30.11.12

Time Management Tips For University Students

Time Management for college students: an essential tool for success


Finally, finally made the cut into the University and everything will be a sailing from now on. All the hard work back in high school I paid, it was thought.

Yes, all your hard work back in high school really paid off. However, you should not think that everything would be easy as a university student. Expect that it's going to be more hectic and stressful than what you spent in high school.

Many students assume that they can take it easy once you arrive at the University. Think like these for what they have heard from many students on the great feasts and many friends to meet. This is a common mistake of many new college students.

Being a university student means a lot more work and dedication to your studies, but does not mean that you should have fun as what you hear about what college students talk.

So how can you combine studying and socializing?

The answer to this question would be time management.


Planning to manage your time isn't so easy, many students often fail to achieve their objectives and the resulting frustration because many of them set realistic goals. It is important that you should set goals that are difficult to reach, but workable.

There are many factors that you should consider when you do a time management plan. You must not only define specific objectives, but also to set the time at which you will be working on it.

As you can imagine, there are many things to do such as college students. Your parents are not there to help you, you need to do every little thing and some of them can be time consuming.

Always remember that you live on campus or closer and this means that all the comforts of home will always be there. You have to drive in the laundry, grocery shopping and cooking their own food. Can be very difficult to adjust to being a college student, especially if you're a freshman.

It is your responsibility to take care of themselves and at the same time study. There will be parents who they tell you to do your homework. There will also be no assign at what time you should go home.

You would think that all these are very good that there are no boring parents to tell you what to do. However, this is to train to become responsible for yourself.

You'll be tempted to go to parties on the night of study since nobody will tell you that you are not allowed and you have all the time you have.

While it is true that you can do whatever you want with your time while in College, passing each examination should be one of your long-term goal. In order to achieve this goal, you need to study a lot and know how to manage your time.

Here are some tips on how to manage your time:

Set a number of goals that you can achieve. Having too little will give you any satisfaction and often does not give the desired results and have too often lead to failure and frustration. Reach this thinking different goals and write them down, always remember to be realistic.

Once written, the next step would be to determine the most important goals you have to achieve. Choose how many you can get in a certain period.

The next step is to prioritize your goals. Try to think about what is the most important goal you want to achieve and in priority order.

Next would be the schedule. Set a daily schedule of activities, it is important to follow everything you listed below. Always welcome at leisure in your class, for example, the Professor is delayed for 15 minutes. Use this free time to study or review your notes to be ready for exams that your professor could give.

Since this is only the first day, time management is not always perfect. If you see something wrong or seem to have miscalculated the time change. Do not force yourself to work is no longer possible to do just to get here. This kind of attitude will only be stressful for you.

Always include in your daily schedule on what time you should sleep. Always welcome a break. You should know that sleep is an important factor in the management of time. If you study too much and too little rest, expect failure. Don't study effectively without sleep.

Finally, always remember to have fun. After reaching your goal first, have a little time for yourself. Going to parties, or any other activity recreated.

30.8.09

How to Deal With College and University Exams

College life can be a lot of fun but there are college and university exams that need to be taken. Unless you are the type of student who can sail through college and university exams with little or no effort, you're going to have to spend time studying hard in order to pass them. The stressful situations that college exams bring can hold you back if you do not learn how to handle it in a health manner.

You obviously must study before taking your university exams and you should make an effort to review all of the material that was covered in classes thoroughly. Many students get so anxious and worked up that they actually make themselves sick with worry and stress and are unable to recall the information that they studied. Does this sound familiar? If so, you need to find a way to help you relax or you may very well find yourself failing courses.

The sooner you can start preparing for your college exams, the better chance you'll have at scoring high marks. This may sound obvious, but with all the distractions that come along with college life, it can be easy to put off studying until the last minute. Doing this will cause a lot of unnecessary pressure and you're not going to help yourself if you approach your college course preparation this way.

You also need to make sure that you have a study schedule laid out when you're getting ready to take an exam. Lay out a schedule of the material you are going to study and follow the plan. Many college and university students don't remember to build ample rest time into their study plan and end up being too tired to accomplish anything effectively. The best way to prepare for college testing is in short sessions so that you're able to absorb all of the material.

Make sure you get enough sleep and eat properly. If you're not healthy and alert you are going to find your exams much more difficult then they would've been if you had taken proper care of yourself.

