useful tips for students [pt.2]

nocoeurs:

seeing that the first part blew up with so many positive messages, i’ve compiled another bunch of tips which you may or may not find useful. again, these are based from my own experience or from what i have observed so it’s okay if you have a different opinion regarding it.

part one

the art of learning

• while pretty notes are great and aesthetic for the eyes, please don’t waste your time trying to rewrite them a gazillion times when you make a mistake.
• messy handwritten notes are perfectly fine
• neat handwritten notes are perfectly fine
• as long as you can understand what you wrote, it is eligible in your eyes and you can use it as part of your revision, that’s what truly matters
• that being said: typed notes are perfectly fine
• everyone take notes in different ways; do whatever helps you best
• but remember that these notes should be written by you, and you only, to establish a better understanding
• use colours for your notes! you can associate your notes with different colours and visualise it
• have all of your resources around you – this means a snack, a drink, your textbooks, your laptop – so that there are no excuses for you to get up and wander around instead of actually getting some studying done
• make use of sticky notes
• here’s why: when you are studying somewhere, and you have a question for your teacher or you need to look up a certain thing, write it down on the sticky note so you don’t forget 
• you can also make a to-do list using sticky notes
• use a white-board to plan out your day if you want
• when you lack motivation, ask yourself: why do you study? 

in class

• you do not need to buy expensive stationery 
• no seriously –  if you are comfortable with the pens that you are using, there is no need to buy stationary that may cost you a little (unless you really want to)
• take control of your learning – if you don’t understand a concept, ask your peers. ask your teacher. refer back to your textbook. or go on google.
• but seriously, don’t sit around and do nothing. be proactive. 
• i said this before and i’m going to say it again: failure is a part of life
• sometimes, it’s okay not to have As all the time for a particular class. sometimes, it’s okay to simply just pass.
• use your free study time wisely 
• if you find yourself being distracted where you’re currently sitting, move yourself to the front or away from people that distract you
• pay attention in class kiddo

a little bit of everything

• listening to music while studying is okay
• listen to the genre that helps you focus: whether it’s rock, classical, background noises, pop or lofi mix (and many other unlisted genres) is okay
• but also not listening to anything is okay as well 
• however, when practising exam papers, try to avoid listening to anything. aim to make these sessions as realistic as you can 
• so time yourself when doing a proper practice paper
• and isolate yourself from others. find a nice quiet area to do your test
• mental health days are important 
• when writing an essay for an exam, take 5 minutes to plan it first. 
• it doesn’t have to be in a lot of details, just a quick mind map or bullet points allows you to jot down of all to the things to discuss so that you do not forget later on in the exam (pretty useful when you have a time limit)
• this is an overused tip but still an important one: if you find yourself being distracted by your phone, place it somewhere you know you won’t be able to reach it 
• that could be in another room, like the kitchen or on top of a high shelf or even inside a drawer

you

• take! your! medicine! with you! if! you! have! one!
• and make sure to have it!
• darling, it’s absolutely fine to be bad at something. don’t feel ashamed about it; instead, find ways to improve yourself if you need to but flaws are a part of us too
• avoid spending time with people who diminish your ambitions
• it’s perfectly fine to be in a relationship or not be in a relationship 
• it’s perfectly fine to experiment – whether it’s new makeup or food or new experiences
• don’t make fun of someone who is suffering from a mental illness
• and don’t make fun of someone for liking something that you don’t like 
  
• be that person to push someone to do their best. don’t encourage or glorify unhealthy habits. 
• give yourself a small pep talk when you need it. tell yourself that you can do it. 
• learn to enjoy your own company
• but also learn to listen to other people
• and learn to accept the fact that sometimes, people are going to leave you
• self-confidence is the key
• i believe in you