As the 2024-2025 school year begins, it is important to adapt to habits that will bring out the best student version of yourself. When you’re in a new environment, it is important to adjust to new habits for success. For those who are returning students, it is never too late to try new habits and see what works best.
Organization is key. With everything going on in one day, trying to remember everything by memory will get difficult. Buying a planner or using a digital calendar are great ways to organize all your assignments, meetings, and outside activities.
Taking good notes comes in many different forms of media. Whether on an iPad, laptop, or notebook, how you write your notes will affect how you learn the course content. Only write important information like key terms with definitions. Many professors will suggest not copying the slide word for word since paraphrasing the slides into your notes allows for better understanding in the future when reviewing for tests.
As much as we love our rooms, dorm studying is not for everyone. Finding a good study spot with minimal distractions can help you complete work faster. Studying with your friends outside of a dorm allows for a productive space and an encouraging environment.
The University of Tampa (UT) has multiple study spaces students can use. Inside and outside Starbucks, the library, or the Jenkins Health and Technology Building are a few examples. The new Grand Center has a gorgeous courtyard that can be taken advantage of by students for studying.
Remember to ask for help when you do not understand something. Whether from a professor or peer, asking questions can make students feel more confident about the content they are learning.
UT offers peer tutoring opportunities for students to get extra help in subjects like math and science. The UT Saunders Writing Center, located in Plant Hall, provides assistance on any subject paper needed for a course.
Remember to always double-check your student email and Canvas page for additional advice or changes from professors.
Space out your study session to help prevent burnout and stop you from procrastinating. Taking mini breaks during the sessions is a great way to treat yourself and allows your brain to relax. So, take the mandatory five-minute phone break after finishing an assignment.
A good study system is studying for 20 minutes and taking a five-minute break to eat a snack, go to the bathroom, meditate, talk to friends, or scroll on TikTok.
Set goals for yourself to stay on track. Reward yourself for getting something done to keep you motivated. Getting a sweet treat from Dairy Queen is a great way for students to reward themselves after a long class or study session. Do not forget that the original Dairy Queen blizzards are a meal swipe with all UT campus meal plans.
Taking care of yourself can get difficult throughout the semester, but it is important. Success is solely based on the student’s mental health.
Some important things to keep in mind to help your mental health throughout the school year are to catch up on sleep when needed, eat when hungry for energy and nourishment, learn to say no if you have too much on your plate, talk to someone you trust, and make time for the things you enjoy doing.
UT has counseling services to help students with their mental health when needed. To be successful throughout the school year, mental health awareness is important for every student on UT’s campus.
No matter what you are studying or how much is on your plate, having healthy habits will help you achieve your greatest potential as a student.