motivation

A little back story on me. I attended college right out of high school for mechanical engineering. I was an AP student, good grades but I HATED school. Shortly into engineering school I dropped out because that wasn’t what I wanted at that point in my life. Long story short, I pursued another career (which I’m still happy I did). Eventually I decided to go back to school and quickly discovered I no longer hated school but in fact LOVED it! I’ve been able to maintain a 4.0 and continue to work. My goals are now to become a registered dietitian which requires a masters degree (and then after that I want my PhD in nutrition), at least a bachelors degree in Kinesiology, next semester I’ll be getting my associates in culinary arts 👩🏼‍🍳, and then maybe even a degree in photography because I’ve already taken a few classes. A few years ago I honestly thought I would always just be a college dropout, so it’s crazy to me that I now have these goals.

Here’s my tips on how to be successful in college

Show up to class!!!!!!! This is the most important tip I can possibly give. For a lot of students, college is their first time experiencing independence and not being forced to go to school. So they just don’t show up! Attendance can be part of your grade. Those are easy points that your missing out on if you don’t show up. Even if attendance isn’t counted (and more importantly) your missing out on info!! It’s way easier to just show up to class and listen, than to try and catch up on the info yourself. Plus a lot of professors while teaching will also hint at important info that may be on tests. I could go on and on but the point is just SHOW UP TO CLASS!

Don’t procrastinate. This ones obvious and I think we all already know that. At the very least, look at the parameters of the assignments because sometimes if you wait till last minute you’ll screw yourself if the assignment entails more than you thought.

Get organized. I like to color code everything. This means I have a colored binder for every class with a matching colored notebook. I use three ring binders and notebooks with 3 hole punches so I can put them in the notebook. Because I have classes from multiple majors it’s easy to look at “green” and know that Kinesiology, “black” culinary arts, “blue” photography, etc.

Take notes even if it’s not required. A lot of professors are insulted and get angry if you don’t take notes (which usually means more students take notes). But there’s also a lot of professors that don’t care, your grade and work ethic is on you. In those classes, most everyone just sits there and stares at the proffessor and never writes anything down. Taking notes is a great way to help retain information. Also, I use one of those 4 color pens. For me it’s just easier to look at notes where main points and sub points are in different colors. It helps me to find info faster when going over notes.

Get every point possible. I guess this one depends on your standards and expectations. For me, I’ve become a freak about my grades. I want the highest grade possible at all times! I think this is a good rule for any student though because you never know what’s going to happen! There’s times when you can be sittin pretty on an A and then boom a bad exam and you have a C now. The last thing you want is that to happen and you don’t pass the class. I also find that trying to get every point possible is a great way to alleviate stress during the finals. It gives you a little cushion so that your not borderline a grade you don’t want. So even the stupid little 5point assignments, do them! If extra credit is offered, do it even if you don’t need it. You never know.

Get to know your professors if possible!! I’m not saying kiss ass but be nice and talk to them. Theyre just people. Knowing your professors can open up a lot of doors and opportunities. Maybe down the road you need a letter or recommendation. It can also help with your grade. This last semester I got to know my photography professor and told him how I just enjoyed the class and was only taking it for fun. I also told him how I had a 4.0 and I was seriously stressing that the class was going to blow it for me because I had a B that seemed impossible to bring up. I did extra credit, I busted my ass, barely got it up to an A and he saw that. I definitely think that helped influence my grade on the final because if he had given me one point less, I would have gotten a B.

Figure out your professors teaching/testing style as fast as you can. Now this isn’t about getting to know them personally but figure out how they like to run their class. Every teacher has a system of how they like to grade and also how they like to present info. Are they getting test questions from the book, their power points, or things they say? There’s times where I don’t even bother with the book because professors create tests using only info in the power points.

Balance your schedule with easy classes and hard classes. This isn’t always possible but if you can don’t overload yourself. It’s super easy to do while your working on your initial general eds but harder to do once you get into your core classes

If there’s a study guide, DO IT! This seems so obvious to me but it always blows my mind how many students never do study guides.

