For international students, the top priority is to have a stress-free academic pursuit which involves maintaining a balance between academics and social life. The need for a well balanced academic life is important for all students for a successful study experience.
To maintain this balance means you’re in sync with all it entails. This means you’re strategic and purposeful in your activities, leaving no room for unnecessary mistakes that would make your study experience a negative one. You want to look back, 5 years after your study, and reminiscence with gratitude for how well you lived that period. Let’s explore the ways international students can have a successful study experience:
1. How well do you plan ahead?
Making a study schedule after you’ve settled properly in College would help you understand the syllabus for the year. This is because studying early helps place you on a better position, especially when you have a clear goal of the grade you intend graduating in. Study every day and you’ll be surprised just how much you know about that course in view.
2. Are you an organised student?
Being organised is one quality every student should aim to possess. Knowing where your study materials are, when to study and when to play, helps a great deal. Ensure you have a routine for socializing, for study, for other personal activities. This helps you place priority on what to do, and where to be at each moment.
3. How inquisitive are you?
As an international student, you should be bold enough to ask questions to get clarification where needed. When assignments and other activities are given, ask proper questions to avoid mistakes that could affect your grades. Be bold enough to ask questions that provoke thoughtful responses.
4. What do you practice?
Once you’ve had a lecture, the next helpful thing would be to gather the available course resources and practice (read, understand and practice as the need arises) to be perfect in the area. It’s important to use past question papers and answer the questions before exams. This helps you to understand the exam pattern and how to structure your answers when required. It also helps in easy retention.
5. How well do you manage stress?
If you can properly manage the stress you feel, it means you’ll be living on a balanced diet; taking breaks while studying and engaging in recreational activities and exercises that boosts your immune system. Exercise is a strong stress reliever.
6. Do you fancy studying with friends?
You can opt for a group study if you’re easily distracted while studying alone. While this is encouraged, it should not completely take over the place for personal study as this time helps you study at your own pace and time, without the pressure that accompanies studying with friends. Know what works for you, and apply that to your study life.
7. Do you make use of university resources?
Every college has a resource centre which varies from college to college. You do not want to be in the midst of plenty and be lacking. Make the very use of the available resources at your disposal and have different resources available for studies, and ensure you’re not lacking. These resources could be the library, the counseling departments, and centres among others.
8. Do you like your study environment?
Another pivotal point of the study tips for International Students is the environment the study takes place. Identify the study environment that is favorable for you and stick to it, either the library, your room, the classroom or studio. Just get a rhythm and stick to it.
Having a successful study experience lies both in small and big things. How well we understand and balance these, determines what happens to us.