Read on for recommendations of resources provided at UT by Annisya from the Society of Women Engineers (SWE).
Q: How do you keep track of everything going on and organization/productivity/study tips?
December is finally here everyone! Hopefully this post will bring you some helpful tips to stay on top of your sh#! this finals season aka the finale of this dumpster fire of a year, 2020.
1. Make a study schedule!
If it’s scheduled, you’re much more likely to stick to it than if you just tried to hold yourself to it without a plan. Map out your study timeline by first finding out which tests your taking on which days, the format of your exam (proctored, live, asynchronous?), and where it will take place (canvas, proctorio, quest, gradescope?). Write it all down clearly in an easily accessible spot so you can refer to it often.
Once you have that information, mark your calendar with all of the test dates and create a timeline for your study sessions. Do you need a week to prepare for that class, a couple hours, one day? - write it all down! Once you figure out how much time you need to dedicate to each exam, set aside time to fulfill those study commitments.
I like to use a physical planner for this, but there are many super cool chrome extensions and apps you can use to build a schedule that’s easily editable with a few clicks like planyway
2. Gather your supplies
Pick one class
List topics you need to go over and gather all of the relevant notes in your notebook or laptop
Rewatch lectures if you need to - a luxury for some classes during this semester online is the ability to rewatch old lectures from throughout the semester - take advantage of this! (watch in two times speed or faster using this google chrome extension ;))
Repeat for the rest of your classes
3. Practice
Go over old homework problems
Make use of available practice tests or past exams - (Did you know about our test bank? Freshmen get a free trial for the fall semester. After your freshman year, simply send in three past tests (with permission from your professor) to keep access to the test bank. Email: ut.swe.advancement@gmail.com)
4. Use your resources!
Click here to find a list of academic and wellness resources offered by Cockrell and UT
Never be afraid to ask for help from your professors, TA’s, and peers
5. Don’t forget to take breaks!
You’re almost there! Don’t forget to take some time for yourself
Breaks are super important because they can reduce stress, help to maintain performance throughout the day and reduce the need for a long recovery at the end of the day
Reward yourself after getting some work done with a TikTok break, an episode of your favorite show, or by taking a walk - just make sure you set a certain amount of time for this so you can get back to work after!
Instagram: @utswe
Facebook: @utaustinswe
YouTube: SWE UT Austin
Website: www.utswe.org
UT SWE creates an inclusive and diverse community and provides resources and opportunities for members to succeed in their collegiate and professional careers. We strive to create an enjoyable and memorable experience which encourages members to give back to their community and inspire future generations of engineers.
This blog post was written for SWE by Annisya Sabrina, a sophomore studying chemical engineering and one of SWE’s publicity chairs!