Reading slumps are hypothetically like mental warfare. No, I’m serious. All you want to do is take your mind off important things like a) does my car have enough gas to get to school? b) should I go grocery shopping this weekend? c) I’m in five group chats about the same topic when I couldn’t give less of a fuck about the color of Sarah’s cousin’s prom dress…and so forth. We all have our reasons for reading, but real life always manages to gets in the way (especially now that exam season is upon us). So, what better way to combat a slump than by balancing it out with another, equally entertaining method of transportation from reality? Yup, I’m talking about music.
Apps like 8tracks, Spotify, and Soundcloud are all very helpful…if you know what you’re looking for. Personally, I love creating playlists on 8tracks that coincide with the book I’m reading. I feel as though listening to music that reminds me of the atmosphere of my novel can make the reading experience seem way better AND far more likely to keep my attention (in other words: it’s the book-hangover elixir you didn’t know you needed). All that being said, I’ve asked you guys to request some books that you’d like to see a music adoption for. Here’s a list of bands/ singers that I find have similar vibes with those novels! Feel free to add your own discoveries to the list!
Uprooted by Namoi Novik: Fleet Foxes, Lord Huron, James Vincent McMorrow, Bear’s Den, Daughter, Tom Rosenthal, Ben Howard,
The Secret History by Donna Tartt: Little Red Lung, Keaton Henson, Susanne Sundof, Palace, Novo Amor, Rhodes,
Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Mass: Adrian Von Ziegler, Florence Welch, Ruelle, Aurora, James Newton Howard, Woodkid, Glasser,
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo OR Deathless by Catherine Valente: Foreign Fields, French for Rabbits, Julianna Barwick, Jeremy Soule, Erik Satie, Dario Marianelli, Sarah Blasko
The Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater: Radical Face, Jake Isaac, The Black Keys, The Jungle Giants, Glass Animals, Benjamin Francis Leftwhich, Annie Eve,
1. Your attitude dictates your experience, so start finding things to get psyched about.
2. Stock up on healthy snacks in your house!!! You’ll be glad you did when the study-munchies roll around (and they always do).
3. Invest in a good planner.Especially if you take part in multiple extra-curriculars, I can’t stress how helpful it is having a place to check back on deadlines and big events.
4. Write down all your teachers’ names and emails as soon as you get them, so you’re not searching for them when you’re absent.
5. No one is having as much fun as their snapchat story makes it seem.
6. Don’t believe what your peers tell you about tests they take before you, study how much YOU need to.
7. Be nice to your math teacher. Partial credit on math problems might save your grade.
8. Don’t throw out syllabuses/first day handouts!!!! Theres a good chance they have information on the late policy and a gazillion other helpful things.
9. In fact, try to hold on to as many papers as you can for when finals inevitably attack.
10. No one knows you wore those jeans yesterday.
11. Be conscious of how you smell. Don’t be B.O. kid, but also try not to suffocate your lab partner with the scent of artificial fruit/flowers.
12. That cookie in the cafeteria is probably not worth 95 cents. Pack snacks from home to resist overpriced school treats.
13. If you’re carrying around a travel mug of coffee, people will usually leave you alone.
14. Don’t spend more time planning your study schedule than actually studying. Just get your books out and do it.
15. Never underestimate the amount of motivation you can get from watching Legally Blonde (movie or musical).
16. Try to attend at least one school sporting event per season, even if thats not really your scene. Some teachers even offer extra credit for going to big games!
17. Don’t be that kid that asks the teacher when you’re getting your tests back. They have like a gazillion to grade. You’ll get them when they’re done.
18. Have a pump-up playlist for the ride to school and the walk to your first class. Nothing feels more badass than walking through crowded hallways while listening to Halsey’s “New Americana”.
19. Set up a back-up study zone for when you need a change of pace.
20. Don’t put off creative projects because you think they’ll be less time consuming. There’s nothing worse than glitter gluing a scale model of the U.S. Senate at 3 AM because you thought it would be quick and easy.
