Wednesday 2 March 2016

Top Tips For Studying


Hi guys! So this isn't my usual kind of post, but since heaps of us have been going back to, or starting uni (university/college), this week (at least in NZ anyway), I've seen heaps of posts around asking for tips for studying and going to uni in general, so I thought I would share my top tips that I've learnt from my 4 years at uni so far!


1. Study notes: everyone always asks about the best way to take notes, but it really comes down to what works the best for you. There is no right or wrong way. For me, typing notes on my laptop works so much better than handwriting them. The main reason is speed. If you're half decent at typing, you'll do it at least twice as fast as you would handwriting. It makes it so much easier to keep up and get everything you need written down. Plus, its so much easier to keep all of your notes nicely organized into files labeled by subject, and easier than carrying around a different notebook for each class!

2. What kind of laptop should you get? I'm no expert when it comes to brands and specs, but do not do what I did and buy a laptop with a big screen! Get something nice and small that's light and easy to carry around all day. A big screen is great for using at home to study (and you know, for movies, YouTube etc.) but you don't want to be lugging it around everywhere.

3. Whats for lunch? You are going to save a TON of money if you make your own lunch at home. Buying lunch everyday, or even just coffee everyday really adds up. And what would you prefer? Buying lunch every day or new makeup?

4. Don't stress! Its so easy to get overwhelmed, especially when you're first starting, or during exam time. But stress will only make everything worse. From experience -  I've seen other students frantically studying, trying to cram everything in and stressing out before exams. And believe me, it doesn't do them any good at all. When it gets close to crunch time, you're so much better off taking your time and *calmly* going through what you have time for, than panicking and trying to do it all. It's better to revise what you can thoroughly, rather than trying to do everything and overloading yourself. Stress is terrible for memory retention! If you feel yourself getting stressed, step away for a little while and have a break to refresh.

5. Another not so suprising question I always see coming up, is what kind of bag should you use? Some students use backpacks, some use handbags. What I use, is a backpack, because I need the space. But, I found a Victorias Secret one (pictured below!), that is so much more stylish than your standard high school style school bag. Its the perfect mix of practical and stylish, I love it!



6. My last tip is possibly the most important. If you find that you're not enjoying doing the course that you have chosen (after giving it a decent shot - you can't know if you like it or not after a week!), it is never too late to do something else. Don't feel like you have to stick with what you chose. Its so hard to know if you're actually going to like something before you try it, so don't feel bad about it. I did a diploma in patisserie when I first finished high school, and I actually loved doing the course, but when I was working full time in a bakery, I found it absolutely wasn't for me. Now I've switched to law and I'm way happier!

Hopefully my tips and advice will help you! If you have any tips of your own, share them below!


2 comments :

  1. Sarah this is fantastic!! these were such great tips for people who are just starting out in secondary school and need more info. I loved the last tip and constantly tell friends, "if you don't like what you're doing, don't waste your time! choose something else that you know you love!" fantastic job.

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  2. I just saw your comment - thanks so much Jordyn! :)

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