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.
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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!

Tips for Making Good New Year's Resolutions

Arabic: Kul 'aam u antum salimoun
Brazilian: Boas Festas e Feliz Ano Novo means "Good Parties and Happy New Year"
Chinese: Chu Shen Tan

Czechoslavakia: Scastny Novy Rok

Dutch: Gullukkig Niuw Jaar
Finnish: Onnellista Uutta Vuotta
French: Bonne Annee
German: Prosit Neujahr
Greek: Eftecheezmaenos o Kaenooryos hronos
Hebrew: L'Shannah Tovah Tikatevu
Hindi: Niya Saa Moobaarak

Irish (Gaelic): Bliain nua fe mhaise dhuit

Italian: Buon Capodanno

Khmer: Sua Sdei tfnam tmei

Laotian: Sabai dee pee mai

Polish: Szczesliwego Nowego Roku

Portuguese: Feliz Ano Novo

Russian: S Novim Godom

Serbo-Croatian: Scecna nova godina

Spanish: Feliz Ano Neuvo or Prospero Ano Nuevo

Turkish: Yeni Yiliniz Kutlu Olsun

Vietnamese: Cung-Chuc Tan-Xuan

All of above have different sounds but it’s have a same meaning. Here’s a list that's sure to be a tongue twister. See how Happy New Year is pronounced around the world. We’re approaching 2011 already. Oh, how time flies. And my biological clock is ticking rapidly. Humans will set their goal and their resolution for every New Year. That it is very easy to write on paper, but to do it a bit difficult. Everyone has their own determination, determination to change themselves to be better than the previous

10 Tips for Keeping New Year's Resolutions

1.       Be realistic
the surest way to fall short of your goal is to make your goal unattainable. For instance, resolving to never eat your favorite food again because it bothers your IBD could be a bad choice. Strive for a goal that is attainable, such as avoiding it more often than you do now.

2.       Plan ahead
Don't make your resolution on New Year's Eve. If you wait until the last minute, it will be based on your mindset that particular day. Instead, it should be planned well before December 31 arrives.

3.       Outline your plan
Decide how you will deal with the temptation to skip that exercise class or have one more cigarette. This could include calling on a friend for help, practicing positive thinking and self-talk, or reminding yourself how your bad habit affects your IBD.

4.       Make a "pro" and "con" list
It may help to see a list of items on paper to keep your motivation strong. Develop this list over time, and ask others to contribute to it. Keep your list with you and refer to it when you need help keeping your resolve.

5.       Talk about it
Don't keep your resolution a secret. Tell friends and family members who will be there to support your resolve to change yourself for the better or improve your health. The best case scenario is to find yourself a buddy who shares your New Year's resolution and motivate each other.

6.       Reward yourself
This doesn't mean that you can eat an entire box of chocolates if your resolution is to diet. Instead, celebrate your success by treating yourself to something that you enjoy that does not contradict your resolution. If you've been sticking to your promise to eat better, for example, perhaps your reward could be going to a movie with a friend.

7.       Track your progress
Keep track of each small success you make toward reaching your larger goal. Short-term goals are easier to keep, and small accomplishments will help keep you motivated. Instead of focusing on losing 20 kg, say, focus on losing that first 5. Keeping a food diary or a symptom journal may help you stay on track.

8.       Don't beat yourself up
Obsessing over the occasional slip won't help you achieve your goal. Do the best you can each day, and take each day one at a time.

9.       Stick to it
Experts say it takes about 21 days for a new activity, such as exercising, to become a habit, and 6 months for it to become part of your personality. Your new healthful habits will become second-nature in no time.

10.   Keep trying
If your resolution has totally run out of steam by mid-February, don't despair. Start over again! There's no reason you can't make a "New Year's resolution" any time of year.

 Here are some suggestions for simple resolutions that may be useful for students

·         Whenever possible, get an extra hour of sleep every night.

·         Spend ten minutes every evening straightening up your room.

·         Read at least one book per semester just for fun (here's some suggestions).

·         Keep up better with the news.

·         Spend a little less time watching TV.

·         Spend a little less time on MySpace or Facebook.

·         Work in extra walking into your everyday routine.

·         Call your mom more often.

·         Help a friend with homework when needed.

·         Avoid drama as much as possible, and be kind to your friends.

·         Try to improve your attention span in class.

·         Attend class more often.

Everyone has their own resolutions. I did that too : ). Picture below shows my resolution for year 2011. I was writing my resolutions on the two pieces of paper attached to the front desk One for my determination and another for my reward for my determination to do it. It is a motivator for me to do the best.

Fast Facts About New Year's Resolutions

·         63% of people say they are keeping their resolutions after two months

·         67% of people make three or more resolutions

·         Top four resolutions:

1.    Increase exercise

2.    Be more conscientious about work or school

3.    Develop better eating habits

4.    Stop smoking, drinking, or using drugs (including caffeine)

·         People make more resolutions to start a new habit than to break an old one.

How to be a Smart Student

Assalamua’laikum.... This week I want to share tips on how to become an excellent student. I was reading an article by Wayne HuangHe is quickly teaching coach, who founded Rapid Learning Center to provide eLearning solutions in science and mathematics for a new generation of students. I hope these tips can help me and my friends in the face of the new semester.

                                

Smart students have a well-patterned study skill, starting up in lectures. Here are the top 10 tips in how to be the smart ones in lectures – getting the most out of classroom time.

Tip # 1: Come prepared – preview the chapter first before going into the lecture, this is the main difference between A’s and B’s.

Tip #2: Keep the questioning mind – as you preview the chapter, come up a list of questions. Try to find answers to those questions during lectures. Also write down the questions on the instructor’s lecture as it goes.

Tip #3: Write your lecture notes after – Take brief notes during lectures and complete them soon after class when it’s still fresh in memory.

Tip #4: Rewrite the headings as questions – The questioning headings and subheadings provoke your critical thinking and deepen your understanding.

Tip #4: Make a master list of questions – Try to find answers to those questions during lectures and reading.

Tip #5: Make a master list of keywords – The understanding of key concepts and their inter-relationship will give you the true mastery of that chapter. Use flash cards for them too.

Tip #6: Sit in the front of the class – This will keep you focus better and engage more. It is what smart students do.

Tip #7: Ask questions in lecture – Don’t be afraid to raise your hand. The more you ask the smarter you get.

Tip #8: Observe the instructor for exam clues – Mark down the important concepts as hinted by your instructor. Pay attention and you will know.

Tip #9: Avoid being a lecture skipper – Don’t ever skip the lecture. This is a recipe for failure. Also don’t bother to record the lecture in tape or MP3. Knowing you are going to re-listen to the lecture gives you an excuse not to listen carefully.

Tip #10: Get noticed by your instructor - Come early and stay behind to ask questions and help out the instructor. Let him or her know your name. Take advantage of office hours. When comes to assign your grade, it really helps.