21. That extra 10 minutes of sleep is not worth the risk of oversleeping completely. Get up, splash your face with some cold water, and get this show on the road.
22. Find a school inspiration, whether it be a really hardworking friend or a studyblr you follow. Check their progress whenever you need motivation.
23. If someone only ever talks to you when they need to copy the homework, they’re using. Don’t indulge them.
24. Doing your own work is so SO important. Plagiarism can destroy careers.
25. Creative outlets can be so refreshing, like a diary, a private tumblr, a sketchbook, whatever floats your boat.
26. When all else fails, remember how lucky you are to be getting an education. School isn’t a punishment, its an opportunity for you to create a kick-ass foundation for the rest of your life.
Hello people out there! I decided to finally make this post about social anxieties in university and how I deal with it. It’s a VERY big issue for me; social anxiety (although I don’t know if it’s an actual social anxiety disorder or not, I’m sorry!) affects so many parts of studying and makes so many things a whole lot more complicated and hard for me
My advice, therefore, is probalby not going to be useful fore everyone, but I hope for at least a few people. Also, note that I am studying at a German university and communting to uni instead of living in a dorm so that might make things different to your experience!
[I know there are other posts about this topic, but still, maybe something of this is new to you.]
So, here are the things that I had to learn and still learning
Office hours & talking to professors
If you feel uncomfortable going there, especially if you don’t really know where the room is, what the professor is like etc.: e-Mail them beforehand (you should probably do this anyways!) and tell them about your questions!
Go there as early as possible. If office hour tarts at 3, be there 3 minutes before 3, so that you can avoid sitting in front of the closed door, anxiously waiting for it to open: this makes you even more nervous, so try to be the first.
Write down your questions and don’t feel awkward scribbling down every word of advice the professor give to you. It helps you and it onyl shows you are really interested!
(I don’t know if any of you ever had this problem..) I sometimes don’t really know in which language to adress my professors since they come from many countries around the world so I’m not always sure if they can speak German of if I should speak English.. my advice: See if any classmates are talking to them and figure out the language and if you can’t do that: English first!
Studying and lectures:
Don’t come late to class! I always hated coming late because everybody could stare at me then I wouldn’t get to choose where I sit.
Talking of seats: Especially in the beginning, sit wherever you feel comfortable. At the beginning, I wouldn’t want to sit at the back (I know, weird that is) because I thought I couldn’t find friends there or people would think of me as weird. But if you are more comfortable at the back /front/wherever: sit there. Just do it. Listen to the lecturer. Take notes. It’s your life, make the best out of it.
If you are like me and you are kind of anxious about going into libraries (we do have a lot of them in our uni) because you don’t really know how it all works, start studying at home (if that’s possible for you) or go to a library with a good friend. Or simply ask the staff there. They are always nice and open if you have questions like: “How do I print out these things” or “what are the hours to come here” or “Where the heck do I find that book”
Commuting, parties & commitment
finding people you feel comfortable with may take time and it’s even possible you won’t ever make your “best friends” at uni but somewhere else! Don’t feel forced to meet new people everyday. If there are nice people in the same lecture room: Try to sit next to them or ask silly questions or so if you feel like that. If not, that’s okay!
If people say negative things about you living with your parents …. don’t answer. Just go. They are mostly super stupid and selfish so they don’t see any other reality but theirs as valid. Believe me.
parties. You know… Up to this point, I have only been to one “official” university party that takes place every week. Yup. I enjoy house parties! I have found a really good friend actually and she lives together with a friend so the parties there.. are really nice!
being at parties: always try to wear the most comfortable clothing you have (or sexiest or whatever). I know, clothes shouldn’t matter but they do matter to me so never underestimate that!
how-to-party: I don’t know how to. That’s the truth, I’m sorry. I have learned so many things about it but still didn’t figure out how much I should bring when they say “bring your own drinks”.. one beer? a bottle of vodka? (I mostly bring three beers and something nice to eat and it never was a problem.)