Hey there! Thank you :-) Here are a few:

Notetaking:

MyScript Nebo 

Xodo

Squid

INKredible

Bamboo Paper

S Note

Evernote

Onenote

Organisation/productivity:

ClearFocus

Tide

Forest

Habitica

Wunderlist

Todoist

MyEffectiveness (this looks fab)

Study:

Todait

Study Planner

Study Blue Flashcards

Quizlet

Study Tracker

character aesthetic     – —   (   neville longbottom   )

revision methods that actually work // studygram: alimastudies

1. Memory mind map 

Personally, this is the most effective one for me. All you need is a blank piece of paper. Pick a sub-topic that you are doing e.g in biology a topic could be immune system and the sub-topic could be antibodies and antigens. If you want you can create some questions for each sub-topic and on your blank piece of paper, using questions as a guide, write everything you know about that sub-topic without your notes. After get your notes out and check and correct with a different colour pen. Watch this video to get a better understanding

2. Flashcards

I recommend you use written flashcards, unless you have vocab or definitions in which case digital ones like quizlet is fine. You should have questions on one side and your answers on another - i’ve heard people say the answer shouldn’t be long but i find that the more detailed it is the higher marks you score in the exam - of course summarise don’t just copy from a textbook or there is no point in doing this. When you test yourself try to do something else other than reading, for example write the answer down and then check and correct.

3. Spaced intervals

No point cramming for an exam. Yes it might have got you an A* in GCSE or other lower level exams but it’s certainly not going to get you an A* for a-levels or other higher exams. Space your learning out and if you can try and revise everyday, even if somedays are just for half an hour, DO IT! It will help you in the long term. Don’t revise one subject/unit for a whole day, space it out. For example don’t revise like this: AABBCC, revise like this instead: ABCBCA or something along those lines.

4. Mind maps

My favourite revision source!!! For some reason in an exam ( i only use mind maps for essay based subjects) i can remember where i put each point on my mind map which helps me write my essays and retrieve my information more in the long term! Don’t make it boring by trying to be ‘minimal’ - ADD COLOUR !!! But to stay within limits, too many colours can make it look overwhelming and confusing !

5. Teaching someone else

Either teach your younger siblings or pretend you are teaching to an imaginary class - while it may seem crazy it works, trust me. Use a whiteboard to help you illustrate your ideas! This method will help you identify any gaps in your knowledge and you’ll truly see if you know something well enough to explain it. If you cannot explain it to a six year old then you truly have not got the grasp of it, as Albert Einstein says!

6. past papers

i get a LOT of questions about time management and getting better grades so i decided to put a boat load of advice and links in one place :]

time management methods

start a bullet journal ( +mine / +insp )

the 5 day study plan - it works!

schedule blocks of study time

use excel to schedule study

how to schedule study

the sticky note method

an app that organizes time for u

15 ways to beat procrastination

balancing multiple AP classes

decision making and time management

use the pomodoro technique

the task box prioritizing method

how to cram a lot of information in

get organized!!!!!

make and use a syllabible

great organization advice

organize ur study space

more tips on study spaces

basic organization tips

cute infographic

printable planner sheets

simple 2 pocket folder method

study methods!!!

watch youtube crashcourses

best study tips ever tbh

tips on memorizing effectively

add color for visual interest

make cause and effect diagrams

making good flashcards

create summary foldables

margin note taking

the 2 notebook method

for when ur not motivated

reading long textbook passages

studying for a test ooh

basic note taking

+note taking tips

note taking in microsoft word

bs study guide

how to plan out an essay

more essay planning

annotating literature for english

how to make concept maps

really interesting way of studying

shit load of study methods

web resources!!!!

search engine that plants trees!

to do list web program

bedtime calculator [avoid grogginess]

the dictionaries u need omg

how to pull an all nighter

advice on how to properly use google

final grade calculator

>100 places to download literature

cute af school supply list

alternatives to overpriced textbooks

rly this is better than google

best writing checker ever its my fave

free academic journals for research

AP cramming packets

every website to make a bibliography

online used book store

mind map making software from tufts

khanacademy aka bless this site

stop procrastinating websites

free powerpoint

awesome synonym finder

apps u need to download!!!

google chrome app i love it

taking digital notes

like 14 useful school apps

attn: all writers get this

super cute time manager

>9 different studying apps

post it note app

study + give water to needy!!

relaxation n meditation help

sat help!!!!!

all kinds of essential vocab [2k+]

big collection of links

v solid page with lots of references

rly good advice imo

how to do well on the sat

general big exam advices

stress reliefs!!!!

rly good study snacks

badass instrumental playlist!

finish ur essay songs!

