5 Ways to Get Motivated to Study

Everyone has lacked motivation to get their homework completed or to study for a test at some point. As my list of things to complete grows, my motivation usually shrinks.

Set goals that you can complete. You should have some short term and long term goals. A semester project should be broken into pieces that can be completed. Your list of homework for the weekend can be broken down also, devote a few hours every day until it’s complete. The most important part of setting these goals is to write them down. It makes it easier to complete when they are in black and white.

Reward yourself for completing goals. One friend told me that every 5 minutes of solid studying she completes, she allows herself an M&M. She said if she finds herself checking her Facebook, she has to start the timer over. A pack can last her hours if she is procrastinating! Make the rewards worth the effort put forth, such as a girl’s night out after midterm exams. If you have failed your goal, don't reward your failure. Take a deep breath and try again.

Just start working on what you need to complete. Even if you initially begin working for a half hour, it got you closer to your goal. There is no easy way to get past this part, it’s just hard work. Turn off your TV, music, and your phone if you need to concentrate. You can survive a half hour without a phone, because any texts you receive will be there when it gets turned back on. Anyone important that called will leave a voice mail.

Avoid prostration, because it will only stress you out more. It’s easier to sleep at night when you know you did your best for the day and you completed a goal. I hate when I procrastinate because then I have double the work load the next day.

Study with friends so you can have a specific time set aside. Even if you meet at the library, you are going there with purpose and it makes it easier to get things done so you can have fun afterwards. I find looking at stacks of books boring too, making it easier to focus on what I need to complete.

Greek Life

At many universities across the country there are many options for Greek life. Fraternities and sororities have many goals and objectives, with some in common. Just a quick walk around campus will yield posters for all sorts of groups and clubs. During rush week is where you can attend meetings that will provide you with more information about the group and their goals, experiences, and get to know the current members. Is Greek life is worth the membership dues? Here are some of the benefits that come with the group.

Friendship is the basis for the group. They promote brotherhood or sisterhood activities that keep everyone entertained and learning more about one another to help foster close friendships. Everyone is from different backgrounds, making the group more diverse and interesting. Many of these friendships will continue on past college into your adult life.

Academic success is highly valued. Most Greek organizations require a minim GPA for entrance, and to be maintained through active membership. Some require study hours every week, some encourage study groups. You can also seek advice from older members whom have taken the same class, or are in the same major as you.

Leadership is often encouraged by taking lead roles of an event or being on a committee. There are many opportunities to quickly become a leader within the group. Skills you could learn include budgeting, time management, event planning, motivate others, public speaking and many more.

Social activities are frequent. They are an outlet for students to have some fun and take a break from student life. Whether it’s a gathering in a fellow sister/brother's room for some snacks and TV or everyone hitting the gym together, it’s about socializing. Other opportunities include tailgating, mixers with another group of the same or opposite sex, dinner parties, dances and many more.

Community service is often required by groups. Members will do many fundraisers for nonprofit organizations, such as domestic violence advocacy groups, or for cancer research. It’s just another opportunity to socialize while enriching your life and helping others.

Networking is another advantage in the tough economy. Alumnus can help you to find an internship, or guide you in the right direction for a career. They can also help to guide you towards scholarships and other financial aid. You will also one day return the favors as you help guide the class after you, offering suggestions and tips.  

First Day of Classes: 5 Tips

What should one expect if they are attending the first day of a college class? What typically goes on? Here are five tips to make it through your first day of classes.

1. Print your schedule and a map to ensure you will make it to all classes on time. If you are really nervous or unsure of the location, the week prior take a walk through campus and learn where your classes will be, and look inside the classrooms.

2. As everyone takes their seats it is typically quiet if people don't know one another. This is the most uncomfortable part of the semester as everyone watches others coming in and taking their seats too. You will notice if people know one another, they may sit together. It depends if you have a preference for where you like to sit, but typically where people sit is where they likely continue to sit for the remainder of the semester. Make sure your phone is on silent or turned off too.

3. Bring a drink if you like, but I would encourage having a bottle of water or a sealed drink, I love tea. Some teachers insist on no drinks allowed, or in computer labs it is usually forbidden. I would recommend not bringing any snacks to class either. As you open the package it will make noise distracting others around you, and while you chew. It smells good and is kind of rude. I would recommend between classes or on breaks to eat snacks, I love nutrigrain bars as a snack. Also never bring alcohol, some campuses have policies banning it with very negative consequences.