people always tell you that uni is also about being commited: joining a political party or a debating club or something like this. But … that’s hard for an anxious person. My advice: If there’s a friend coming with you, go there! If not: two option: Don’t go. That’s fine. You’re not weird then. Second: Go there and onyl focus on yourself. You’re there for yourself because you think it’s interesting/fun/nice! Maybe email them beforehand and ask if it’s alright to come (probably yes) and again: sit wherever you’re comfortable, and TRY to be.. not to afraid. It might get better. If it doesn’t: Don’t go there any longer. The time may come when you feel better and you can join them agin. Do not force yourself!
Anxious situations & general advice
Do NOT EVER be ashamed of walking around alone trying hold back tears while nervously playing with your hands/phone!!! It is alright. It is so so okay you’re feeling like this. Don’t ever let your feeling be not validated by people who just have no idea about these kinds of things.
Have a friend to call, or your mum or sis etc.; or an imaginary friend.. anyone that will comfort you.
Focus on your breath and remind yourself why you’re there.
Cry… it will be a relief.
Go away from all of those people
Go to the bathroom or, if it’s nice, outside and you’re feeling not too bad, go to a green place or so. Just be there. Breathe.
Have a notebook to write in. And do that! In a a state of anxiety and panick, focusing on letters, on thoughts only will relieve stress!
Have a small blanket or a small stuffed animal with you. I know it’s so childish but it has helped me so often.
Find out a place you can always go to (library maybe, a park, a café, a book shop, in the train, the cafeteria, whatever, a lecture room).
Try to avoid things that stresses you: don’t come late to classes, don’t sit at the back/front/middle if that’s uncomfortable, don’t study in the library if you don’t necessarily need to. Take your time. These things aren’t bad, they won’t destroy you. You will need to sit somewhere else, or go to the library or do anything that stresses you but take it in small steps: go there with a really good friend maybe or wear your nicest dress in which you feel undefeatable, listen to music,… but don’t feel pressured just because “that’s what students do”
ACCEPT IT DON’T HATE YOURSELF. You are you, not somebody else and if that’s how you feel, that’s alright! Don’t let anyone tell you your feelings are not valid. They are. Love these feelings, work with them, work with yourself. This is evenetually the ony thing that will ever help you.
So. That was it. Again, I hope I have helped some few people out there! And if you think there’s something missing of if you totally contradict: Feel free to always tell me or to contact me, I’d be happy to help out! ♥
Know your personal learning style. The techniques which are appropriate for you will vary according to your learning style.
Sensory or visual learners normally have a preference for practical approaches involving the use of images.
Active learners tend to prefer to learn by physical activity such as manipulating materials.
Reflective learners prefer theoretical and analytical approaches to derive meaning.
Verbal learners opt for word based tactics.
Creating lists: this is the most basic technique. Distill your notes into a series of headings. Ding this helps imprint the knowledge and the end result is an overview of the subject allowing you to place your knowledge in the right context. This is suited to verbal or read-write learners. Numbering your lists can be useful for memory.
Making timelines: You can use timelines to plot the progress of events, procedures, or developments. These can be drawn as vertical or horizontal. They are particularly useful if a lecture has referred to a set of events.
Sketching Mindmaps: These are extremely visual and rely on their colour and shape to produce a memorable and attractive image. Some people use these in lectures or classes. For revision, they should be quick, legible and coherent. Concept maps can be as useful as outlining answers.
Drawing Diagrams: Diagrams can be used to show hierarchies, processes, or relationships. They can be used to build an answer outline. Sometimes they can even form a part of your formal answer. They are extremely useful to visual learners. However, take care when they are personal and only have meaning to you because they may not add value to any content in exams.
Posters and Post it notes: This is good for people who like to subliminally absorb information. It suits kinesthetic learners. The idea is to create an area full of posters to help embed the information into your memory a a part of your normal everyday world.
