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5. Find out what studying style works best for you This is a really crucial step that should be your starting point but most students tend to overlook it and ends up hurting them in the long run. Do you ever feel that you might be spending just too many hours sitting in front of your textbook or computer staring at your lecture material but not really absorbing anything? If that is the case then you should try to experiment with different learning styles to achieve efficient study sessions. For memorization heavy courses, try using flashcards (I recommend quizlet.com which is a really easy tool to make and share flashcards and you might even find some premade ones on your subject area). Are you successfully benefiting from your study groups or is it a waste of time? What about your environment? Try changing study areas (see our previous post for some ideas at UofT) to find ones that suit you. What about distractions? Are social media conversations distracting you from getting work down? (Try the StayFocused extension for Chrome). These are just some of the questions which you should be asking yourself. I recommend watching AsapSCIENCE’s video on some strategies that might help you in efficient learning. 4. Get involved with the material If you are striving for that 4.0 and that A+, unfortunately there is no easy way to get there. You have to go the extra mile by not only knowing the material inside and out but learn how to apply it. A good way of doing that and making sure the information sticks with you is to actually come up with your own exam type questions and actually writing out your model answers to them. I find that this really helps when it comes down to review the material. But for this to actually help you I suggest working through past tests, looking through course syllabus/materials and tips that the professor might have given in their lectures to guide your question formulating and understanding of what this course ultimately is trying to teach and skills it wants you to require. An equally important step to this procedure is also to honestly identify your weakness and work to better them. Often student when reviewing their material tend to spend more time on topics they are already well familiar with, while this might be a good confidence booster it does have repercussions on the exam. But if you really want to get that A+, you might need to accept the lectures and the textbook as only one source of information. By that I mean actually furthering your knowledge, sometimes more than required by doing some own exploration on the topics being taught. Some amazing tools that help with that in life science studies include Khan Academy Videos, PubMed and various texts available in the Gerstein library. 3. Manage your time well This is something that has been included in every single studying tips list ever found. But again, we can’t stress it out enough- MANAGE YOUR TIME WELL! While what I am about to talk next is about time management and organizational skills in terms of academics it as equally important if not more to really have a healthy well-balanced life- socially and mentally too. So DO schedule in those social gatherings, new diet plans, gym breaks and leisure times. Often taught in first year psychology courses is something called the planning fallacy. Without going into too much depth, what it does state is that people tend underestimate the time needed to do a future task, especially if that task is complex. This is something we are all familiar with, especially as students preparing for exams or finishing up those long assignments. Personally, what I like to do to counteract these effects or at least reduce them is keep a well-kept calendar style agendas (like those free ones from UTSU) and create a well thought out plan of my semester (all the important dates and giving myself goals and enough time to tackle those tasks) during the first week of classes. Not only is this helpful in terms of getting things completed but if done correctly, it also can be a useful tool to track how much time it takes you to actually complete that task and factor that in for future ones. 2. Learn how to ask the right questions So you are sitting in class one day trying to listen to your professor’s lecture when all of a sudden he shows you this diagram that seems to contradict what you have previously learnt. To make the matters worse, he keeps referring to the diagram in future slides. What should you do? Seems obvious doesn’t it? Ask for clarification right? But that is not what ends up happening in most cases. However what does happen though is that you might look around over to your friends and see them perhaps engaged with the lecture or furiously jotting down notes which will you lead you to eventually fall a victim to pluralistic ignorance and end up not asking that question. And in actually reality, students are amazed to find that many other students in the class also happen to have that same question. Why does this happen? It happens mainly because we feel vulnerable/weak in asking questions and secondly because throughout our schooling we are explicitly or implicitly taught to not disagree with our teachers. This is not the type of thinking that suffices in a college environment. As stated under UofT’s Statement of Freedom and Speech: “essential purpose of the University is to engage in the pursuit of truth, the advancement of learning and the dissemination of knowledge. To achieve this purpose, all members of the University must have as a prerequisite freedom of speech and expression, which means the right to examine, question, investigate, speculate, and comment on any issue without reference to prescribed doctrine, as well as the right to criticize the University and society at large”. In university we are ALL scholars and academics that are here for the pursuit of knowledge and it is OUR job to question. One of the key features of students who tend to succeed in college are those who not only know when to ask for help but actually who know where to get it and how to best follow through with it. One of the best techniques I have come across in addressing how to properly ask questions is using the Corson method. It goes like this: First you spend 15-20 minutes trying your hardest to solve the problem, if it still doesn’t work then spend about 10-15 minutes to pause and go through the problem one sentence at a time and ask yourself “What is that I don’t understand? And at what specific point in the problem do I get confused at? After you have identified that and still feel confused about the problem, then this would be the best time to approach professors (definitely do remember to schedule in their office hours!) and TA’s. Not only is the method great for saving your time but also your professor’s and helping them understand your exact problem. 1. Don’t rely solely on motivation Yes, this news does come to surprise a lot of students but if you give me chance to explain, this does make a lot of sense and might actually help you create the study drive you need. First of all, I would like to start off by stating a fact that almost all of us know but still remains under appreciated: “Motivation is temporary”. Recall the first week of the semester where everyone is so excited and ready to get an A in all of their classes, now turn your focus to the third or maybe fourth week where most students are starting to fall behind in and falling into that dangerous trap of procrastination. Or maybe this phenomenon might be better explained by referring to that overly used example of people making New Year Resolutions to go to the gym and only that small proportion that actually make it to even June. But do you see my point? People eventually lose motivation, so what we actually need is rather a system that creates motivation for us. And this applies directly to college studies where consistency over the semester prevails the “night before exam” studying. And now you may ask, how does one go about doing that? The answer actually lies in getting the basics right. What I mean by that is that is to actually create good study habits. Many psychologists often argue that almost everything we do is a result of our habits that have been wired into our brains. Be it good or bad habits and there is a reward we get from completing them and often discomfort when not conforming. So doing things like finishing pre-class readings before each lecture, reviewing lecture material within 48 hours of the lecture, start studying at least 2 weeks before the test, getting enough sleep, eating healthy, exercising regularly are part of the umbrella term of good study habits that if wired in can lead to an easy and satisfying semester. Want to find out more habits and a good approach to change bad ones? Check out this cool video by Epipheo Still need some extra push to start creating good study habits? Maybe Shia can help From everyone here at LSSN, we wish you best of luck with your studying and hope you have an amazing year ahead!
