#taystudies

Lectures (in general) 

This is mainly for the Freshman audience!

Raising your hand to go to the bathroom is something that doesn't really happen in college.

it might seem polite but you're not a child anymore and you don't have to ask to go relieve yourself. No one can stop you. It is wise, however, to understand your surroundings. If you are in a small classroom setting (like you were probably used to in high school) then waiting for a pause in the lecture before getting up is polite and looked kindly on. If you are in a large lecture hall with hundreds of others, you can get up at any time, walk outside, do whatever the hell you want and come back in and no one gives a rat’s ass how long you were gone.

you also don’t have to bring your stuff with you if you plan on coming back. You can just ask the person next to you if they can watch your stuff (I do this all the time) and you’ll be fine (I mean, as long as you’re not leaving a wad of cash or something on your desk. Someone might take that lol)

No one cares that you’re wearing pajamas. It's your life, do whatever the hell you want. Unless you plan to go talk to your favorite teacher about a possible reference for a job or something important where appearances matter, you can wear anything. Not gonna lie, I've seen my fair share of butt cheeks in too-short shorts and muscle tees that are seriously low cut (not that I mind~), but at the end of the day it's college and you’re an adult. What outward image you want to display is totally up to you and they can't do shit about it (unless you’re literally in your underwear or something totally obscene like that, which is, yes, illegal). But seriously, you can get away with a lot.

As a sub-note, I personally live in Florida where it's hot, like really hot, and the humidity is most often at 100% so these “underdressed” occurrences are not uncommon. If you live under similar conditions where most people strip to fight the heat I'd give one fair warning: the AC is no. joke. You might end up freezing your ass off no matter how hot it is outside because the majority of the day you aren't in the sun—you're in a classroom that's blasting an AC that no one ever touches. I usually opt for a t-shirt under a flannel or some other type of over-shirt that can be taken on and off when needed. Find what works for you.

If you want to skip a class, pick the second meeting (this means if it’s a M/W class, skip Wednesday). Yes, I know. You're condoning skipping class? Yup. I am. But there are rules. First, you need to make sure you are confident in the subject. For me, that means English classes. That's my forte and that's what I'm focused on, so I feel comfortable skipping a class or two when I need to study for one of my more difficult subjects or when I feel I just can't sit in four classes that day. The second rule is to make sure you aren't actually missing anything like a quiz, or project overview that is going to be delivered that day. Lord knows you can't make that shit up (many times even if you have a legit excuse). Anyways, many classes have a set number of absences you can have (mine are usually 4 tops--unexcused and excused). Figure out how this may work for you.

I don't get sick but once every two to three years, so I can divvy out my skips easily, but for some people, they need to take certain things into consideration. I'd advise you leave an absence (or two) for a situation that might not be under your control. If someone in the family dies or you need to go to the hospital for some unspeakable reason, you don't want to have to be worrying about failing a class by being there. Understanding your personal situation is key to making this work without ruining your college career.

Deciding if you can arrive late is very circumstantial depending on your professor, yourself, the weather...it's a bit of a wobbly situation. I personally like to get to class 10 to 15 minutes early as I hate rushing and the thought of standing at the front and trying to find a seat while half a class is already there (despite the fact that they probably don’t even care) literally makes me want to hurl. Often times, the teacher will only arrive just as the class should be starting (or later). Yeah, as you can see lots of factors go towards whether it's a good idea to be late, so just analyze and make a decision (better late than never anyone?)

If it's a small classroom setting, again, it's usually a good idea to apologize quietly and take a seat quickly. 

Sit wherever you’re comfortable. I see many people suggesting sitting up front, but everyone works differently. I personally prefer the front as it is easier for me to partake in class discussion (I feel pressured when I can see people turn around to look at me) and I don’t have to strain to see. Some people like the back where they can see the whole room and fidget without feeling like they are distracting other people. Some people don’t care.

No there aren’t assigned seats in college, but after a few days, seats might as well be. People tend to sit where they are at the beginning of the year the same as at the end of the year (give or take a few days where you’re later than usual). This is most probably due to the fact that students rely on people in their proper seats to help them find their seat quicker. Even professors rely upon students sitting in the same seats for attendance purposes. Try not to move the general area of the class you attend, or it may throw everyone off!

