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Home > Students > Wellness & inclusion > DIY academic success and self-care

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. 

  • Staying engaged online
  • Maximizing motivation
  • Time management
  • Wellness
Drawing of books

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
Drawing of lightbulb
Drawing of empty thought bubble

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
Drawing of books and desk lamp
Drawing of brain

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
Drawing of checkmark in clock

Overcoming procrastination

Drawing of notepad and pencil

Observe and acknowledge your feelings

  1. Make a BIG GOAL
  2. Break the goal down into SMALL TASKS
  3. 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

Drawing of lightbulb
  • 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

Drawing of brain
  • 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!
Drawing of briefcase with check

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
Drawing of notepad and pencil
Drawing of books

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
Drawing of lightbulb
Drawing of books and desk lamp

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

Drawing of brain
Drawing of ZZZ's

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!
Drawing of table setting
Drawing of heart and pulse line

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
Drawing of empty thought bubble
Drawing of sun

Practice self-compassion

  • Be kind to you!
  • Treat you like your best friend
  • Give yourself mini-breaks during the day

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