Whew. One term down…

…and plenty to go. As I said a few months ago, I started classes at UVic this fall, and have just recently completed my first round of classes. There is still the matter of final exams over the next two weeks, but the bulk of the term is done.

I’m not expecting the finals to be much trouble, so am taking things easy while studying up for those. I’ve got most of the month free, and plan to work on a number of projects in that time.

Additionally, I’ll be publishing some reviews and articles that I started in the last while, but didn’t have time to finish until now. I’m hoping to be able to pace things better so I can post somewhat more frequently than every few months.

I’d like to ruminate on some things that I’ve learned in the last few months, relating to my first term in university. In hindsight, these are useful bits of advice for a new university student…

• Full time school is very different from full time work. When you are working, you usually use what you already know. When in school you are (or should be!) actively learning, which is a very different mindset, and much more draining. It had been several years since I finished college – I worked from then until recently – and found this change rather shocking. It takes time to get back into it.
• Time and task management are key. It’s possibly more true here than it is anywhere else: university requires strong skill in tracking and managing your time and tasks. When you have midterms to study for, papers to write, and labs to complete, you need to be on top of the game. This is to ensure that everything is being done, and well, within the proper time frame.
• Don’t spend all your time on schoolwork – you’ll burn out sooner or later. Read a novel, go for a walk, visit family and friends, and participate in hobbies and other activities. The diversions are very refreshing, and provide you a boost for when you go back to the books (and papers).

Dec 7, 2010
8:50 pm

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Author:
Grant

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University

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