DIY academic success and self-care
Navigating your student experience at the College of Engineering can feel overwhelming, especially in your first weeks on campus. Self-care is an essential tool to keep you focused and productive. Here are a few tips we’ve developed based on past student workshops we’ve given.
Develop a learning routine
- Use a study diary to find your “best” study times
- Block off times to study & review your notes
- Plan in regular breaks (and a stretch every 20 minutes!)
Limit distractions
- Put your phone in “Do Not Disturb” mode
- Maximize Zoom on your computer screen
- Close any other open applications / tabs
Get accountable
- Ask a friend to be an “accountability buddy”
- Keep track of your completed work & successes!
- Make a daily “To Do” list & review it each night
Prep for classes & discussions
- Skim the class/discussion material ahead of time
- Make 3 learning goals and 3 questions to ask
- Create a “concept map” outline ready to fill in
Take effective notes
- Jot down keywords & map out key concepts
- Create visual notes with drawings & diagrams
- Keep a list of questions to ask instructors
Keep positive & be kind to you
- Zoning out? Ground yourself and take a breath
- Open a window or change up your lighting
- Don’t be too self-critical! Learning is challenging
Overcoming procrastination
Observe and acknowledge your feelings
- Make a BIG GOAL
- Break the goal down into SMALL TASKS
- Overcome inertia by starting one small task
Find the smallest task to get going … and keep going!
Big goal
Reach out to the instructor
Writing an essay
Revise for an exam
Smallest task
Draft email bullet points
Outline headings
Draw a concept map
Reclaim mental energy
Observe and acknowledge your feelings
- Feel it in your body but don’t react or judge yourself
- Assign it an image or symbol in your mind
Give yourself permission to let go
- Picture the thought like a river flowing away
- Put it on pause and assign a time to check back
Move on & keep going
- Carry on with the current task
- Don’t let the feeling tempt you away from your work
Disrupt distractions
Make sure you are fueled & your space works for you
- Ensure you are not hungry, too hot/cold, etc.
- Keep you phone away from you
- Only put the work needed around you
Work in sprints
- Find your optimum sprint time (e.g. 20 minutes)
- Set a timer on your phone and work intensely
- Reward yourself when you are done!
If you get distracted …
- Take a deep breath, and restart!
Set yourself up for study success
- Gather and organize all notes & class resources
- Keep a list of key work to do and deadlines
- Start early & allocate sufficient time for studying
Figure out what to prioritize
- List ALL the tasks needed (and life tasks too!)
- Assign a 1-5 score for urgency & worth to class
- Pick the top 3 highest-scoring tasks for each day
Crowdsource studying
- Reach out to classmates to form study groups
- Work together to create a shared revision guide
- Keep your group accountable with goals & reviews
Reflect on your learning
- Make study cards & review them in short sprints
- Map out your knowledge in a ‘concept map’
- Try teaching a ‘mini-lesson’ to find learning gaps
Make a comfy study space
- Limit distractions around you & silence your phone
- Study away from your hangout & sleeping space
- Use noise-canceling headphones in busy areas
Manage study stress
- Tick tasks off your list and reward yourself!
- Remind yourself of your goals & successes
- Reach out to resources & friends for support
Make sleep a priority
- Try to make a regular sleep schedule
- Take short naps of around 20 minutes
- Wind down and limit screen use before bed
Eat healthy
- Keep healthy snacks on hand
- Try to have regular mealtimes
- Treat yourself once in a while!
Keep your body moving
- Take a walk or short breather between tasks
- Enjoy some sunshine and daylight daily
- Find time for exercise — even if it’s 5 minutes!
Seek support for you
- Check in with friends and family
- Journal your feelings and worries
- Check out Be Well at Cal
Practice self-compassion
- Be kind to you!
- Treat you like your best friend
- Give yourself mini-breaks during the day