Lectures 1.2 (preparation)

This is just how I do it I by no means am telling you it is right or for you. Take the information as you will and enjoy!

The night before, make sure you have the readings read and the classwork done (whatever that may be). I can attest to the power of doing the readings (as one who is in multiple English classes and therefore has A LOT of readings). I had a class last semester that I barely did any of the readings for and, although I got an A, I didn’t enjoy it at all. Not only that, but I can’t believe the number of times that I complained I “didn’t learn anything.” Like, no shit, Michaela. You didn’t try. Getting readings and classwork done, even if it isn’t for a grade, will make your life so much easier and you might even find yourself enjoying the subject as you will get a much better understanding.

If you find something confusing or an obscure thought pops up while doing your readings/work, write it down. It will give you a way into class discussion and will help you tons in understanding the topic. I can’t count the number of times in which I know I had a question but by the time it came to the lecture I’d forgotten it.

Before lectures, I like to do a little researching on the topic outside of the textbooks. There is a lot of interesting information out there that can aid you in discussion when in class. Building a relationship with the professors of your major is key to your educational career as you move forward and the best way to do that is by getting them in their element and finding a common ground (I’m still working on this as I don’t like meeting new people).

Make sure you have everything you need. Whether that be a full case of pens and highlighters and your favorite notebook or simply your laptop and a water bottle, you don’t want to show up without the necessities.

Lectures 1.3 (how I do the thing called class)

To start on the most basic level, I get to my seat and set my desk up. I’m super anal about order and my OCD tends to kick in here so you probably won’t have to the compulsive problem I do to situate things over and over again because they’re a little tilted (like just chill Michaela), but however you do it, get yourself prepared before the professor starts the class. It’ll get quiet really quickly and (for me at least) shuffling around in your bag for your stuff is super uncomfortable and embarrassing.

During the lecture, I write down a lot of things besides the notes from the PowerPoints. For me, the notes I take in lecture are really messy. I not only cover what is in the slides, but also anything my teacher says that isn’t there. Usually, if the teacher decides to go off on a topic, it is important and you should pay extra attention to it (unless it’s obvious that your teacher just goes off the rails all the time). I also tend to add reflective commentary and any questions I may have (and their answers).

On the topic of questions, don’t be afraid to ask them. It is severely important for your questions to get answered. You thought them for a reason. You clearly don’t understand something and need a little more detail to do so. It does you no good to have a question sitting there in your head without an answer. Knowledge is power people. Even if you have to wait till the end of lecture because of shyness, do it. You’ll be thankful later.

If your lecturer has included them in their slides, copy the graphs or models (even if it looks like chicken scratch) those charts are more than likely going to show up again later on during a test or quiz because they are short, simple, and cover a heap of information. Get. It. Down. 

I absolutely love when a teacher creates an example for better understanding. They usually come up with something that is simple and easy to understand and that is something that has become EXTREMELY helpful for when I’m trying to understand theory, philosophy, and language (yes, even the English language gets me). Examples given by teachers are also something to keep in your notes as they are usually never generic and can be helpful down the line when you need to write a paper.

After lectures, you should always engage with the material again. I do this by rewriting my notes. It has been scientifically proven that writing helps with long-term memory of ideas and conceptual information. Writing the notes twice helps me even more. By creating a format of my notes (as opposed to the bland first draft) I am able to make a snapshot in my head of those notes and thus remember the information (this is just something that helps me as I have a slightly photographic memory. You by no means need to doll up your notes. It’s a lot of work and not for everyone so don't feel bad about doing something more minimal!) 

For vocabulary, I swear by flashcards. I, of course, have the vocab in my notes already, but I use flashcards for memory as they are not only a technical third time of writing the vocab., but they also help in giving a flash in my memory of the characters (Chinese) and their meaning. The repetitive motion of flipping the flash card also helps when I try to think back to the vocabulary I went over. If you are able to remember the routine, you can effectively form an image in your head of the word and remember the information more clearly (ok, I know this might not work for everyone, but that’s how my mind works. I would compare it to a “Mind Palace” where schemes and events are created to aid with memory of a certain topic, but I wouldn’t go so far as to say my memory is that good.)