At the end of the day, your college examinations are important but they aren't worth making yourself sick over. If you find yourself becoming overly anxious about taking those college exams, consider getting in contact with a tutor who may be able to give you some additional help as needed.

20.8.09

Graduating from University

After all the late night partying of university, what is the one major hang over that most students are complaining about when its all over and they’ve graduated? The answer is student debt. Student debt levels continue to rise every year as banks and other lenders throw more and more credit their way while they are still studying. It seems as if the banks have plenty of faith in graduates being able to pay back the loans, and most graduates would confirm this. What is causing graduates stress is not toe overall levels of debt they have racked up while studying, which still averages under ฃ15,000, but the fact that they have to pay such a high proportion of their new wages in debt servicing.

Graduation and the start of your working life are supposed to be a time of relative prosperity and the privations and economies of the student years should finally be over. However, more and more graduates are reporting that they have to pay so much in loan repayments that they are just as badly off as when they are students.

For example, a huge proportion of student debt is made up of government sponsored student loans, which come from the Student Loan Company. The repayment rules for these loans are quite lenient. Beginning in the April after you graduate, 9% of all your earnings above ฃ15,000 will be taken to repay the loans. The interest is also quite preferable.

While this seems to be a fairly gentle way of repaying student loans, it should be remembered that these not the only debts that students have. Student overdrafts of up to ฃ2,000, which are interest free, are now fairly standard practice. Almost every student will be given one when they open a student bank account and it’s rare to find a student who hasn’t spent it all.

Then there are credit cards and store cards, which are increasingly easy to get your hands on. Add to this the expenses of moving home when you graduate, starting a new job, getting a new place to live, and its no wonder that most graduates feel every bit as financially constrained as when they were still studying.

There are graduate loans available however which can be used to ease your way into working life. These offer postponed repayment terms so you have some time before you have to start repaying them all. The interest rates are generally pretty favourable and combined with the repayment holiday, which might be up to two years from graduation, you can really ease your way into working life.

10.8.09

20 Secrets To Surviving In Your First Semester At University or College

Arriving at university or college will be daunting for everyone. For many it may mean living away from the parental home for the first time, which on it’s own may be daunting enough. You will most likely have a hundred questions and a hundred fears; what will it be like? Can I cope with the workload? Will I be able to fit in? It may help to know that everyone will be feeling similar, though some may hide it better than others.

Invariably the vast majority of freshers will be pleasantly surprised. The University or College will be populated by a broad variety of people, from many walks of life with a diverse range of outlooks and opinions. Look beyond the initial confines of your college, house or dorm, the establishment will have many more people who will share similar interests to yourself. Some of the tips we have received from other students:

1. Meet as many people as you can, introduce yourself, smile and be confident. Everyone is in the same boat whether he or she appears to be or not.

2. Be yourself. Real friends will want to know you for who you are, warts and all!

3. Keep your opinions about others to yourself until you know whom you can trust

4. Take your washing to the laundry. Don’t save it all up to take back home to mum at the hols. She really won’t want five minging black bags to see to.

5. Have a good time

6. Join a few societies at first week fairs. If you’re not sure it’s for you but are interested take note of an e-mail/ contact address to get more details later. Its sometimes hard to find the right contacts later, it’s a big place.

7. Phone home and let your family know you’re all right, (even if you don’t exactly feel it). They’re probably more worried than you are.

8. Everyone feels at least a little homesick at first, and worried or just on a down. Talk to new friends you feel you can trust, and maybe write/call friends at home.

9. You’re at Uni for a few years, make the most of it, it’s over before you know it. Then you’ll miss the freedom and long holidays.

10. Keep in touch with family and friends at home, e-mail is easiest.

11. Don’t hang round with one little group ignoring everyone else. You’ll miss out on the chance of making other good friends as well.

12. Seriously don’t be careless with your money - it is the little extras here and there that have a way of quickly draining your bank account!

13. Don’t let peer pressure turn you into a beer-monster; you don’t have to drink all the time. If friends have a problem with you ordering soft drinks when you want, they’re probably not the friends you need. Drinking soft drinks is easier on the pocket, not to mention healthier.

14. Beer sessions.. It's a good idea to leave the beer until the weekend when you haven't got to worry as much about getting it together the next day.

15. Don't let everything get bottled up. Talk to somebody, family and friends or a student help line. Being away from home, especially for the first time can make you feel well lonely and lost. Talking about it usually puts everything into perspective.

