The Ultimate School Survival Guide

Damola had a rocky first year of school. She was so overwhelmed because everyone had it all figured out and seemed to know all about uni life, even as freshmen. This was probably due to the fact that they had siblings or friends who had walked that road before. She needs all the back-to-school tips she can get. Let’s ensure things are better this school year.

YOU ARE A SCHOLAR

Attend your classes
You may decide to skip classes and read the notes later, but it’s always advisable to attend your classes. In class, the lecturers could note some things as important, and that can change the way you study for that course. They also share test and exam tips that you can use to study smarter.

Start early
Don’t wait until a week before your tests and exams to start studying. Starting early helps you understand your courses better and boosts your confidence during the exams. You’ll have more time to memorize, practice past questions, and retain information. The chances of you panicking will be way less, and you’ll get more excellent grades. Avoid procrastination. Set systems in place to hold you accountable. It could be your friends or project management tools where you can set goals, tasks, and deadlines. Atomic Habits is a book you can study to learn how to develop good habits and stop bad ones. You can use the lessons in the book to inculcate a reading habit.

Your study methods
When it comes to studying, there’s no one-size-fits-all situation. How best do you retain information? Experiment and do what works for you.
– In what environment are you the most comfortable when you read?
– Do you read better in the library or not?
– Do you read with music or not?
– Do you read better in complete silence or not?
– Can you read with people or not?
– Do you read better at night or not?

You need to answer these questions for yourself. You may be rigid in the way you study, or you may be a flexible person who can read anywhere at any time; that’s for you to find out.

Study Tips

1. In addition to your classes and personal reading, attend tutorials. Your seniors may host free tutorials occasionally. You could also watch online videos or podcasts explaining your courses for a deeper understanding.
2. Structure your reading time with specific break times to avoid mental fatigue,  improve your focus, and deliberately avoid distractions. Set a timer and ensure you don’t go on your phone during your reading time or read during your break time. Use focus apps won’t let you leave the app while studying.
3. Track your courses and how far you’ve gone on each of them so that you clearly know how far you’ve come and how far you need to go. You can do that in a spreadsheet. Here’s a video you can watch to give you an idea of how to go about it.
4. Memorize. There is a difference between reading and studying. Don’t just look at the words in your textbook and think the job is done (except you are a superhuman with photographic memory):

– Make flash cards, whether with paper or online with apps like Quizlet.
– Teach others what you learnt or teach yourself without looking at your notes.
– Use mnemonics, acronyms, songs, and other memorization techniques.
– Practice past questions.

YOU ARE A SOCIAL BUTTERFLY (in the making)
Your books are not enough companions to help you scale through school. While you may want to dwell in the library 24/7, you need to have a social life. There are academic, mental, and psychological benefits  to be gained from relating with your peers.

Socialize
Interacting with others is important because it gives you access to information and opportunities that you may not come across, even with hours of studying. It’s not just about self-gain, you also get to share your ideas and knowledge. Besides the academic benefits, you’ll have a memorable experience with fond memories and character development. Relating with the right people can make you a better person. The world requires not just that you have good grades but that you have soft skills like people management, teamwork, and problem-solving. Look for a mentor, it doesn’t have to be official, just look out for a senior student who is where you want to be and seek guidance. Ask questions and ask for help. But choose your friends wisely. You need people who uplift you, not tear you down.

Communities
There are many social clubs and communities tailored to culture, skills, course of study, and other areas of interest. Banners and e-cards are usually put in place to showcase these clubs, so you don’t have to do too much digging. Being a member of a community will give you a healthy sense of belonging and an avenue to learn more about your interests.

Events
If you want to get better in your area of study, attending conferences and seminars is essential. You get to listen to and gain insights from industry professionals, have a chance to connect with them, and have access to opportunities. Be on the lookout for such seminars and attend. Be confident, dress properly, and present yourself well. Be ready to think on your feet and present the projects you are working on. Plan an elevator pitch; you never know who you’ll meet.

Volunteer
Put yourself out there by rendering assistance without expecting anything in return. Join planning committees for events at your school, join NGOs that reach out to the less privileged, and so on. It gives you a sense of satisfaction as you do your part in improving the society. You may even get awards or certificates of recognition that can enhance your CV.

Internships
It’s important to have practical experience in your field of study. It gives you a deeper understanding of the abstract terms you learn in school. It also gives you an edge in the job market. People complain about ridiculous expectations placed on fresh graduates looking for a job, but you can get a head start with internships.

Strike a balance
Balancing school work, your social life, and other commitments can be a lot to juggle. While you make time for other activities, remember to prioritize your school work. Learn to say no when you need to. You don’t have to be everywhere at once. Your calendar should be your best friend. Block out time for the things you need to do and the places you need to go to avoid disorganization and making commitments that you cannot keep.

Imposter Syndrome
Imposter syndrome is described as self-doubt of one’s intellect, skills, or accomplishments . You feel like a fraud and that you don’t deserve to be where you are. Don’t believe the thoughts that creep into your mind; that you are not good enough, that everyone has it all figured out, that you don’t belong there. Just try to make today better than yesterday and ask for help from your friends, seniors, and lecturers.

I know it is easier said than done, but try out these tips and watch yourself improve day by day. School doesn’t have to be a horror show for you. There are lessons to be learnt and wonderful people to meet in this formative stage of your life. Don’t beat yourself up if you are not where you want to be with your grades. You’ll do better this semester. I’m rooting for you.