Summer is coming to an end and what we’ve been dreading for the past couple months is finally approaching… SCHOOL. Let’s face it, we all know school will be stressful and what better way to deal with stress than… comfort food?! BUT, comfort food doesn’t have to be greasy, fatty, and super unhealthy. There’s actually delicious, healthy recipes out there that will still pleasure your taste buds… tadaaaa!! This way, you can maintain your beach bod, OR start working towards summer 2k16’s beach bod (it’s never too early). Most importantly, it’s not all about the figure… it’s also about being healthy!! So, I wanted to share some healthy recipes with you guys so that your mind and body will be happy throughout the brutal winter that we’ll all face really soon. They’re really simple and cheap, so put on your aprons, get the fork and knives ready because your kitchen is going to get feisty!! 1. 3-ingredient paleo pancakes Let’s start with the SUPER easy – what??!! Pancakes without flour?! What is this sorcery?! Yep, believe it because it sure does exist. This simple, low-carb recipe will have you dying for more!! Ingredients: 1 large ripe banana 2 eggs 1/8 tsp baking powder Serves: 1 1. Crack the eggs and whisk them. 2. In another bowl, lightly mash the banana with a fork. 3. Incorporate the eggs and banana and stir to combine. 4. Pour about 2 tbsps of the batter at a time onto the skillet over medium-heat and cook until the bottom appears set. 5. Serve immediately and dig in!! 2. Skinny Strawberry Shake MMMMM who doesn't love strawberries and shakes?! uhhh, no one!! This is another super easy recipe that will keep you full and satisfy your sweet tooth. This smooth, fruit-filled shake will have your body shake with deliciousness! Ingredients: 1 cup frozen banana pieces 1/2 cup frozen strawberries 2 tbsp vanilla creamer 1/2 - 1 cup almond milk Serves: 4 1. Blend the frozen banana pieces, strawberries, vanilla creamer and almond milk in a blender. 2. Start with adding 1/2 cup almond milk and add more if needed. 3. Serve immediately and enjoy! 3. Healthy open-faced sandwich This recipe just screams fresh and healthy!! Just gather a few, cheap, healthy ingredients and voila!! Ingredients: 1 slice bread 1tbsp cream cheese 1 thin slice of smoked salmon 1 egg 2 handfuls spinach 1 tsp butter salt and pepper to taste Serves: 1 1. Place bread slice on plate. Spread cream cheese on bread. Top with slice of smoked salmon. 2. Heat approximately 2″ of water in a shallow pan over high heat. 3. Meanwhile, melt butter in saute pan over medium heat and add spinach. Saute for approximately 3-4 minutes or until wilted. Remove from heat. 4. Break egg into small bowl, using care not to break the yolk. When small bubbles appear in water filled pan, slide the egg out of the bowl into the bubbling water. Turn heat back and allow to simmer for a few minutes until the egg white is no longer translucent. This may take up to five minutes, depending on the temperature of your water. When finished, add spinach to bread stack and use a slotted spoon to gently remove the egg from the pan and top your bread. Use salt/pepper to taste. These are just a few of the recipes that are available out there to keep your body and mind healthy and proper for the upcoming school year. Hope you enjoyed it and cheers to another year of studying and making memories woot!!
