come out in the interview, mention it to the interviewer at the end if there is time.
• Ask for the interviewer's business card if he/she hasn't already given you one.

How to Prepare Ahead of Time

• Confirm the date, time, and location for your interview with Career Services or via their online information.
• Review the company's website and any literature you've obtained – know the latest "news" about the company.
• Talk to any students on campus that has interned/co-oped with the company (Career Services or the co-op office can tell you).
• Generate quality questions to ask about the company based on what you've read and heard – don't just ask questions for the sake of asking them – make them count.
• Review your resume again to make sure everything is accurate and that you're prepared to answer any questions pertaining to it.
• If for any reason you must cancel or withdraw from an interview, contact the company and/or Career Services promptly – don't be a "no-show".
• If the company needs an employment application or other forms filled out before the interview, do this as soon as you receive them and submit them by the deadline.
• Find out whether you need to bring your transcripts to the interview (Career Services should be able to tell you).
• Even though the interviewer already has your resume, bring an extra copy to the interview just in case he/she needs another one.

 

Follow-up

• Email or write a "thank-you" note to the interviewer – email is perfectly acceptable.
• Provide the interviewer with updated contact information if it's changed since you last communicated with him/her.
• If you are receiving other offers/have deadlines and need to hear back from the company, contact the interviewer to get an updated status and explain your timeframe.
• If you think of any questions that you forgot to ask during the interview, don't hesitate to email them to the interviewer!

10 College Students Money Management Tips

New semester was started; students should equip themselves with comprehensive money management skills. Even it is just starting out to learn, these skills are essentials for all of them

Let’s reviews the 10 money management tips for students.

Number 1

Keep track of your daily / monthly spending

Use a notebook, or use any financial software. Good money spending records will prevent you from getting overdrawn at the bank thus encourage you to over spend beyond your budget. This habit also allows you to specify your monthly spending patterns.

Number 2

Estimate and plan for budget

This can be done at the beginning of the month, estimate how much money we have and plan ahead of the future spending. Remember: you do not need to spend out everything you have.

Number 3

Keep your purchasing receipt

You’ll need to be able to compare them at the end of the month. Details of goods that you purchased such as discounted item and others.

Number 4

Make up saving habit first

If you decide you must have that gadgets that you ever wanted such as PlayStation 2, try to save enough money for it and pay the full amount in cash when you buy it later.

Number 5

Avoid non-academic debt

Sometimes it might seem like a good idea to use your parents credit card to purchase the latest gadgets, but it is not appropriate to do so. Focus on developing good money skills with good cash flows only we can manage the credit card debt later.

Number 6

Buy used textbooks

Used text book will have good value price. After the courses had been completed, you can still sell out the book to other students for some cash back as well.

Number 7

Avoid joining big spenders group

Hanging out with friends who have good spending habit, they can lead you to spend more effectively on daily requirements.

Number 8

Join campus activities

Attend and join school activities such as fund-raising event to encourage yourself for learning and managing finance particulars.

Number 9

Do you really need the stuff?

Before you buy anything, please ask yourself do you really need it. It is advisable to list down the stuffs that you wish to buy on a paper. Only buy the extra stuff if you have extra budget left for it.

Number 10

Practice good habits

Some college students love to have beer and cigarettes although the prices are expensive. They are harmful to body and mind also. Choose healthy lifestyle while maintaining the good financial status that you have now.

College Student Health Tips

Your college life will be more rewarding if you learn to work in healthy habits into your routine. Here are some basic student health tips to help you feel your best

College is bad for your health! Students feel way too busy to eat right, exercise, and get enough sleep. On top of that, universities are jam packed with germs galore.

So how do you stay healthy on a college campus? You're busy, so if you're not the perfect model of good health, don't beat yourself up! The trick is to incorporate small, healthful habits into your campus life. By doing so, you'll feel better both physically and emotionally and will be better able to navigate the stressful college experience.

Here are some basic suggestions for how you can stay healthy in college.

1. Get enough sleep. When it comes to balancing busy schedules, students tend to put sleep low on their list of priorities. Don't do this. Some people can function on three or four hours of sleep per night, but most people cannot. Without sleep, you're not going to be able to concentrate well enough to get the most out of your classes. If you can't always get a good night sleep, work regular naps into your schedule.

2. Sleep on a regular schedule. This can be hard for a college student. You may find yourself getting up early three days a week for your morning class and sleeping in until noon on the weekends. As much as possible, though, try to stick to a regular sleeping pattern. Also, try to go to sleep relatively early.
3. Eat sensibly. College students often gain weight due to late night eating and overindulgence of junk food. Here are some tips on how to avoid the Freshman Fifteen, and some college dining hall health tips.
4. Eat breakfast. Skipping breakfast contributes to weight gain. It also will make it hard for you to concentrate in class. You don't have to eat a big breakfast; a bowl of cereal or a cup of yogurt will make you a happier and healthier human being.
5. Eat enough. Many students have problems with eating disorders, which can be deadly. If you have serious issues with food, seek help at the campus counseling center immediately. Here is some information about college students and eating disorders.

6. Drink water. Most people do not get nearly enough water. Resist the lure of soda machines and the unlimited soda at the dining hall and get into the habit of drinking water. Get a water bottle and carry it around with you.

