SophoMORE Experience: 5 Tips for Literature Students
Your first year in the Department of Literature (or the Department of English Language and Literature) isn't over, but you have learned many things while studying literature and other subjects. You may find it hard to let go of certain bad habits, which most freshmen students experience (during their first year), but you're not too worried about it. You blame it on restless energy, which is a part of a rite of passage for teenagers. (You won't become a better student if you don't make mistakes.) It also took you a longer time to choose modules, which won't be an issue in your sophomore year. You're about to enroll in more modules in literature, which you've been thinking for months. You don't want to get too excited about it. (You have no other choice but to procrastinate for your remaining assignments and examinations.) And you tried to get involved in many extracurricular activities. After all, it would be harder to be part of such activities. Art can be a demanding mistress, and you can't get enough of literature.
You have plans during the summer, and none of which includes a part-time job. Perhaps you should ditch those plans in favor of looking for a (part-time) job. It would look good on your resume, even if you're not thinking too much about your career options. The extra money should come in handy during your second year, as you might need more pizza and beer when you're struggling with writer's block. Moreover, the experience that you would learn from your short stint should help you handle the pressure of the coursework. Expect more of it. Life would be anything but dull and uneventful.
The transition from the first year to second year would be less of a jump regardless of getting a part-time job or not. Luckily, you would have a support system. (You should have one, if not you know who to seek assurance.) You would need it, as the sophomore year is the real deal. If you want more, then your sophoMORE year could be more daunting than you expect. Have no fear, though.
Enjoying What Your College Has to Offer
Read non-academic books. You may be surprised at this one, as you found out that you can't get more time for reading. Some coursemates complain about it, and you can only give a sympathetic nod. (Pursuing a double major ensures that they don't have a social life.) If you think about it, this activity can improve your paper writing skills. You'll learn to enjoy what you're doing, and you found out that you must adopt this attitude during the spring semester. It can also be a distraction, which you need when you're mentally exhausted. If you're too tired, then take a cat nap. You can read any time you want.
Spend more time with your dorm mates. They will be your support system. This will dispel the doubts of those who opt for a longer commute. These students may not be ready to leave home. They might have found a cheaper rent. Wintry mornings can make them regret this decision.
Meet your tutor and plan your second year (and probably your final year) in college. You can discuss your options on other modules, where you want to study other literary genres. If you're hungry for more knowledge, then that may be good enough. You might be thinking about your resume, and these (other) modules can increase your marketability. If you're thinking of studying abroad, then think long and hard about it. You must make sure that it's a necessary move, such that you won't cross the Atlantic and then wander (around Europe) for months. It's about time to step it up (and be more responsible for your choices.)
Keep yourself healthy. It's the only way to maintain your high energy. It's also not a good time to get sick. Think of what you might miss.
Know more about your college. Everything is available on the Internet, so what's the point of going around the campus. For one, you can explore the library. You may find something that can help you with the coursework. You'll also get to know other facilities like the in-house career service. You don't want to pass it up.
The Pursuit of Academic Excellence
The National Association of Colleges and Employers conducted a Job Outlook Survey two years ago. More than three out of four respondents screen applicants by their grade point average (GPA). If you’re still having problems with assignment writing, then don’t be afraid to ask your tutor (or coursemates) for advice. You also have to ask for effective reading tips, but it must not include browsing (or skimming). If time management is the issue, then you must make hard decisions. Socialization may be a hard habit to break, but no one is stopping you from making new friends. Know when it’s the right time to take a break (and have fun). If you have little time left, then a friendly smile would go a long way.
