Successful habits – Successful Futures

Navigating Exam Season: Your Comprehensive Guide to Success

As we dive headfirst into the hustle and bustle of exam season, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The pressure is real, but so are your capabilities. The key to conquering this challenging time is to make a solid game plan, use effective study strategies, and take care of your well-being. In this post, we’ll take you through the steps to prepare for your exams like a pro.

Part 1: Crafting Your Study Plan

1. Set Clear Goals
Let’s kick things off with a clear vision. What do you want to achieve in each exam? Setting specific goals keeps you motivated.

2. Create a Study Schedule
Get your calendar out and plan your time. Break your day into chunks, and allocate specific slots for each subject or topic. Real talk: Be honest about your time and energy.

3. Prioritise Units and Topics
Some subjects need more love than others. Identify them and allocate more time. It’s all about balance.

4. Break It Down
Make your study sessions bite-sized. Short and sweet is the name of the game. Remember, focus is key.

5. Use Study Aids
Gather your materials, find a cozy study spot, and set the mood for productivity.

Part 2: Crushing It with Study Strategies

1. Active Learning
Let’s ditch passive reading. Summarise, make flashcards, and even try teaching the material to a friend. Active learning sticks!

2. Variety is the Spice of Life
Keep it interesting by mixing up your study methods. Reading, note-taking, and problem-solving, all in one go.

3. Practise Past Papers
Don’t skip this! Study old exam papers to get a feel for the format and track your progress.

4. Study Groups
Friends can be more than just a social crew. Collaborate, share ideas, and conquer tough units together. Book a space to study on either campus.

5. Time Management
Stick to your schedule, and remember that study breaks are non-negotiable. The Pomodoro technique is your best friend.

Part 3: Rocking the Wellbeing Game

1. Maintain a Balanced Diet
Fuel your brain with a balanced diet. Nutrients are your secret weapon.

2. Stay Hydrated
Water keeps you sharp and focused. Don’t replace water with coffee!

3. Exercise Regularly
Move that body! Regular exercise is a mood booster and memory enhancer. It’s a win-win.

4. Get Adequate Sleep
Say no to all-nighters. Quality sleep is your ally in the battle for success.

5. Manage stress levels
When stress strikes, take a break,try meditation, deep breathing, or yoga to regain your calm.

Success isn’t just about the endgame; it’s about how you navigate the journey. With a rock-solid plan, effective study tactics, and self-care, you’ve got this. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. We’re in it together. So let’s tackle these exams like the champions we are! Good luck, and let’s crush it! 📚💪😊
Check out more QUT exam resources online.

Exam Prep May 26, 2023

Preparing for Case Study exams

Exam questions that ask you to anlayse case studies (also called scenarios) are usually designed to test your ability to relate theories and concepts to real-world situations. Scenario questions often require a longer answer, so they will be allocated more time and more marks. Generally there is no ONE right answer, but there are concepts that the lecturer will be expecting you to apply.

Preparing for the exam

Identify the theories and concepts covered in your unit. Organise and review the information you have on these theories/concepts so you understand them.

Practise reading case studies and identifying relevant information. It’s probably useful to do this with a time limit similar to what you’ll have in your exam.

Use flash cards, mind maps and acronyms to learn and rehearse the key concepts, theories, models and protocols.

Try relating concepts and theories to real-world situations: ask lecturers and check textbooks or Canvas for examples. Try finding past exams if possible to see if there are examples of case study questions.

During the exam

Plan your time for each scenario or question. Have a clear idea of time you have for reading the exam question, reading the case study and writing your answer.

Read the exam question(s).

Then skim read the case study to get the general idea. Highlight or underline key points.

Reread the question to make sure you understand it and to focus your attention when you reread the case study. Make sure you know what is being asked of you.

Reread the case study carefully. Make a note of any ideas that you think of.

Answer the question linking relevant theories and concepts to specific information from the case study. Usually you’ll need to write your answers in clearly formed paragraphs which have a clear topic that is well-supported with evidence and examples.

Don’t just describe or restate information from the case itself, use specific details or examples to support the points you are trying to make. This is where you link theory to the facts from the case study.

Knowing how to prepare for exams and implementing strategies for preparation is a big part of managing your study time and getting good grades. Exam time can be a period of stress and anxiety for many students but if you know how to prepare for your exams, apply effective study strategies, and take care of yourself, at least you’ll feel more in control of the situation.

How to plan your way to Academic Success

As a uni student, creating a study plan can be a crucial factor in achieving academic success. With the freedom and flexibility that comes with university life, it can be easy to fall into a pattern of procrastination or inconsistency. A well-structured study plan can help you stay on track and ensure you make the most of your time.

Here are some tips for creating a study plan that works for you:

Set clear goals

Start by identifying your goals for the semester. Do you want to achieve a certain GPA, finish your assignments ahead of time, or improve your study habits? Once you have a clear idea of what you want to achieve, you can begin to create a study plan that will help you reach those goals.