+all my fave study playlists!

treat urself on a low budget

read some rad articles

teach urself computer science

take the 10 day study challenge

rip some crap online

good things to do in study breaks

+100 more things in study breaks

if u tired and uninspired

avoid student burnout

watch a ton of broadway musicals

nice things for urself

anxiety relieving background sound

+ masterposts!!!

back to school advice

productive summers

note taking methods

starting a study blog

time managements

succeed @ school

ap world history

web resources

ap psychology

bullet journals

school advice

happy things

ace ur exams

stress reliefs

annotations

essay writin

printables

sat help

+more

there’s nothing wrong with feeling demotivated, so please don’t punish yourself for that – everyone, even the most successful people in the world, can fall into a slump

you can do it

i believe in you

it’s not going to be as bad as you think

don’t place too high expectations on yourself, especially when you’re feeling low

set small and specific goals – little steps are always important

print out or write down what you need to do and put that note where you know you’re going to see it

set yourself a specific time for when you’re going to start working on something, but don’t put too much pressure on yourself if you’re unable to

see what others are doing and achieving, and use that as motivation instead of comparing yourself to them and putting yourself down

call for help from others to cheer you on when you can’t do it on your own

counter your negative thoughts with positive ones

think about the benefits of doing the task, instead of the difficulties it will take to get there

take deep breaths and take a step back when things become too overwhelming or the stress takes over (here’s a written breathing exercise, or a gif you can breathe along with)

take breaks, don’t overload yourself

if you think that your schedule is becoming more and more of the same thing every single day, that can heavily impact your motivation - so try your best to try something new, or even just do something that you would usually do in a different way, or with a different outlook; it doesn’t matter if the change you make is big or small, because every attempt goes towards progress

when you’ve completed what you needed to, or even just worked at it a little bit, make sure to congratulate yourself, because you’re trying and i’m so proud of you for that

try your best, because your best is good enough

hey ho loves!! so i recently sat for o levels and its been so hectic, stressful; every day ended at 6 and its all negativity. i noticed a few people i know losing their smiles as well, so i tried to construct a masterpost that will - relieve stress, treat you with love, make sure you know you are loved, and get you up and going again! (please ignore ‘asazora’ iTS KOU i was just lazy to change it)

i. RELIEVING STRESS: things to look at when life is cumbersome and school/work is hard

calming website 

calm.com

pixel thoughts

combating panic attacks

yoritsuki - zen garden app 

retro games

talking to someone 

quiet place

weave silk

anasomnia

procatinator

stress relief mp 

soothe yourself 

relax and unwind

signs and how to cope

another stress relief mp

what you can do 

nostalgia video

dogs  

dog

cats 

birds  

nature and nature and nature 

pano and geoguesser

gifs and gifs and gifs

playlist 

ways to de-stress

cool websites | 1 | 2 | 3 |

ii. love and love and love : know that you are valued and don’t bottle up your feelings - cry more and say more and dont be afraid

people giving hugs 

nice things 

reminders & ideas 

remember & know

change

tips 

what to do

ellen says

sweet things  

lovely things | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |

cute things

i believe in you!

pep talk

feel better mp 

bad day mp  

big mp of self care mps

how to feel better

self care

why you’ll be okay  

activities

sun graphic 

star graphic

gif and gif and gif

cheat sheet 

guide to self care

believe <3

being happy 

being happier

when you feel like giving up 

iii. your health: when you’re burdened with stress and can only think about your studies/work, it’s easy to forget what you’re doing to your body. 

sleeping well   

sleep easy

healthy body mp 

health mp

hydration

exam periods

exam stress

eating well  

staying healthy

iv. get runnin’: start again!

back on track 

confidence mp

get going 

go again

reasons to work hard

motivational 

listen

advice

you are studying for

stop you

sweet eats!!! | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

motivation mp  

yuri on ice motivation!!!

v. letting go: for those who like asmr

fountain pen (auditory)

soap carving (a)

zen garden (a)

zen garden 2 (a)

