How to Be a Better Student in a New Term

Victor Hugo was said to be at his productive mood whenever he would be alone in the room, and in his birthday suit. The subzero temperature might have inspired him to go through depths and heights, and come up with classics like "Les Misérables", You don't have to imitate the French author, as you figure out the different ways to do better during the new term. You might need more caffeine for your morning lectures, though.

How to be a better student? Some older students would argue about a social outlet, but it shouldn't be a wild night out. (They may have been seen "The Hangover", but it would be another matter.) They have a point, as there must be a social balance. (It could be equivalent to a work-life balance among professionals.) It has more to do with the little details. You should know after you have encountered repeated problems (on how to start an essay). There are also days when you don't have the urge to study on your own, and you are looking forward to a study group for another reason. (You want to organize a movie night out with your course mates, but you're not keen on a foreign film with English subtitles. A blockbuster feature is a guilty pleasure.) And you developed an unhealthy habit of lying on your bed while reading an assigned text. You're counting a flock of sheep before you know it.

You should know that teachers appreciate hard working students, but you're not about to embrace the struggles in order to impress them. You're about to do it because you want to manage the coursework effectively. You also want to be a better version of your younger self. You're aware that the best (or the worst?) is ahead. Let's not debate on the last one, as you need to enumerate the things to work on, namely what to do during lecture hours, how to prepare for an examination, what can your professors do for you, what are the other things to do during your idle time, and how to start an essay.

There won't be an easy way to become a better student

What to do during lecture hours? Let's start with punctuality. (Sleep early if you have a morning lecture. Exercise for half an hour to be wide awake during the lecture. If you don't have the time for it, then drink a cup of coffee.) Listening can be interpreted differently; some students may be hearing everything that their professors are telling them, but they aren't paying attention at all. The others are selective on what they want to hear. (The reasons can be a matter of intense argument.) Try to listen to everything (that the professor is telling you), jotting down notes when you sense that you can't remember it later. Don't bring gadgets to the lecture room. (Your favorite songs can be listened later.)

How to prepare for an examination? You'll be given a week's notice, so start your review right away. You can meet your course mates, where you can do a group study for an hour or two. It's not wise to do it for several hours, as there's a good chance that conversation will drift to trivial matters. (You might want to bang your heads on the latest sports news during the weekend.) Never do it on a night before the (day of) examination, as the human brain can't absorb all the information your read during the night. Lack of sleep can affect your performance (the following day).

What can your professors do for you? For a start, you can take note of their office hours. Find out when they are available (to talk to you). They want you to succeed, so they won't hesitate to set aside a moment (to answer your queries).

What are the other things to do during your idle time? You can visit the library, where the list of titles for your second reading can be found there. You must know that you'll be able to be more persuasive with more knowledge, and you can't rely on your luck on the Internet. (You may end up reading an old article about fossils of extinct mammals in the Grand Canyon.) You might settle a year-long issue: Where is the best place to study on your own. If it's not the library, then do it on your very own study table. You can stand up (and walk around) whenever you're getting tired of sitting for long. The human body is not created to be in an immobile position for hours (and doing it may affect your health).

How to start an essay? You have to start somewhere, so write (and keep on writing). If you're having problems, then don't be ashamed to share it with your coursemates. (You're in the same boat.) You can also bring it up to your tutor, who has experience on his/her side. And a university would be incomplete without a writing center. You don't have any lame excuse to tell your professors.

You must follow the (above) steps with the right attitude. and this is the right way to do it

You must not try too hard, as you may end up struggling for long. Take a break, if not think of other ways to distract yourself from the pressure (of the coursework). You'll be fine as long as you don't lose that sense of urgency.

You must not take it very seriously. This journey is meant to be enjoyed as much as possible, which doesn't mean not saying no to every invitation to a party. If there's a setback, then remind yourself that you'll get over it quickly. It's a temporary phase.

You must believe that you can do it. Teenage years can be difficult to some students, as self-doubt and peer pressure aren't uncommon. If you're having a hard time on how to write your assignment, then think about a week of examinations and academic papers. If you can't tell it to yourself, then ask your friend (who happens to be another student). Your tutor can also give you assurance (and don't be too proud not to admit it).