Use nonsense words and mnemonics: I will always remember the colours of the visual spectrum through Richard Of York Gave Battle In Vain.
Use rhymes: We all know how memorable music is and how much it gets stuck in our heads. Use it. Create your own lyrics for a tune you know, or adapt rhymes that you’ve known since childhood. Nursery rhymes are really great for this.
Journey pegs: Think of a long journey with which you’re familiar. Identity stages on the journey that you are able to remember. Map the facts onto thee stages by “pegging” a memory to that place through relation.
Create a story: Especially useful if the story is funny.
Listing: Knowing how many points there are meant to be can hep you work out if you’ve forgotten something.
Practice: Keep going over the material.
Revisit your notes with memory techniques in mind.
Encoding:Think about how you normally remember thins; acoustically, semantically (meaning) or visually? Use it. Use rehearsal out loud for acoustic encoding of memory. Question the material and it’s meaning for semantic encoding. Look at the material and note it’s key visual features for visual encoding.
Chunking: Chunk the information (break it up into smaller and more manageable pieces).
Hey, everybody! I hit 5k a little while ago, and I figured I’d celebrate by compiling a list of all the things I’ve learned in the past few years that made my world a little brighter
if you can, read books you’re assigned for literature classes once through before you start reading and analyzing in class. you’ll have a better grip on plot, and won’t have to worry about falling behind.
carry water with you everywhere, and take a sip whenever you’re anxious
pick up a hobby that involves art or crafts, but isn’t stressful
schedule time every day to do absolutely nothing
schedule everything. having a plan works wonders on stress
learn about things that interest you in your free time
it is never to early to start preparing for something
get your outfits ready the night before, including shoes and makeup
wake up at 5 am. you get time to wake up in the morning, watch a sunrise, and have a good breakfast
you will be 110% more productive if you’re wearing shoes. i kid you not. it’s magic.
find a pen that you like? a) write the name down and b) order a ton of it
have a journal purely for your favorite memories and happy thoughts. when you get sad, you can pull it out and have a book of reasons life isn’t always awful
if you haven’t been taking care of yourself and it’s the middle of the night and you’re exhausted and you feel like shit and you just want to sleep but your stomach is grumbling and your mouth is dry, get up and make yourself a cup of (non-caffeinated) tea. while it’s brewing, drink a glass of water and make yourself a healthy snack with enough protein to get you through the night. eat the food, drink the tea, and go wash your face and brush your teeth before you go to sleep. you’ll be tired the next day, but you’ll feel so much better
save your favorite childhood books to read on a rainy day
make a playlist for every mood you can think of, so you’re never alone with the silence
find a really soft sweater or blanket. designate this your hug sweater/blanket. curl up in it whenever you need a hug.
most importantly, drink water, take care of yourself, and have a nice day <3
I’ve had my studyblr for about two years now and I’ve been doing A levels for most of that time, these are the study tips I’ve learnt, these are obviously all my own experiences and may not be what is best for you:
Your grades will be worse than your GCSEs in your first term. I knew A levels were hard, so I studied hard from the start, but I still struggled in my first time a lot. I struggled with Maths all year. Don’t think you are a failure because of this. Your skills will get better with practice and so will your grades. Learning to accept failure and to not be a perfectionist is one of the important things I’ve learnt from A levels. (From what people at uni have told me, it’s the same then, so take it as practice for that.)
Make sure to keep doing other things. Doing extracurriculars, part-time jobs, personal projects, work experience and so on during your terms can make things a lot more interesting. You’ll also wish you did more of the things that were available in the end.
Do a summer school between 1st and 2nd year. You can keep on studying and most are only a week or two. I wish I had done one. There are a lot for when you are in Year 12 but not many for Year 13s. If you’re british, do NCS, I would have if I knew it was available to 17 year olds as well as 16 year olds, even if it seems scary it’ll be worth it.