Make a schedule

A study plan is essentially a schedule that outlines when you will study and what you will study. Start by blocking out time in your schedule for classes, work, and other commitments. Then, allocate specific times for studying and make sure you stick to them.

Prioritise your tasks

When creating your study plan, it’s important to prioritise your tasks. Identify the most important assignments, readings, and projects and schedule them first. Make sure you allocate enough time to complete each task.

Break down larger tasks

If you have a large project or assignment, break it down into smaller, more manageable tasks. This will make it easier to schedule and complete.

Take breaks

It’s important to take regular breaks to avoid burnout and maintain focus. Schedule in short breaks throughout your study sessions to rest your mind and recharge.

Review and adjust

Your study plan should be a living document that you review and adjust as needed. If you find that you’re not sticking to your schedule or your goals are not being met, adjust your plan to match your reality.

Use technology

There are so many apps and tools available to help you create and manage your study plan. Try using a study app or planner to keep track of your tasks and deadlines.

A well-planned study schedule can help you stay organised and focused, leading to better academic performance. Remember to review and adjust your plan as needed and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you’re struggling. Make an appointment for success coaching.

With a solid study plan in place, you’ll be well on your way to achieving academic success.

Campus Life February 20, 2023

Get involved in uni for better outcomes

Ready to make the most of your time at university? It’s not just about hitting the books, it’s about getting out there and experiencing all the other stuff that uni has to offer. Think joining clubs, attending events, volunteering, and getting involved in class discussions. Trust us, it’s worth it!

Let’s talk about why participating is essential.

Fully participating at uni is a fantastic way to meet new people and make friends. You never know who you might connect with, and those connections can lead to awesome opportunities down the line. It also helps you develop some sweet skills that come in handy later in life. We’re talking leadership, teamwork, communication, and time management.

Participating can also help you make the most of your education. Sure, classes are important, but experiencing things in the real world is where the real magic happens. Attending events, volunteering, or doing an internship can give you a different perspective and help you see how what you’re learning applies to the real world.

So, how do you get involved? Here are some tips to help you get started:

Attend orientation

This is a great way to learn about all the different services, clubs, programs and societies available on campus. You might be surprised by what’s out there!

Join a club

Find a club that aligns with your interests and get involved. You’ll meet new people, have a blast, and maybe even learn something new.

Attend events

Uni events are a great way to explore new interests and meet people from all walks of life. Check out guest lectures, cultural events, or sporting events to get started.

Volunteer

Giving back to your community is a great way to develop skills and make a difference. Look for volunteer opportunities on campus or in your local area. It feels good to do good!

Participate in class

Okay, this one might seem obvious, but it’s important to actively engage in class discussions. Not only will you learn more, but you’ll also show your lecturers and tutors that you’re engaged and interested in the material. Who knows, you might even inspire someone else to speak up!

So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and start participating! You’ll make new friends, develop awesome skills, and have a blast along the way. Who knows what awesome opportunities might come your way? Let’s do this thing!

Yes, you CAN be organised!

In the second part of the semester life gets pretty hectic and if you’re not careful it can all start to feel out of control. As you juggle those last assignments and start revision it helps to have a solid plan. This means being organised so you can make the most of your time. If this doesn’t come naturally to you, don’t stress! It’s never too late to develop new strategies to help you take control and in no time at all you won’t even think about it.

Check out these study habits to help you through those final assessments:

Be clear about your goals

It’s easy to feel overwhlemed when we have a lot of different things to do but setting goals can help prioritise our time. Your goals can be long or short-term but it’s important to make them attainable. Start with your plan for the week then break it down further to each unit. Apps like ToDoist can really help to keep you on track. Don’t be unrealistic and overload yourself with too much at once as you’ll either give up or burn out. Use your goals to track achievements and then take a moment to celebrate them. Once you’ve submitted an assignment do something nice for yourself!

Managing time

Time management is a big part of achieving your goals but sometimes it’s hard to know where to start. It helps to divide your days into areas like study | work | social | exercise | relaxation etc so that you can clearly see what you’ve got going on. Use a planner, study timetable, or calendar to block out the time you need for study which includes all your mini-goals for revision, reading and assignments etc. At different times you might need to change your priorities to focus on different aspects of your life so it’s important to remain flexible. Check out our Exam Plan & Prep Guide (PDF).

Say goodbye to clutter

Did you know too much clutter can actually disrupt your brain’s ability to process information? Yes, it’s a real thing. Most of us feel better when things are tidy or orderly because it gives us a sense of control and calm. Make your study space productive by removing rubbish and piles of papers etc. If you’re at home then make sure you have a dedicated space with everything you need in a drawer or cupboard that’s easy to access. You can use magazine holders or desk trays to organise material for different units. Surround yourself with a few things that make you feel happy but don’t overdo it. If you’re going to study in the library then make sure you make a list of what to take and only have what you need on the desk.