10 hours tapping sounds - sleep (a)

foam in ears (a)

bath bombs (a)

japanese ear cleaning (a)

shaving cream (a)

slime videos <trypophobia warning> (visual)

slime videos 2 (v)

paint mixing (v)

vi. care: some nice words 

if at first you dont succeed | 1 | 2 |

s/o to anyone 

you’ll be ok :”)

always believe

thomas sanders

cute

some support

can 

vii. some good ideas : unwind 

better days mp 

ideas

do whatever u wanna

viii. positivity: a few blogs

@positivedoodles

@gentle-reminder

@peachisty

@positive-suggestions

@icantdrawbutdontcare

ix. lastly: some comments!

never feel pressured to give up something you love in order to satisfy someone else, or their expectations. 

everyone fails. what matters is that you breathe in and dust yourself off, get going again.

do not feel lacking or inferior to others because you cannot do something they can. they, as well, are unable to do something that you can. we are in this manner distinct and separate individuals.

let no one but yourself define your limits ; nobody can tell you you aren’t capable. 

if you feel alone, let the future be a source of strength. know that if you try, if you reach out, you will find someone. the future brims with endless possibilities. 

a setback is just another way to prove you let nothing stand in your way.

if you feel caged, grit your teeth and drive for freedom. you haven’t tasted freedom, so why stop now?

take breaks, and never sacrifice your health for your work/studies/relationships. no one is allowed to tell you otherwise.

all righty, thats about it! i really hope this can be of help to anyone out there struggling. much love, take care!! <3

making money

tutoring! one of the easiest to make good money in limited time! you don’t have to make home calls if you sign up to an online tutoring agency and tutor over skype

sell your old clothes. to friends/classmates or online (eBay or depop are my favourite platforms)

sell your old notes. this is easily done online and a good way to make a little extra cash

sell your skills. sites like etsy and redbubble are good places to make money off your creative talents

saving money

save £1378 in a year with my free printable

make coffee and tea at home. those daily £3 coffees add up quickly

take your own mug to coffee shops. if you can’t resist the temptation of a coffee shop coffee take your own mug. pret a manger gives you a 50p discount if you bring your own mug and caffe nero gives you double stamps

don’t carry money with you all the time. this will just make you tempted to spend

never buy another bottle of water. carry a reusable bottle with you, bottled water is very very overpriced considering most cafes will refill your bottle for free

don’t use apple pay. if you always have access to money you’ll be much more tempted to go into that shop and buy the top you passed in the window

food prep! carry snacks and a packed lunch with you to avoid pricey snack bars and ready meals. this is also an easy way to be healthier

home cook. this is always cheaper than eating out and 99% of the time cheaper than pot noodles/ramen. home cooking is even more affordable if you do it in bulk or with friends

borrow and download free ebooks and audiobooks as much as possible

make good use of the library. instead of buying books borrow them for free, a library membership is often free if you belong to a university/college but a membership is still often cheaper than buying lots of books if you’re a big reader

bring reusable bags to avoid paying for plastic bags and be kinder to the environment.

go paperless. avoid printing costs and look after the environment

cut your own hair. going to the hairdressers is expensive and can be saved as a treat but if you just need to trim your split ends there’s no reason why you shouldn’t do it yourself or get a friend to help you

pre drink! if you are going out then drink alcohol at home it’s much cheaper than buying it in pubs or bars

other

use cash. it’s much easier to avoid spending money and stick to your budget when you can see exactly how much you have 

keep track of your saving and spending. i love the ‘pocket expense’ app. this will also show you what things you are overspending on 

collect coupons and loyalty cards. points make prizes!

Sometimes you have to turn back to your roots when you’re feeling a bit stuck. I used own journals strictly for my collage art; the pages would be full of all the scraps I ripped out of my mom’s magazines and cut out from old books. Now that my bullet journal is my most used form of art, it’s easy to forget about where all my love for the art started in the first place! Glad I could get back to my roots a little this week and add a lil collage flair to the weekly spread✨🌵 // My absolute favorite potted plant stickers from glendows.com! Get 25% off + free international shipping when you use my code: STILL25

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15.01.2018

“Hearts are fragile things. That’s why you have to be so careful.” - Lauren Oliver

01/15/2018 • I’m baaaack!!! Took a little break for the holidays and now I’m getting into the grind again for semester 2!