That last point was sort of a sneak peek into Part 5! I really hope you enjoyed this. It was a little more personal as how I go about my lectures will differ as what will work to you, but I always find it fascinating to see how others work academically. If you have any questions or want to comment on your own experiences, please do so! Part 4 will be up next Sunday and will be covering assignments (homework and papers) and the tips I have for that as well as my own commentary of the “proper” ways to study *please, note the sarcasm and heavy eye roll*

The major you pick does not dictate the graduate schools you will go to.

You could be a biology major and decide to go to IT school, or an English major who decides to go to medical school. It’s all fair game. What does dictate this is the entrance exams you take (GMAT, LSAT etc.) as well as any higher level undergraduate classes which may be required (specific to the graduate school). It is definitely harder for a non-major to do this as it will cost more time and money to take these extra classes which may or may not go towards your declared major, but it isn’t impossible. Don’t sell yourself short because you can actually do anything if you work for it. 

Scheduling

Rule number one of scheduling is to get your schedule together before the window for enrollment opens. At my school, the window date depends on a whole slew of qualifications (year, grades, specific college at the uni etc.) but it could be different anywhere. Know when your window is (time and date!) and have a “dream” schedule prepared ahead of time as well as backup classes which can take the spot of courses you may not get in time. Sometimes you won’t get all your desired classes, but more often then not you will get most of them if you come prepared.

Check often on the classes you picked in case they have closed (no more seats available) before you reach the enrollment date. You don’t want to be caught with your pants around your ankles when the time comes to click that button and the classes are all gone.

Also, go to RateMyProfessor to see if the teacher is right for you. Students can be brutally honest so see what they have to say about the teacher and their style and gauge if you’re willing to deal with that.

Having classes that are all different is common for the first year or two as they are entry level classes that are required for the school. However, as you reach your upper-level courses, your schedule will start to have more and more same-subject classes according to your major (my next semester is three English classes, Chinese II, and another class that is technically another English). Don’t let these menial classes get you down (as they do for some when taking classes that seem pointless). Instead, focus on how each one finished is one step closer to being able to take courses that you will actually enjoy and that pertain to your major.

As a side note to those who end up doing particularly bad in classes they have no interest in (like me): don’t underestimate the impact ONE bad grade will have. I dropped from a 3.7 to a 3.2 in a single semester because I was struggling in a major I had no business in and the classes were so. fucking. boring. I’m now at a 3.68 and rising since then, but that is due to hard work and straight As for 3 semesters straight. So, please, respect the boring classes and just get through them. (I’m cheering you on!)

Schedules are usually customizable in college (at least in America), given you put effort into moving classes around and fitting things together. You could have classes five days a week or four days, have 2 hours breaks in between classes or 15-minute breaks (note: I’ve done this. Not highly advised but doable. I recommend going to google maps and seeing how long it takes to walk from class A to class B and so on), or have four classes one day and only one on another. Don’t sell yourself short and really put time into making what you need possible.

I’m not going to say to take or not take 8AMs. Honestly speaking, I’ve taken them every semester since I entered college. It’s all up to the person and how they want their day to go. Some people would rather have their day start at 8 and end at noon (or sooner!!) and be home rather than start at 9 or 10 and get home at 4 (or later). Some people don’t care. Take the classes you want to at the times you feel comfortable with and don’t let anyone make you feel shit because of it (because screw them lol)

So at my college (for most classes) eating and drinking is totally okay and no one gives a rats ass about it, so I’d advise you to just read the syllabus and make sure your teacher doesn’t have a no food/drink policy if you run late or want to snack in class. Otherwise, try to find time during your day to schedule lunch, whether that means during your study break between classes, or after all your morning courses are over and you can head home (lol me?)