7. Work in walking. You're on a college campus, so take full advantage of walking opportunities! Even if you have a car, make walking your main form of transportation on campus. There's no better way to work exercise into a busy schedule, except for maybe #9.
8. Get a bicycle. If you go to school somewhere with a decent climate, travel around campus on a bike. Just remember: get a bike helmet and protective gear too, and ride with caution. Most college students ride bikes responsibly, but there's always a few that make drivers question the future of the species.
9. Spend time at the student recreational center. A big chunk of your student fees is going to the gym, so take advantage of it! Find an activity that you like, or take a class. You don't need to spend hours and hours working out to feel the benefits. Just remember: don't use the gym as a form of procrastination!
10. Get regular checkups. Your parents probably took care of this for you, but now it's up to you make sure you see a doctor regularly. You're probably entitled to an annual exam at the student health center. Ladies, you're probably entitled to an annual gynecological exam, which you need to start doing now, especially if you're sexually active.
11. Learn to relax. This can be a difficult goal for a college student, but do your best. Learn to put things in perspective. If you get a C on that test you're freaking out about, nothing catastrophic will happen. If your school has a stress management course or exercise courses such as yoga, sign up.
12. Get mental counseling if you need it. Take advantage of the counseling services on campus. College students frequently suffer from anxiety, depression, eating disorders, addiction, and homesickness, and student counseling services are usually well equipped to help with these issues.

Remember, do the best you can! Take the effort to be as healthy as you can, and you'll enjoy your college experience all the more.

How to Choose a College Roommate

Tips for Choosing the Right Roommate to Live With

Finding a college roommate can be an overwhelming experience. Knowing what qualities to look for in a good roommate can make the college roommate experience more enjoyable

Living with roommates can be one of life's toughest experiences, especially if those roommates are complete strangers. Whether or not roommates get along with one another can set the tone for the rest of the year, for better or for worse. This is why selecting a college roommate can't be done at random if you want pleasant results. You must carefully consider what type of person you can see yourself living with and choose wisely (This is something that they unfortunately didn't cover in the college housing checklist). Here are some tips to help you find the right college roommate.

Choosing Friends as Roommates

It probably sounds great to be able to live with friends as opposed to complete strangers, but this isn't always the case. Friends don't always make the best roommates, and just because you're friends doesn't mean that you're compatible as roommates. In fact, many friendships have been ruined over the course of rooming together. If you do decide to live with friends, make sure that they are the type of person that you can see yourself living with. That is, you need to have similar lifestyle behaviors in order for it to work out well.

Things to Consider in a Roommate

In order to find the perfect roommate match there are a number of things to consider in a roommate, including:

• Sleeping habits - Are they an early riser or night owl?

• Study habits - Are they dedicated to their studies or more of a slacker?

• smoking habits - Are they hardcore smoker?

• Cleanliness - Are they fairly neat and tidy or complete slobs? You don't want to get stuck living with a messy roommate.

By asking these questions it will make it easier to find a roommate that is compatible with your lifestyle. Compatibility and similarity is the key to living happily with roommates

Qualities to Look For in a Roommate

In order to find a roommate that is least likely to turn into a living nightmare, look for the qualities of a good roommate. These are:

• Reliability - A reliable roommate won't let you down on things like rent and utilities and will be more likely to come through on favors.

• Good communication skills - Good communication between roommates is extremely important and is the foundation of a good roommate relationship. Roommates need to be able to communicate with one another when problems arise in order to work them out before they get out of hand.

• Trustworthy - You need to be able to trust that your roommate is that type of person that will respect you, your space and your belongings. You shouldn't have to worry about leaving your roommate alone in the student apartment with all your things.

• Friendly - Your roommate doesn't have to be your best friend, but they should be easy to get along with and you should enjoy his or her company.

• Considerate - This is another big characteristic to look for in a roommate. You need find a roommate with common sense and decency. Someone that helps clean the house, won't blast their music during late hours and generally respects your needs.
• 

How to Focus on Studying

Studying for any exam and test can be difficult and stressful; many people find it hard to focus on the task in hand. However, there are some short, simple steps that you can follow to help you focus when studying.

Find a suitable studying environment. Your bedroom or classroom isn't always the best possible place. Find a nice, quiet place with a large, comfortable chair, like your sitting room. (preferably without a TV!)

Collect revision materials, such as pens, highlighters, rulers etc.

Collect suitable revision snacks. No energy drinks or coffee, because sooner or later, you will crash out. Cereal bars, fruit, and water are good, because they are simple and effective at releasing carbohydrates. However, don't use food as a reward.

Find a study partner. Pick someone who is sensible and focused like you are on the same task. Don't always pick your best friend, as you may ruin both your concentrations. Having a study partner is a great idea, as you can bounce ideas off each other, and see things form a different perspective as yourself

Take short breaks. After 45 mins of studying, take a 10 minute break and do something different.

Don't panic! When you panic, you make mistakes, so keep calm throughout. If you successfully planned your revision, you will have no need to panic when the exam looms.

Minimize computer use. Especially the internet. You learn better when you write things out yourself.

Get Motivated! If you do your revision well and prepare for the exam, you will do fine. Get to a point with your revision so you can enjoy the exam when it happens.

  
Have a dedicated, distraction free study room. It helps if you have a plain room without a tv or computer and nother distractions so that your mind is totally focuse

 Set yourself a timetable for different subjects and times slots for each ones e.g. math 6.30, English 7.30,etc. 

       WARNINGS

 

·         Don't leave your revision to the last minute. Plan in advance. Just remember, the earlier you start, the less stress you will feel.

·         You can listen to music while studying, but don't if it will make you more confuse!