#caramelstudy

AUG 05 / 22

happy Friday everyone !! I’m looking forward to the weekend ! Lots of books to read :))))

17-07-19

just some thoughts I have after graduating...if more comes to me I'll make another post but...yeah.

stay on top of your degree requirements: 

no idea about other schools (or even departments within my own university), but my advisor would give some weird information and advice sometimes. once, an entire minor was added to my workload...in a language completely different from what I was studying at the time, and after I had already decided to do something else. don’t rely on others to keep an eye on things for you. write that mess down and refer to it several times during the semester to keep yourself on track.

have your own plan: 

related to the last one, but spend a lot of time figuring out what YOU want from your college experience / future career / later studies, and work towards that. there will be people who try to direct your future and ‘know what’s best for you’, and you could end up wasting a lot of time/money trying to fulfill THEIR goals instead of your own. beat them to the punch and know when to turn something down [or just ignore advice after gracefully receiving it].

but! use your professors wisely: 

I'm not saying to avoid all advice. I got my degree in a field where literally no one in my family has any experience, and it was hard to not feel lost. pick your professors’ brains about their own academic careers, how they went about their degrees, what they would change (or would not), and any suggestions they have. your professors have been in the game for a while, and their networks are extensive. don’t be afraid to tap into that. converse with them about your favorite topics in class, or ideas you have, or projects you would like to complete. they will welcome it.

you won’t have time for everything at the same time: 

be mindful of what you prioritize, and give yourself a break every now and then. even though I was involved in a lot of things on campus, juggled campus jobs, and kept up with my four classes, I couldn’t follow the same routine every single week. some weeks, all I did was study and go to work. other weeks, I dropped my extra study time to go to club meetings and volunteer at events. balance your yes and no, and switch things up to keep the semester feeling fresh [and preventing burnout].

input = output

first ever delivery from muji! couldn’t help but photograph my mini-haul in the garden 🌱

If you’re a student and you haven’t come across Thomas Frank’s Youtube channel, you are SEVERELY missing out! For my own reference as well as wanting to spread all the awesome studying-related tips and advice he has on his channel, I put this masterpost of his Youtube videos as well as some of my favorites of his blog posts.

Thomas Frank’s Crash Course on Study Skills:

episode one: taking notes

episode two: reading assignments

episode three: memory

episode four: planning & organization

episode five: focus and concentration

episode six: procrastination

episode seven: studying for exams

episode eight: test anxiety

episode nine: papers & essays

episode ten: exercise

Just a Handful of Notable Videos from Thomas Frank’s Own Channel:

how to actually break bad habits

how to make yourself study when you have no motivation

five rules for acing multiple choice tests

the most powerful way to remember what you study (this one is good, y’all)

how to study effectively with flash cards

should you ever skip class? 

brain music and binaural beats: do they work?

how to take faster notes

CHEAP TEXTBOOKS

how to create an exam study schedule

how to read your textbooks more efficiently

There are many, many more awesome videos on his channel, but these are some of my favorites and the ones I want quick access too.

Some A+ Blog Posts on College Info Geeks:

how to make money in college

the 6 best note taking systems

how to write a resume

asking for letters of recommendation and references

writing better essays, faster

a beginner’s guide to library research

how to make friends in college

optimizing your sleep

There are lots of other really great resources, videos, and blog posts that he has, these are just some highlights. I hope this helps someone!

MAY 16 / 22