As much as I dread interacting with strangers, I highly recommend going to your counselor at the beginning or end of every semester to make sure you are on track and taking the correct courses. That being said, don’t rely on them fully. They are human, they make mistakes, and they also may not know you on a personal level. Schedule making is something that should mostly be in your own hands and relying on the counselor will only leave you at risk for not only a crappy schedule but also for a bad relationship with these people who are only trying to help.

DO NOT I repeat DO NOT SCHEDULE TOUGHER CLASSES ALL IN ONE SEMESTER. JUST DON’T. Why? Because you don’t have to. Why struggle to get good grades because every single class you’re taking is hard for you when you could spread those tough classes throughout the four years you have to complete them?

And last, but certainly not least, don’t just focus on the next semester. Look at the big picture. What are all the courses you need to take in the next four years? Is a minor required? How about double majoring? How many more courses does that add? Can you do it all in four years or will you need to take some classes in the summers? Planning ahead and seeing what you have to do and how much you have accomplished already is a sure-fire way to keep yourself motivated and relieve some anxiety that comes from feeling like you’ll never get it done in time.

Thanks for reading and I hope this helps! If you have any questions (about these or about something you’re concerned/need help with) feel free to drop into my ask box and I’ll be more than willing to help where I can!

I plan to post part two next Sunday so stay tuned! I’ll be covering eating as a college student and things that you may need to know for the first day of classes. Many of these things will help with first-day anxiety (at least I hope to ease some of that!)

Going off the first point, don’t rely fully on outside sources for exams.  Watching a video explanation of how to solve a type of math problem is one thing, but watching an explanation video for World War Two isn’t always the best way to go (and it might end up being a waste of valuable time). The information is great (any documentary lovers out there?) but you’ll find that teachers create their study guides and reference sheets in a way which caters exactly to each exam. Do as much extra research on a topic that interests you as you want, but, at the end of the day, you should make sure you have the information on the study guide down pat because that extra information probably won’t be on the test.

 I’m not going to suggest working in a study group (or not) because we all work differently. For me, I like working alone and at my own pace. If working together with other people seems more your cup of tea, go for it! Find what works for you and stick with it!

The first exam is always the hardest because you are going in blind. You don’t know how the teacher really sets up their tests or how difficult it actually is going to be. Don’t panic! As long as you study accordingly, I’m positive they’ll get easier. 

From my experience, the first step to anything pertaining to studying is scheduling. At the beginning of the semester, you will be given a syllabus which will have your semester calendar with it. This will tell you exactly what you’ll be going over each day and what days certain things are due (projects, papers, exams etc). You can just use the schedule in the format it’s given to you, but I MUCH prefer putting it all in my planner. This way, I can have each day planned out and it becomes so much easier to see where I have time to do other things—like studying.

You should reserve time throughout the weeks before the big test for studying. Whether this is in small increments or large bouts is up to you, but get it done. The last thing you want it to have put it off till the end and go in unprepared and nervous. (I still go in nervous, but at least when I get the test I feel much more prepared!)

While you are studying, I suggest always having a large water bottle or beverage of your choice at your desk as well as whatever snacks (if any) you plan to eat within that time period. The act (for me at least) of continuously getting up can cause study burnout. It seriously messes with my mojo when I divert my attention out of the room I’m studying in so I highly recommend having everything with you before you start grinding.

If you plan to study for long periods of time, as opposed to something like the Pomodoro method, TAKE BREAKS! The term “break” is very broad and can be a variety of things. For me, it’s taking a walk or doing a chore or simply reading a few chapters of my latest book of interest. It might seem counterintuitive after the last point, but it really isn’t. Some people just work best grinding it out for an hour or two as opposed to 25-30 minute increments and that’s totally fine, but the last thing you want it to get headaches and lose the information you’re learning halfway through because your brain is fried.

I find I work best in these long runs because my mind is totally focused on the subject at hand. Once I get hooked into the flow of it, I don’t even want to get up to pee in fear of breaking my flow (both a good and bad thing).

A lot of people say not to study the day before a test (I don’t even know why), but I’m not gonna say that. Maybe giving yourself a day helps you, but for me, I like to study up until the last minute. There’s nothing wrong with it either way. As long as you are going in prepared, how you got there doesn’t really matter (that is, unless you’re literally killing yourself via endless studying. That’s not healthy and I don’t condone that AT ALL). 

