It's only the second day of Uni and I'm already tired as, overwhelmed and anxious. However, I'm determined more than ever to actually work for good results rather than to 'just pass.' In doing so, there's a few changes I have been willing to make to change my work ethic:
Research textbooks before buying them straight from the Co-Op Bookstore
Last semester I had spent over $400 on my textbooks (including literature books) which totally wasn't worth it as I hardly read through all of them. This semester I spent almost $200 thanks to researching for cheaper alternatives. Sites like StudentVip, Jekkle and Zookal = praise! They sell your textbooks at minimum $8-$10 cheaper than the retail price.
Reading the Unit Outlines
Now that I have all of my unit outlines, instead of just reading the assessment tasks and study schedule, I've learnt to read the learning outcomes for that unit as that is how I am being marked for it. My advice: read EVERYTHING in your unit outline, it'll give you a big slap in the face showing you what your tutors/lecturers are looking for.
Completing tasks as soon as they've been handed out
As a part of my practical, there is theory and this theory I hadn't done til the day it was due. This semester I am actually going to complete everything I need for my professional experience folder. Evidence of this, I'm already half way through the on-campus week one task! Listen to Nike and just do it.
Efficiently reading
Readings take up so much time but I have realised that in most textbooks, at the beginning of each chapter, there's learning outcomes and subtopics covered in the chapter. Reading according to the learning outcomes actually makes you read what you need to take in and note-taking according to the subtopics makes summaries that much easier.
Start assignments as early as possible
Even if its just a rough plan of how you're going to complete the assignment, it's better than nothing and certainly much better than leaving it to the last minute. I know I can't do that since most of mine are group assignments.
Well that's pretty much all I have to say, it's great to be back at Uni because I'm not alone on it and I finally understand the flow of it all. It's going to be hard to bounce back from holidays but hey, yolo. Jokes. More like y.g.w.h.f.t.d = You Gotta Work Hard For The Distinction. Let's hope that I can keep a Credit-Distinction average this semester. Work hard, play hard!