Rue's in College: 10 Tips (Sept '14)

For most of us, school is back into full swing. I have been back in school for almost three weeks now, so I thought I would get on here and give some tips that help me get through my classes.

1. Make a master schedule. When you received all your classes syllabi, they typically include a schedule for the semester. Take the schedules for all your classes, and compile it all into one week by week. Last semester was the first time I did this, and it helped me out a lot.
2. Have a planner/agenda. I have always used a planner, even in elementary school. It keeps me on top of things. I recommend to use a planner that has both weekly and monthly calendars.  Last semester I did things a little differently with the master schedule. At the beginning of each month, I would put all the important assignments (such as tests and papers) on the monthly calendar. Then each week on Sunday's I would fill in the due dates for the assignments due that week. Also either on a post-it note, or a day that I did not have anything due on, I would write a weekly to-do list. More of my planner organization will come later in a new post. Also there is no need to go buy an expensive planner (Lilly Pulitzer, Kate Spade, etc.) for school. These are good planners\agendas, but on a college budget they can get a bit pricy. Most college typically offer free planners to students, and this planners have dates that are important for your school (AKA when there is NO CLASS!!!)
3. Music is a Must. I have found that I study the best when I am listing to music. I am weird about the music I listen to though. It's not classical, which I find that most listen to when they study, but it's music I grew up with. I put on my Garth Brooks Station from Pandora. This is the music from my childhood, so I know most of the songs, which means I will not be paying attention to the lyrics of the songs instead of the homework I am trying to finish.
4. Be Comfortable when studying. This does not mean be in your bed while studying. I don't know how many times I have had started studying on my bed.... 2 to 3 hours later, wake up. When I was getting my first degree, I liked to study in my dorm's lobbies, and I was typically in the floor. For some reason, I always have rather sat in the floor rather than in a chair at a desk, studying. Find the place where you can study the best. Right now, I really like to go on my back porch and study. Also wear comfortable clothing, whether that be leggings and an oversized T or sweatpants and a hoodie. It's not a fashion show when your studying. Your going to be studying a while so why not be comfortable.
5. Take Breaks from Studying. When studying for a big exam, take a breaks about every hour or so. Now, this does not mean to take a thirty minutes break and study for thirty minutes. I mean about every hour take a 5 to 10 minute break.  Get up and stretch, get some fresh air, or check social media.
6. Staying up all night is for the birds. If you plan right, there is no need for staying up all night to study or do an assignment. You can only study so much. At some point, if you don't know it your won't.
7. Have an actually Alarm Clock. Don't count on your cell phone all the time. Have a back up alarm. I have a cell phone that loves to not charge or it will not be say the wrong time. You don't want to be late!
8. Don't buy your Books at the Campus Bookstore. You can usually find new and used books online for cheaper than at the Campus Bookstore. If it is cheaper to rent your books then rent, but be careful sometimes renting the book is more expensive to just buy. I would recommend books you think that you would want to keep for future references than do not rent. Also if you like to write in your books do not rent.
9. Turn off the laptops, and put those cells phones down when going to bed. Pick up a book or journal about your day right before bed. Do a brain dump. But leave the electronics away. This will help you go to sleep faster.