The courses I take don’t include things like practice tests, and the exams are usually essay based (if I have one at all), but if yours does, take them! Practice tests are a surefire way to getting a 100% as they are created in a similar setup and with similar questions to the actual test (not to mention you don’t even have to put any work into creating it yourself).

If your exam has essay questions, the study guide will probably also have sample essay questions (which might actually be the exact! questions! on! the! exam!) Create an answer for each one by looking back on your notes. Then, try to recreate the answer for each question in your own words without looking at your generic, not-actually-essay-form answer. This is the best way (imo) to go about these types of questions as you can understand better how to frame the answer and you get the nitty-gritty information down pat.

I like to study on the exam day because it helps me get in the zone for when exam time comes around. Any time I haven’t studied on exam day, I wasn’t in the right frame of mind and I wasn't able to grind through the test. That being said, if studying the day of gives you more negatives than positives in the form of exam-outcome then don’t do it. 

The main message here is this: to succeed in your exams, you MUST find what works for you. This is so so important. I could go on and on about what I do and how I get straight As, but what works for me WILL NOT work for everyone (I also might be just a psycho who uses methods that work for literally no one but myself lol). Finding your own method and sticking to it, making it a part of your academic lifestyle is key to success. 

Okay, well there’s part 5! I only have one more part where I’ll cover safety in college. I feel like not a lot of people talk about it, but college is a terrifying place to have to be when going out on your own for the first time and people need to be more aware of what goes on and what to do in certain situations (especially incoming students who are so so adorable and should be protected). 

Staying Safe

The first thing you always want to do is know the laws of the land. Can you carry a knife on campus? Pepper Spray? Taser? How about a simple alarm keychain (these are really loud)? Knowing what kind of weapons you can keep on your person is always important when trying to stay on the right side of the law. My school only allows pepper spray (which in my opinion hurts like a bitch but doesn’t guarantee safety AT ALL). I’m also not someone who wanders on campus at night so it doesn’t REALLY concern me, but I do know of a lot of people who still carry pocket knives. It’s your decision at the end of the day, but just know where you stand because if a situation ever arises and you have to use it, you could get in a lot of trouble (like a LOT).

My school has these beacons/emergency phones on campus about every 20 feet (no joke). The idea is that from each beacon you should be able to see another. They are used so that if you press the button on them, the blue light at the top will go off and the campus police will be notified and on their way immediately to that location. See if your campus has anything like this. Knowing your options when alone is very important as one thing might fall through and you’ll need a backup plan.

Know your school's safety resources. My school has a boatload of them, from a victim’s advocate program, to a thing called “Night Nole” where you can call for a ride to your residence, to an app where you can rapidly provide information about yourself to the Campus PD during an emergency. It also provides GPS coordinated from your phone. 

Another good thing to have is a campus alert app (most, if not all, have it). It will tell you if an incident has recently happened, places to stay away from, and send updates on the situations. 

As a side note, most phones nowadays have an SOS feature built into them. For (most?) iPhones, it’s pressing the side power button 5 times fast and for most Androids, it’s pressing the power button 3 times fast. This will notify emergency respondents and your emergency contact that you are in need of help.

Don’t leave your dorm or apartment without locking up. Even if you’re planning on only being gone a few minutes, something could happen. People are thieves guys. They will break in, or sometimes you might have a really shitty roommate who can just waltz in and take your stuff. Decide whether you need something like a safe or drawer to keep your valuables (laptop, iPad, camera etc.).

 If you live on the first floor, close your windows and either shut the blinds or hide your valuables in drawers any time you leave. Also, make sure your windows lock.

If you use a safe, keep it hidden in a closet so it isn’t so obvious that there’s something of importance there.

Look in your car before you sit in it. Most people don’t think to check the back seat, but this is the exact place people love to duck down and wait for someone to come back. You sit down, and they sit up, putting a gun to your head and forcing you to drive.  No one thinks it will ever happen to them, but it could. Even if you think “Oh, I locked the car, no one can get in” check. It doesn’t hurt and takes seconds to do.