Summer school is over, CNE is open, back to school sales are starting, and the weather has been feeling a bit too brisk – next thing you know, chunks of white fluff will be falling down covering front campus, and UofT will be on the news for having yet another massive snowball fight. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves too quickly here; it’s STILL summer people! Many of us aren’t lucky enough to be in the city during summer break, so we miss the opportunity to see just how beautiful campus is when the flowers are in full bloom. You may not realize this because when September rolls around everything just feels dark and gloomy, and no matter how beautiful our university naturally is you just don’t get that lively feeling. “Fortunately” for me, I took some summer classes and was able to stick around. Whether it was studying for an exam, or just relaxing with a book, there was no way I would be found stuck inside the turkey shaped above ground dungeon. So shall we go on a picture tour of some hidden gems? Located at Victoria College, what seems like hundreds of miles away from campus, you’ll find a quiet garden home to a lovely waterfall. Perhaps an area to find your inner Zen? Our second stop looks more like a wedding venue (which it often is) than anything else. The quad at Hart House is definitely a go-to study spot with its castle-like feels. Just a five-minute walk away is another majestic castle like building. Through the doors of Knox College you’ll find a storybook walkway perfect for daydream- I mean, studying! Not into that medieval look? Well up along St. George Street is the more modern building of Rotman. Downstairs you’ll encounter a chic sunken outdoor courtyard. It’s not just a spot for business kids, you know? Just an elevator ride up to the fifth floor of the Rotman building you will enter onto an outdoor patio with a gorgeous view of the 6ix Last but not least is yet another rooftop garden found hidden at St. Hilda’s – one of the two Trinity residence buildings. Those are just some of the few Instagram worthy places that UofT has to offer. If you haven’t already done so, take some time to explore our stunning campus – four years goes by a lot quicker than you think and surely you wouldn’t wish to have spent all that time just staring at a textbook, would you?
Can you believe it?! It’s already the middle of August and school is starting in just a few weeks! Time flies when you’re either having fun, doing summer school, working, or watching Netflix 24/7 (which is what I’ve been doing for this summer!) But it’s ok! I have a guide right here to what you can do if you feel like you’re missing out of summer... during summer! 1. For The Art Lovers Shout-out to all Andy Warhol fans out there! There’s an exhibition near Yorkville that’s displaying the famous Andy Warhol’s pop art exhibition! This event is on from Tuesday to Sunday at 10 am till 8 pm. Tickets are $12.43 (tax included), and this ends in December 30th! 2. For The Adventurous Do you like to be challenged? Do you like to be in a closed room with only one way of escaping? Well, Real Escape Game is just right for you! Tickets are available now for events in August and September! If these are not spooky enough, be sure to check out Trapped! 3. Festival Lovin' Looking for one last festival to go to before you have to bury your nose into those expensive and confusing things with jumble-up words that we call textbooks? Buskerfest is happening from August 27th to August 30th near downtown Yonge St.! It’s a free event, and there are loads of street performers and entertainers to just end you summer in the right way… the fun way, of course! 4. What do you mean Free Movie? Yes! That’s right! Free Movie by St. James Park is still happening! Be sure to catch The Grand Budapest Hotel (click the link to watch the trailer) from 9 pm to 11 pm on August 20th! 5. Colour + Powder Attention! Attention! Toronto Colour Festival is on August 30th! What’s a better way to say goodbye to August than chasing people with colour powder and having a blast! Tickets are on sale UNTIL August 30th (~ $15 – $30)!
I hope y'all have a great rest of your summer!
Let's face it, you're probably wondering why you even carry a wallet when it only holds your t-card, metro pass, a couple of loonies and maybe even a toonie if you're lucky. Well at least for me, that's the case. If you are in the 'Fabulous but Broke' predicament, as I am, or if you are just looking to have fun in the 6ix without wracking up more debt, then I present you with this primitive collection of cheap eats and activities that will ensure you're not on the Walter White trajectory. Also, feel free to comment with any of your own tips and suggestions! Besides the blessed and bountiful food trucks of Toronto, you may want to consider these restaurants for their affordable menus: 1. El Furniture Warehouse $4.95 menu all day long! 2. Xtreme Taste $5 pitas and salads in Yorkville (shocking!) 3. Sushi on Bloor An Annex staple for reasonably priced sushi 4. Pour Boy A diverse menu with many items just under $10 Now onto your adventure! The places below range from providing student discounts to being completely free on certain days: 1. AGO Free general admission from 6:00 - 8:30 pm on Wednesdays 2. ROM Free general admission for Full time Post-secondary students on Tuesdays; student card with picture ID required 3. Bata Shoe Museum $8 entry with student ID 4. Access more great places (for free) with your Toronto Library card Check your local branch to see what passes are offered and how/when they are distributed 5. TSoundcheck Become a member and see the Toronto Symphony Orchestra perform for just $16/ticket. The only requirement is that you're 15-35 years old (which you probably are if you're reading this) 6. Cineplex Tuesdays Movies are 7.99 on Tuesdays ('nuff said) PAN AM TORONTO! Have you been down to Nathan Phillips Square recently? If not, you should go and check out the giant 3D TORONTO sign near the fountains! The sign, which was made for the Pan Am Games may need a new home in the coming weeks and YOU have the chance to make a suggestion to where it should go! All you have to do is tweet @JohnTory and hashtag #TorontoSIGN with your location ideas. You’ve got until August 15th to tweet so better get to it!
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LSSN ExecOur thoughts Archives
February 2016
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