5 Things You Should Know Before Studying Literature
You have your high school diploma, and you're off to college in just several weeks. You're about to study literature, and you're confident about your abilities and what you read so far. But making a transition from high school to college can be a daunting process. Studying literature would force you to make a significant change in your lifestyle.
You're aware that reading "Moby Dick" at your own leisurely pace is different from reading the same book during the term. You must get used to the pressure, which is easier said than done. You have seen the syllabus, even ask your tutor and older students of what to expect from the degree program. It's far from what you've imagined, but there's no need to panic about it. You have two months to prepare for that transition. It should be a fast one if you take heed of what you read next.
How to Ease into College Life
Allot four to five hours on reading and paper writing. Studying wasn't an issue during high school, but it would change when you study literature. You should have known it after your correspondence with your tutor, who has told you about independent study. It refers to the time outside lecture hours, where you spend on researching, reading, and writing. You become worried after finding out that you must become familiar of the works of authors you haven't heard of, if not have the least interest in it. This is the opportunity to challenge yourself, as you get out of your comfort zone and study genres (or authors) that you have the slightest preference. You can afford to read it at your own pace during your first month, but you would struggle to keep pace during the succeeding months. In this regard, you must start your reading right now. You should know what genres and books to study at this point, as it would take you a long time to write your assignment. And don't go beyond your limited time. You have other things to do, and they could be as important as your coursework.
Budget your expenses before the beginning of the term, but make room for readjustment. You would think twice on buying books, as your daily expenses would include food and the other necessities. It should keep your room (or side of your room) in order, yet you should know that there are unforeseen expenses that would come up unexpectedly. Spending less won't be easy, as it should limit your activity. It's the only way to do it, and you must think of other things to keep you from getting bored and restless. Reading may not be a good option, so you could indulge in watching TV shows. Sports would keep you in a competitive mood, which should help you in managing the coursework. This mindset should help you if you couldn't look at the coursework as a job that must be done sooner or later.
Get a good night's sleep. You wouldn't write better if you can't have a good night's sleep. You would be sluggish, and a cup of coffee might not be enough.
Introduce yourself randomly. You have seen “Toy Story” and its sequels, and one of the lessons you've learned from the series is you must get out of your room more often. It might seem impossible when you notice the looming deadlines, and the dates of upcoming examinations. It won't take a lot of effort to smile at other students. You must be cheeky in inviting your coursemates to a study session. And it won't hurt to ask anyone to a night of beer and pizza. It won't be too late in asking them to watch “Toy Story 4”, which would see Sheriff Woody's transformation into a cuddly version of Shane. It should mean more Kleenex time, but you don't want to think about graduation.
Stick to a balanced diet. Chips and soda could affect your health, so don't forget fruits. If salad won't keep you alert and energetic throughout the day, then don't be reluctant about meat. You would need all the energy you could have, and you might need more when you're thinking about your arguments and the information to back it up. You don't want to disappoint your professors.
Recommendations to Follow
Your department would have recommendations on what to do during the term, and it's not wise to ignore it. You can make some modification when you get into your usual routine. It may take longer, which shouldn't alarm you. Some students have a higher learning curve, and it doesn't make them better. Studying literature requires more than your enthusiasm in books. There would be bad days, if not a day when you're not in the mood to read and write. You would still do it, even if it could cause you discomfort and probably sleepless night(s). Do it despite the odds. Your professors would be thrilled while other students would admire you, but you don't have to show it off.
