24:50
things you NEED to do for back to school 📓 *EASY A* organization, study tips, emergency kit
jasmine le
Overview
This video offers practical advice for students navigating back-to-school, covering organization, study strategies, social integration, and personal well-being. The speaker, drawing from her own academic experiences, provides actionable tips on time management, note-taking, exam preparation, and making friends. It also touches on practicalities like creating an emergency kit, managing stress, and making informed decisions about college and majors, emphasizing a balanced approach to academic and social life.
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Chapters
- Utilize both physical and digital planners to track weekly and daily tasks.
- Break down large tasks into smaller, concrete steps to make them less daunting.
- Employ digital tools like Notion to centralize syllabi, assignments, and deadlines.
- Set personal deadlines 2-3 days before actual due dates to proactively manage procrastination and avoid late penalties.
Effective organization is foundational for academic success, reducing stress and ensuring that tasks are completed efficiently and on time.
Instead of writing 'study,' break it down into 'make flashcards for math exam,' 'read math textbook chapter 3,' and 'watch math lecture recording.'
- Tailor note-taking methods to the subject matter; use visuals for science and bolding/color-coding for history.
- Actively engage with material by writing potential exam questions during lectures.
- Review and organize notes after class to reinforce learning and improve retention.
- Employ active recall by using study guides or self-generated questions to test understanding, rather than just memorizing.
Developing effective study habits helps in deeper learning and better retention, moving beyond simple memorization to true comprehension.
For a history class, bold all dates and use a different color marker for each key historical figure mentioned.
- Minimize distractions by putting phones on 'Do Not Disturb' mode.
- Use background music like lo-fi or cafe jazz to create a conducive study atmosphere.
- Implement the Pomodoro Technique: alternate focused work intervals (e.g., 25 minutes) with short breaks (e.g., 5 minutes).
- Understand that breaks are crucial for recharging and improving learning efficiency.
Strategies to improve focus and manage distractions are essential for making study sessions productive and less time-consuming.
Set a timer for 25 minutes of focused work on an essay, followed by a 5-minute break to stretch or grab a drink.
- Reframe exams as time-bound challenges rather than life-defining events.
- Focus on present efforts and future goals, letting go of past academic setbacks.
- Use memorable songs or personal associations to aid recall during last-minute review sessions.
- Remember that academic performance does not define personal worth.
Maintaining a healthy perspective on academic pressures is vital for mental well-being and sustained motivation.
Set a phone widget that counts down the days until an exam, framing it as a 5-day challenge instead of an overwhelming task.
- Be proactive in making friends, especially during the first year, as most people are open to new connections.
- Join clubs or organizations based on shared interests to facilitate easier conversation and bonding.
- Step outside your comfort zone by leaving your dorm room and engaging in campus activities.
- Cultivate relationships with roommates by finding common ground, like walking to and from classes together.
Building a supportive social network enhances the overall college experience and provides a sense of belonging.
Initiate a conversation with someone in class by complimenting their outfit or asking about a shared interest.
- Consider community college as a financially sound option, especially if undecided about a major.
- Choose a college based on personal fit and program offerings, not prestige or peer pressure.
- Prioritize gaining practical experience (internships, projects) over solely focusing on grades for future career prospects.
- Build strong relationships with professors, as they can be valuable mentors and references.
Making informed decisions about higher education and prioritizing experiences will lead to a more fulfilling and successful future.
Instead of buying expensive textbooks, explore options like renting them or finding digital versions online.
- Prioritize safety at parties by being aware of surroundings and not accepting drinks from strangers.
- Understand personal limits regarding alcohol consumption and practice in safe environments.
- Balance social life with academics through effective time management and sticking to commitments.
- Commuter students should aim to spend as much time on campus as possible to integrate into the community.
Maintaining personal safety and achieving a balance between social activities and academic responsibilities are key to a healthy and productive student life.
Pre-gaming before attending a party can help manage alcohol intake and reduce reliance on drinks provided at the event.
Key takeaways
- Proactive organization using both physical and digital tools is crucial for managing academic workload and avoiding stress.
- Active learning techniques, like self-questioning and reviewing notes, lead to better long-term retention than passive memorization.
- Minimizing distractions and utilizing focus techniques such as the Pomodoro method can significantly improve study efficiency.
- Academic success should be balanced with mental well-being; setbacks are normal and do not define one's worth.
- Building genuine connections with peers and faculty is essential for a fulfilling and supportive campus experience.
- College decisions, including major and institution choice, should align with personal goals and interests rather than external pressures.
- Prioritizing safety and responsible decision-making, especially in social settings, is paramount.
- Valuing practical experience and networking alongside academic achievement prepares students for future career opportunities.
Key terms
Physical PlannerDigital PlannerNotionTime BlockingActive RecallPomodoro TechniqueDeep WorkAP ClassesCommunity CollegeGPA
Test your understanding
- How can breaking down large assignments into smaller, concrete tasks alleviate procrastination?
- Why is it beneficial to tailor note-taking strategies to different academic subjects?
- What is the Pomodoro Technique, and how can it help improve focus during study sessions?
- How can reframing exams as time-bound challenges reduce academic stress?
- What are some proactive steps a student can take to make new friends during their first year of college?