4. As the teacher begins, they will announce what the class is and take attendance. This is usually the time that you will correct the teacher's pronunciation of your name or let them know of a different name you prefer to be called. If you are not on the list, make sure you let the teacher know so you can get credit for being there. Sometimes they print the class roster early or there is a mix-up with registration. They will usually follow up with distributing copies of the class syllabus, schedule, and class rules and explaining things. If you have any questions about contact methods, projects, or rules be sure to ask!

5. Be prepared with paper for taking notes. I bring a binder with loose leaf paper for taking notes the first day because typically professors will begin to lecture the first day. Bring a pen and pencil too, some teachers will ask you to fill out emergency papers. This is just a precaution if there is a system failure with the school's technology. One time our school email system failed, so she alerted us with our private email accounts. Another teacher asked for a phone number that she could text or call if something came up and class was canceled.

What goes into a Book Bag?

As a new semester of school starts for some, it leaves one wondering what to put into the book bag? Everyone had different needs, and what works for some may not work for others. I'll share ideas that have worked in the past for me.

Types of bags 
For the average student, a typical backpack may work just fine. Someone working on their business career, may want a professional bag that can accommodate their computer and books. For a part time student, a smaller bag that can hold a computer and a book or two will be sufficient. I prefer a bag that can be slid quietly off my shoulder as I take my seat instead of straps to struggle with as I swing it around to the front of my body. Other types I've used were messenger bags and bag with wheels. I suggest if you have many books and a computer to use a bag with wheels so you prevent back problems. I would rather sacrifice style for comfort and health.


What to put in them

Besides books and a computer, what else should you carry? I have a small pouch that I carry my office type of supplies, such as pencils, pens, highlighters, paperclips, a flash drive, and post-it notes. I also carry a lip balm, gum/mints, hair ties, hand lotion, and hand sanitizer. I found small sizes near the toiletries at Wal-Mart. Instead of carry my purse with me all day, I keep a few dollars in my bag and my student ID. I leave my purse in the car, or at home, only bringing my wallet with me. Everyone is different, but I believe in only taking the things I need to school. I don't want too many things to keep track of and avoid getting stolen.

Things to Avoid

Don't carry all of your books with you. Only take the necessary ones to class, leave the others behind in your locker or car.

Don't bring a ton of makeup, it will get broken. Carry the lip product of the day and some blotting papers. Leave the makeup in your purse or at home.

Never put a credit or debit card in your book bag. It is so easy for someone to swipe your bag, or grab your wallet from that open pocket in the front. If you need to bring it along, keep it on you.

Attend school full time or part time?

If you make the decision to go to school, how do you decide how much to attend? Do you attend full time or part time?

Full time is usually defined as 12-18 credit hours being taken every semester, giving some advantages and disadvantages to students. Some include finishing your program and getting your certification or degree sooner. You will sacrifice some personal time and put that into your education; however you will be able to get a better job that much sooner as well. You will also learn more as you take more classes, potentially getting to know classmates and having the option of study groups. It depends on your situation and school; however there is the possibility of receiving more financial aid. The school I attend offers incentives for full time students. Some schools also give full time students priority in registering for classes, making it easier to take classes needed for completion.

Part time is typically between 6-11 credit hours a semester. There are distinct benefits and drawbacks. Less time spent in classes or doing homework means more time for work or family. For students who have other priorities in life, there are some things that cannot be made up, such as lost time with children. You are however slowly plugging away at improving your life and future. Another downfall is taking longer to finish, leaving you struggling for longer time. There is another possibility of a lack of financial aid and priority of registration for classes. It depends upon everyone's specific situation and the school, however there is potential adversity when you seek financial aid or to register for classes.

There are many personal things to consider as well when deciding how much school to take on. If you are unsure of what you want to do, maybe taking a few classes in different fields will help you decide. When I graduated from high school I decided that I wanted to attend college, however I had too much adversity in my way to attend full time with finances, living situation. Despite the hardships, I am about to complete my degree. Anyone can do this with some determination.