16. Cooking. The curry house on the corner may do student specials. Take-away burgers may an easy option when you have a stack of work to do. But your money won't see you through the term. It really will be like throwing it away. Try cooking. Get a few basics in, salt, pepper, gravy mix, (goes with everything). If you’re house sharing, perhaps chip in. Veg stews are pretty easy, gut-filling and cheap, especially if you go to the veg shop. You’ll find a good cookbook worth the investment too. Ask the bookshop for one for the catering students course! It’ll have everything step by step.

17. When you’re going out for the night. Take just as much as you need, or want to spend. It’s very easy to have a few more beers when you’ve already had a few.

18. Clubs and stuff, almost all charge a joining a fee or pay-as-you-go. They are excellent for meeting people, blowing off steam, getting invites, finding something to take your mind off your subjects for an hour or two. But they can have a scary impact on your pocket. Whilst you may want to try climbing, sky diving, hockey and archery, stick to a few you know you’ll like and will be able to keep up with. You won’t have time for all of them anyway.

19. Live your first year as best as you can, you’re only a fresher once.

20. The ''B'' word .. When you have a fat student loan in your bank balance, the easiest thing to do is spend it, it’s just sitting there itching to be used. Don’t. (Or starve) There’s this word you’ll know very well by the time you leave University ''Budget''. Plan ahead so you don’t end up with too much debt. Sit down and work out what you’ve got coming in, what has to go out, rent etc. If there’s anything left over divide that by how many weeks until the next cheque clears. Then half that; you will need panic money some way down the line. Remember there’s always stuff you’ll need that you don’t put in the budget, stuff you just overlook - shampoo, photocopying, and toothpaste.

29.7.09

10 things you must know before getting your criminal justice degree

Before you enter a college or university to get your online criminal justice degree there are certain things that you should know. These are:


1. Find out the difference between different levels of online degrees:

You can get online associate level degrees, bachelor level degrees, master level degrees and even PhDs. Depending on your existing level of educational achievement you have to make an appropriate choice as to what level of online degree you can go for or are eligible to get.

2. Find out the difference between different types of online degrees:

Online criminal justice degrees are available in many different majors or specialisations. Depending on your own inclinations and research about various career options you have to decide which type of online degree will be just right for you – which major, program or degree you should opt for. So find out about all the options available to you when it comes to online degrees in criminal justice.

3. Find out which online university or college is best for you:

There are hundreds of colleges and universities offering online degrees. But not all of them are equally good. Some are good, some are not-so-good and some are outright bad. Look at costs, time factor, course content, faculty, accreditation and transferability of credits, and all other possible factors that can impact your decision about which college or university is best for you. It is not easy to compare different colleges and universities and there are many dangers. Hence, the more thorough your research the better will be your choice.

4. Find out all you need to know about accreditation:

Almost all online colleges and universities offering online degrees boast of some accreditation or the other. But all accreditations are not the same. Accreditations by any of the eight regional accrediting bodies funded by the US Department of Education and authorised by the department to grant accreditations, are the most valuable and absolutely risk-free. Accreditations from other bodies are risky. Two states – Michigan and Oregon – have also put out negative lists as to which colleges and universities are not recognised or rather degrees from such colleges and universities are not recognised. The Michigan list also contains a list of accreditation bodies that are not recognised. Make it a point to find out whether the college or university you are thinking of entering is not in any of these two lists because then the degree that you earn will be worthless. In short, avoid colleges and universities known as diploma mills.

5. Find out about for-profit institutions such as ITT Tech:

For-profit institutions such as ITT Tech market their programs very aggressively. While such institutions may have a lot of good things going for them there are many bad points that these institutions do not care to advertise. Please research thoroughly all aspects before entering for-profit institutions such as ITT Tech.

6. Find out about for-profit universities such as the University of Phoenix:

The University of Phoenix is the unchallenged market leader in the for-profit education services industry. It is also the largest and the oldest university offering online degrees. It is also a very aggressive advertiser. Though it is a pioneer in online education and can boast of many innovations in the field of online education, not everything may be right about the University of Phoenix. Thoroughly check all the facts that they do not care to advertise and then make your choice – don’t just go by advertising or past reputation.

7. Find out the basics of an online criminal justice degree:

Find out about various careers, majors and specialisations. Find out about course curriculum, misconceptions about online degrees and all else that you need to know before going for an online criminal justice degree.

