Fiftyfive

I suffered from anxiety and had panic attacks during my first year of university because I didn’t know how to manage everything. I still have some difficulties, but it’s getting a lot better (and also my grades are).

First of all, try to do a little everyday. Lying in bed all day thinking about the things you have to do doesn’t help, try to stand up and do something (even if it’s only reading one page or organizing your desk)

Go to classes! You’ll avoid wasting your mornings in bed and you will learn things better and easier. Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions, it will be appreciated!

Get prepared: try to make a plan days before you exam, write it down, have an agenda, organize! But, most important, your plans have to be realistic. You know what you can do without burning out!

Don’t cut out from your life little things you love doing: going out with friends, watching your favorite tv series, having a long, hot bath and so on… Believe me, there’s time for everything.

At the same time, cut out the unnecessary, learn to say no to things you don’t want to do. You can’t please everyone and you don’t have to. I know it’s hard because when you tell your friends “sorry, I can’t go out, I have an exam in 3 weeks” they rarely understand, but if they love you, they’ll learn to. Too many things on your agenda will drive you crazy.

Sleep! I used to sleep 4 hours per night: as a result, I was always tired and unproductive. Now I sleep at least 7 hours.

Block all your devices when you are studying: I use SelfControl for my Mac and ForestApp for my iphone, they are amazing!

watch this video, really helpful! Anxiety can be good for you.

I’m like 

Ahh, studying abroad. Your question brings back memories of when I applied to study abroad in Denmark.

The purpose of a study abroad essay is to explain why YOU want to study abroad and how doing so will help YOU both educationally and personally.

This is the main format that I used to write my own essay. It helped me organize my thoughts and helped me explain why I wanted to study abroad in a particular program.

You want to make sure that your essay is clear, concise and to the point. You also want to make sure that it’s personal and about you. Make sure that it’s subjective and can explain to the reader what YOU hope to accomplish and why you think that this particular study abroad program can help you accomplish your goals, etc. For example, I explained in my essay how studying in Denmark would help me accomplish both my educational and career goals. 

Finally, please make sure to proofread and review your essay. You want your essay to be personal, but also to the point. Repeating reasons why you want to study abroad and other information that might be off topic can make you go over the length requirement and it will also affect the reader’s interest. Have one of your friends or relatives read your essay. You can also ask one of your professors what they think. I asked my English professor to review and help me revise my essay. Proofreading is a must.