By AmritaPosted on Posted in EducationNo Comments on Advice for First-Year Students: How to Adapt to Studying
Many first-year students find it challenging to adapt to studying at the university. Read our advice, so the student’s life was balanced.
A significant number of first-year students encounter significant difficulties. They are getting to know an unusual form of study, self-study time increases because of the material, and you need to find new contacts and friends.
In addition, students need to plan their own time, both working and leisure. We have prepared instructions for you to help you survive the adaptation period.
Table of Contents
Organize your working day efficiently.
- Do not postpone assignments. Start by completing from the difficult to the easy. If you need help with your essay– feel free to ask for help. It is not worth sitting with your homework from early in the morning till late in the evening. It is better to take small breaks for 20-30 minutes after every hour of work.
- The key to a strong memory and efficiency is healthy sleep. If you sleep well, you will feel good in the morning and absorb more material.
- Make notes in a notebook or on separate pieces of paper – diagrams, quotations, definitions, and dates. This will help structure the material and serve as reference material for preparing for exams.
- Learn to take notes quickly at lectures. Remember that the class is not dictation but a thesis statement of the lecturer’s thoughts.
- Keep your head in the learning process to avoid getting bored afterward. You must realize that the preparation for exams begins with the first lectures! Do not hesitate to ask the professor if you do not understand the material.
Be optimistic
When you look at life optimistically, it helps to avoid fear and save motivation. It can take up to two months to adapt to the new environment and conditions. To integrate into student life more quickly, actively communicate with people, ask professors and supervisors of the group about things you didn’t get, do not stand aside from other students. Be friendly and kind, and above all – believe in your abilities and that you are valuable to other people.
Sometimes students feel that some disciplines are not at all appropriate for the future occupation. Such a perception inhibits the process of active listening, which will lead to inefficient use of working and personal time. And you will still have to pass the course. You should keep in mind that educational plans and programs are made with an eye on the experience and consumers of practical activity.
The system of education in the university is built so that the students, first of all, require self-determination and the ability to plan their educational activities. There is a feeling of complete freedom. You have to learn to take advantage of this freedom and work for your future.
Organize your schedule in advance
Make a plan for the semester and stick to it. Distribute equally the physical workload, intellectual activity, leisure, entertainment, and travel.
Divide your goals into the following categories: development of personality, relationships, character risks, educational purposes. Think about what you would like to improve/change in the first place. Write down 4-5 goals and plan their achievement for the week/month/year.
Analyze your daily routine. In this way, you will understand what you spend a lot of time on and what you cannot do. Prioritize your tasks.
Main rule: 60:20:20. 60% – planned activity; 20% – unplanned work; 20% – spontaneous activity.
Plan your goals wisely
The student years are a unique opportunity to visit theaters, exhibitions, museums, and other cultural events. Take part in social and community life, sign up for clubs and sports sections – there you can find people with the same interests as yours.
The process of adapting to new conditions is sometimes essential for first-year students who come to study from other cities. Complete change of friends, the rhythm of life, the living conditions. The new stage of your adult life opens up new professional and personal development opportunities.
People need changes. Remember that you are not independent, so you can always ask someone for advice or help. They were freshmen some time ago and know how important it is to help those who have just entered adolescence.
Laugh and fill your heart with joy! Student years are a unique and fascinating time!
Advice for First-Year Students: How to Adapt to Studying