When walking to your car at night, hold your key or pepper spray or pocket knife (discretely) and be ready to use it.

Walk under street lights and stay away from deserted paths. When in doubt, stick to the routes you are familiar with.

Once you get in your car, lock the doors and leave. One of the most common situations in which people get attacked is sitting in their cars for a few minutes, doing whatever, with the car running. Someone walks up with a gun or knife and get in the car, forcing you to drive. Don’t put yourself in that situation. Lock your doors and leave.

You don’t need to delete your social media accounts, but there are some things you should keep in mind. You should probably avoid location-tagging your photos as a whole, but if you really must do it after you’ve left. This is a technique even celebrities use so they can’t be followed.

Also, don’t publicly announce when you’re home alone or are leaving your home for an extended period of time. This is something I always do for trips. Any pictures you take should be posted after you are back home. That way, by the time someone sees it, they can’t know where you are or where you’re not. 

Seriously make your accounts private. Why do you need to let total strangers see your life? You don’t. Unless it’s an account that has nothing personal attached to it (like a BTS dedicated account or something) it really isn’t necessary. Don’t let other people make your business their business.

I don’t really have a lot of tips in the sex area, but if I’ve learned anything it’s: Don’t have unprotected sex. This isn’t a fucking game, guys. And no, this isn’t about getting pregnant (though I doubt you want to do that either). This is about disease. PEOPLE ARE GROSS. PEOPLE PASS ON THE GROSS. You got the shot in the ass so you won't have babies so now you can have all the unprotected sex you want? Try again. I know (not from my own experience but an old friend’s) that things like Gonorrhea and Chlamydia are as common as getting zits on campus. No matter how much you think you know a person, they just may find it embarrassing that they have something like this and not tell you-or they’re just a dick (dick move either way). If you plan to have sex, do it with a condom or not at all. 

If you are sexually assaulted, use a rape kit as soon as possible. The sooner you do this, the more information can be gathered and the more likely the perp. will be found. 

Simple Tasks

Take the headphones out. It’s dark and one of your senses is already putting you at a disadvantage. You don’t need to lower another one, especially when in low populated and dark areas. Stay aware.

Take the free self-defense class your school probably offers. And take a friend. That simple knowledge could save you when you need it most (maybe years down the line!)

Always try to walk with someone else. Late class? Ask if anyone is walking the same way and walk with them. Maybe you went out to have drinks and party with some friends. Have a designated driver (or if you walked a designated walker) and make sure you go home/walk home with them and not your other drunk friends.

When in doubt, call Uber (if driving) and, if available, the campus safety driver program (mine is Night Nole). They (for my school anyway) send either a car is driving or a golf cart with people who will take you where you need to go and get you there in one piece.

I don’t care what you do when you “go out”, but don’t ever do it alone. People get up to wild things in college (things I didn’t even know people could get up to in my town--I thank that one friend I had freshman year who opened my eyes to how fucked the world is) and the worst thing you could do is end up alone and out of your senses.

Only drink from something you brought, or a bottle/can/cup you opened yourself. AND DONT TAKE YOUR EYES OFF IT. It takes seconds for someone to walk by and drop something in your drink. If you are going to drink, don’t be an idiot and keep your eyes on the damn cup.

These are just things I’ve accumulated, so here is a page covering this and more on a deeper level. I highly recommend giving it a read.

I don’t want anyone to become paranoid. I want you to be cautious. I have been in college for the past (almost) 3 years and have not been subject to any of these situations. Have I come close? I wouldn’t know. That’s the issue here. There is a fine line between something happening and something not. It’s all a matter or situation. The key take-away here is to prepare yourself before you are put in a dangerous situation. You don’t want to keep telling yourself it will never happen just for it to occur one day.

Note: Not everyone is a bad person. In fact, most people aren’t. Don’t let this scare you from enjoying your time, something you have every right to do. Just be aware and vigilant toward yourself and others’ safety and you will be able to enjoy it as you do everything else.