Honestly study in your frees.Even if it’s not all of your frees or if you’re doing work casually while hanging out with friends, at least do studying in your frees. I don’t have anything against using frees to socialise and some of the best times I’ve had in college have been during frees, just don’t do that every free.
Do some hardcore studying in your frees. I don’t have anything against casually working on homework with friends, but if you have to finish an essay or homework in general, having at least one free where you really concentrate a day helps a lot. It reduces the work you need to do at home so much.
Work hard all year. There isn’t too much to cram it all in the last few weeks, but there’s too much to learn everything in the last few weeks or to even learn it in the last two months. You need to have good enough notes and have learnt enough throughout to make revision easier. I did a lot of note taking through the year because I know that I’m not good at spending all day every day cramming, so I make up for it earlier on.
Don’t work too many hours at work. Or too many days, working for 8 hours can leave you with an evening but you’ll too tired to work.If you can’t get time off for your exams or it’s too much for you, get another job. Your education matters more. You can work more in the summer.
Don’t get rid of your first year notes when you go into second year! You might need them. Although, I think the reforms to A levels mean that you’ll need them anyway.
Don’t have more than three drinksat a party or gathering if you have college the next day. You probably haven’t got much experience drinking and you might regret it. Also, I have had nights where I’ve drank a bottle of vodka and been perfectly fine all night, then others where I’ve had half a bottle and been hungover all day.
Talk to your teachers. You’ll have 5 or 6 at most, probably 3 or 4 teachers, so it’s not too hard to get to know them. Answer questions. Ask questions. Go ask for help after class. You might not need it so much in your first year but in second year when you’re asking for help with UCAS, or asking for extra references or advice for applying abroad, scholarships or apprenticeships it’ll be easier.
Sit at the front. I did this for the two years of a levels. It helped with the above point, but also meant I couldn’t take a nap and get away with it. It keeps you accountable.
Do the trips. Even if they’re in term time. If you can afford them, do the trips because even if they’re not too related to your subject you can learn in other ways and also because they’re fun.
Find study spaces where you can go in your frees. Not every free is the same as the others. First of all, you may have frees where none of your friends are. Or where one of your study spaces is full of people playing music. Over the two years, I found fourteen (yes I just counted) study spaces so that I could go somewhere if the others were unavailable. It was also good when the library was full during exams and when I would be studying in college for 7 hours, so would want a change of scenery occasionally.
Don’t get too hung up on trying to know what you want to do with your future. You only need to plan for what you’re doing after you leave college, not the next forty years. I spent too long focusing on this in my first year and not enough time getting the most out of what I was doing then.
Start reading outside of your subjects more. There’s a lot of work to do but make sure to read outside of your A level course. I find twitter to be really helpful in this. There are lots of twitter pages that give links to articles about subjects and most universities publish reports on their research and put it on twitter. Twitter is just a convenient way of finding links on different subjects without searching for it everywhere.
Look at what you do in lessons afterwards. A lot of teachers do this through their homework, but look at what you did in lessons later. It helps to solidify it a lot. Also you might have to finish off the lesson anyway, I did for basically every politics lesson.
Rewrite your notes. Carrying on from the last bullet, the way I did this was rewriting your notes. In my first year this was by writing on paper then putting it in a folder with my handouts. In my second year this was the same for politics, but for biology and chemistry I wrote in exercise books. I really liked the books, because I only had two for the whole of A2 (And I could’ve fit chemistry into one probably)
Keep your notes condensed. Simplify everything. Use abbreviations. Not only does it save time if you’re rewriting them, it makes them easier to look at. I kept mine neat but I wasn’t a perfectionist with it.
And remember, if there are points during your a levels where you feel you are failing or you’re not studying enough. In your second year, you’ll probably feel like you’re doing worse than you were in the first year sometimes. But just keep going and remain adaptable. You will finish your A levels, and that alone is a big achievement.
I hope some of this helps. As alway this is completely honest.
