Pearls of Wisdom: Commuters, Residence & Study Tips #3
Tips for Commuters:
Take a look at your class schedule and look at the time blocks where you’re not in class. Schedule in specific times to work out, study, go to professor’s office hours, attend club meetings or grab coffee with friends. It’s really important that you make time for these things!
When you make late-night plans (for events like dances, or late study sessions, or watching a late movie), make sure to account for the time you’ll need to get back to your home. If you’re going by transit, make sure to check on the TTC or GO websites to figure out when the last trains/buses/streetcars are departing.
Tips for Residence Students:
Once you move into Residence, make sure you read the handbook or guide to residence they will give you when you move in. While this may not seem like the most exciting thing to do, as soon as you establish your newfound freedom, there will likely be rules in Residence that you may not be familiar with. Reading the handbook will make sure you have a smooth transition into Residence.
If there are a lot of TV shows that you like to watch, you may want to consider getting cable in your room—but be sure to check Residence Policies before you order it, as some Residences may not allow cable installation in the bedrooms. Other residences will allow it, but only during specific hours where a staff member can let the technician into the electrical room.
Study Tips:
Do your homework as it is assigned. Problem sets are one of the best ways to prepare well for tests and exams. You should always devote the time to learn how to do the problems rather than just getting to the final answer. Knowing how to do the problems effectively as you go along will mean that when an exam or test is around the corner, all you need to do is review.
Learn how to take good notes. If you don’t already know how to take good notes, take the time to learn. We like to recommend a modified version of the Cornell Notetaking System. If you need extra help to improve your notetaking skills, the Academic Success Centre (ASC) at U of T is a great place to start. Visit their website for more information: http://www.asc.utoronto.ca/