8. Find out about careers and salaries:

An online degree can open up many different types of careers. Find out which type of degrees will open up which type of careers as well as the possible or average salaries associated with each of these types of careers before deciding on any particular online degree in criminal justice.

9. Find out what all you will need to get an online criminal justice degree:

Find out what materials you will need, what kind of pre-requisites you must have, how difficult the program will be, what kind of syllabus you will face and so on before deciding on any particular online criminal justice program.

10. Find out what online criminal justice courses are like:

Find out the various differences and similarities between online and traditional courses. What kind of time will be required, what credentials will be required, what kind of homework will be required, what kind of classroom environment or teaching and learning environment you will have and so on before deciding on any particular online criminal justice program.

30.6.09

Types of College Degrees

There are many options for students seeking an education today. There are many quality two-year, four-year and graduate programs available online to students seeking a college education or for those simply looking to further their careers. Employers look at the completion of college or university coursework as an indicator that you are motivated to better yourself and move ahead in your career. Many online schools offer programs ranging from certificate programs all the way to masters degrees and beyond. Earning your degree online gives you the opportunity to start small - and possibly move on to earn an advanced degree - all at your own pace. The following gives you detailed information on the basic degree types available to students.

Certificate Programs offer a useful, concentrated study of a particular professional area. These programs can help you start a new career or develop your skills and knowledge, giving you powerful qualifications to enhance your occupation. A Certificate of Participation is awarded upon completion of your course or program. You may take individual courses for professional development or work toward a certificate in your chosen area of interest.

Diploma programs are a sequence of classes focusing on both theory and practice in a particular field. They are not as broad as degree programs and they usually concentrate on a particular area. Some diploma programs also offer an overview of several different areas. The terms 'certificate' and 'diploma' are often the same. Some universities refer to their programs as certificate programs while others call them diploma programs. There is not a common criterion to differentiate them.

An associate degree is an undergraduate degree that can be earned in 2years. An associate degree program consists of three parts: general education requirements, major requirements, and electives. An associate degree is a 2-year degree given by either Community Colleges or Junior Colleges upon completion of an associate degree program.

A Bachelors degree by definition is an academic degree conferred by a college or university upon those who complete the undergraduate curriculum. A Bachelor's Degree is the conventional degree given by undergraduate colleges and universities in the United States.

20.6.09

Why The Standard Of Teacher In Schools Are So Important

Are you are you about to decide on which school you are going to send your child to in September? Are you unhappy with the standard of education and teaching your child is currently receiving? Do you feel that one or two of the teachers at your child's current school are not up to the job? In this article, I write about a teacher who taught me when I was at senior school, a teacher who cost me a couple of grades in maths in my opinion.

The senior school I went to was an all boys school. A number of the boys in my year were out of control, quite wayward and disruptive. What they required was a strong and firm teacher who was not afraid to kick them into line.

In a class of thirty boys it only needs a couple of bad apples to turn the teachers life into a bit of a nightmare. I have to say that at times I felt sorry for a number of these teachers who it has to be said looked like they were struggling to cope. In these classes where the teacher struggles to keep control, the whole class are affected and the standard of education for the people who are their to learn will drop. The teacher is having to spend so much time in trying to calm down and control the disruptive pupils that they have little other time to spend on teaching the other children.

I saw this happen time and time again to such a point it became very boring. What these annoying and disruptive kids needed in my opinion was one hard slap and another one if the first did not work.

In the first three years of senior school in Maths, we had a teacher who was so good it was untrue. She was called Mrs Washbourne and was as hard as nails. Not one boy dared to mess about in her class and they all had respect for her as a teacher. I really enjoyed going to her lessons and at the end of the third year I managed to finish second out of one hundred and eight boys in the final exam. I was very proud of this performance and Mrs Washbourne stated that I was heading for an A grade at GCSE level.

The problem was that Mrs Washbourne was only qualified to teach up to the end of this third year. I now had a maths teacher who even though on paper was more qualified than Mrs Washbourne was in truth so far off her standard it was unbelievable. He had no control over his class at all and was not even able to look at your eyes when he was speaking to you. The naughty boys of the class were in heaven once more and yet again I was unable to concentrate and receive the standard of teaching I desired.

In the final examination I only managed to obtain a grade C, no doubt this was partly my fault, however I also blame a poor teacher and the overall standard of education at my school.