Caffeinated College: Surviving University Classes

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1. Read the textbook and assigned reading

  • Ive been on both ends of this spectrum… Some classes I read every word in the text and others the $200 textbook went unread…
  • It is important to understand what the prof expects you to learn from the textbook and focus on that, skimming everything else.
    • If you have a prof that is in to some sort of witch craft, and you can never get a sense of what they will be putting on the final, than you have no choice but to read every word of the assigned reading… Sorry bud, that sucks, but everyone gets at least one of these profs.
  • Don’t waste your time reading the text if you aren’t absorbing what you’re reading. Get up and go for a walk or grab a coffee, clear your head. Then approach trying to read your text.

2. Take good notes in class.

  • There are lots of ways to take good notes, and I can do a whole post on it later, but find the way that works best for you, and use it!
  • If you can’t seem  to find a successful way to take notes… There is most likely a academic success centre on campus, go talk to them!!

3.  Make cue cards

  • You’re brain has a better chance of remembering something if you force it to recall information versus just reading info and asking yourself questions
  • You can go old school with the little cards and a pen — this is good as writing down the info also helps you remember things.
  • If you are like me and prefer having everything together on your laptop, I recommend ANKI .
    • You can create lots of different types of cards (regular, reversible, fill in the blank…)
    • You evaluate how challenging each card was and the program shows you the hard cards more frequently than the easy cards!
      When you’re studying for exams this is a priceless time saver!!
    • BONUS: its free

4. Know when you don’t know

  • Not understanding a concept is not uncommon or even unexpected! don’t worry there are lots of other people in the same boat as you!
  • Go to tutorial and ask your TA! TAs are older students, they can relate, it wasn’t too long ago that they were in the same situation you are now. They can be a great resource!
  • Ask your professor after class. Often a profs will plan to stay an extra few minutes after class to answer questions. Use that time if you need it.
  • If your professor allows questions, then take a deep breath and stick your hand up in class and ask your question. It is likely lots of other students have the same question! So you will save the prof time by allowing him to answer the question once for the class instead of dozens of times individually
  • If you’re still at a loss, go to the profs office hours! They dedicate that time to the students in your class, so don’t make him sit there all alone for an hour twice a week… Go to his office and ask your question! It will be fine! He’s not going to bite!!
    • REMEMBER: nobody goes to office hours at the beginning of the semester, but everyone goes before the final, so don’t wait till the last minute to ask your question!!

5. Be social!!

  • Meeting people on class is a great way to find/make a study group!
  • If you know people in your class you’ll be able to get the notes if you’re sick
  • You need some one to grab coffee with or vent to when you’re too stressed. Yes you’re in school to learn, but its important to not overstress and have fun! So being social and having fun is important too!!

Hope these tips were helpful! And that you feel a little more prepared when going to your first 101 class with 750 other first years! Work hard, stay social, ask questions, and you will be fine!

Cheers! From my intentionally iced coffee to yours,

Mackenzie

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