Connection is key

Being a student can be lonely. Hours at your desk or hidden away in the library. It’s important to stay connected to your friends, family and the uni community. Make sure you are communicating with the people around you; let them know your study schedule, ask for time off work; create a study group and make time to meet at uni or online. If you feel overwhelmed with your studies or have some personal issues this will impact your ability to study so it’s important to reach out. Tell your tutor or unit coordinator early on rather than just avoiding something. Contact Student Counselling to make a confediential appointmet. The QUT Wellbeing app is also worth a try as it has a collection of activities that provide tools and ideas to enhance your overall wellbeing.

Bring organised doesn’t come naturally to most of us – it’s is a skill that takes practice and finding what works best for you! But being organised and having strategies to deal with your study will help you manage your study load and ace those assessments.

Top 10 tips for being an active learner

Would you describe yourself as an active learner?
Active learning means participating in ways that actively engage your brain. Activities that require you to discuss, practise, and review new information are more effective than relying on passive strategies. This means you’re more likely to understand and remember what you do. You probably do this already in many ways but there’s always room for improvement. Check out these strategies for study success:

semester planner

weekly timetable

study guide

Regularly review your notes

review your notes every week

identify any weaknesses

30-60 minute blocks

mind map or knowledge tree

Use these questions as exam revision

different approaches to study

study group

Review the feedback

Academic Help and Workshops

self-study resources

How to study effectively during lockdown

While we’re all used to studying online it’s not the same as studying through lockdowns. Working from home full time and being unable to attend campus can take a lot of adjustment both practically and psychologically. It helps to have a few strategies in place to help you through these challenging periods.

Make a study timetable

Possibly one of the hardest things about studying and working from home is sticking to a schedule. It’s so easy to blur the boundaries between daily activities and study. One minute you’re doing your weekly reading and the next you’re catching up on laundry. Or in the other extreme you spend the whole day in front of a computer on just one unit. To create balance and prioritise tasks it helps to have a daily timetable that divides the day into chunks of study. Start by listing the things you want to achieve and then work out the best order to do them. Don’t panic if you don’t get through everything – just carry the unfinished tasks to the next day. Make sure you include regular breaks and leave time for some exercise. Learn more about managing your time.

Organise your study space

Not everyone has the luxury of a dedicated space to study but it’s important to try and find an area that you can use. Keeping your study space neat and tidy helps you feel organised and in control. Make sure you have everything you need so you don’t distract yourself by wandering through the house looking for things. If you share a space with others let them know you’re working so they can keep disturbances to a minimum. Sometimes it helps to change your environment so take some reading outside or do some writing at the kitchen table to change it up a bit.

Minimise distractions

We’re all prone to procrastination and it’s even more of a problem when studying at at home. There’s always something else to do and it’s more difficult to avoid the temptations of social media, gaming, streaming your favourite show and so on. This is the time for self-discipline. Try limiting time that you can use your phone. Put it in another room an access it only when you have a scheduled break. Noise-cancelling headphones may help you concentrate or you could find ‘focus’ playlists which feature instrumental music to help keep you in the zone. Check out an earlier post with tips for being organised.

Understand how you learn

Different students learn in different ways so it’s worth thinking about what works for you. If taking endless notes and re-reading material doesn’t seem to help you process infromation then change it up. Try creating flashcards to test yourself or create a mind map to explore different aspects of a topic. Experiment with note-taking and find a method that suits you. The Cornell method is useful for organising notes to revise later. It involves dividing a page into a main column, a narrower column beside it and a space at the foot of the page. The main column is for main notes, the right-hand column is for headings and/or key words and the space at the bottom is for a summary. This format allows you to test yourself easily and the process of creating the notes actually forces you to think about the meaning of the content. Learn more about note-taking in QUT’s study resources.

Stay connected

While we’re all in lockdown it becomes the norm to stay in touch with friends and family using FaceTime, Skype, Zoom etc but it’s also important to make contact with other students. Use social media, video links, email, chat or voice calls to share ideas, discuss assignments, test each other or just share experiences. Commit to attending online tutorials and support sessions to make sure you stay connected with your lecturers, tutors and classmates. If you feel that you need extra support or some advice on how to manage your study book a Success Coaching appointment. QUT also offers free, confidential counselling services for all current students.

Don’t forget to keep checking for COVID-19 updates.

Girl using laptop

Successful habits July 19, 2021

Preparing for uni

Whether you are new to uni or returning to study after a break, it can be both exciting and overwhelming when the semester finally begins. Here are a few things you can do to make sure you have everything you need to set yourself up for success.

Download the QUT app

This is a great first step in getting organised. The free student app really helps you manage your studies. Use it to search and register for all kinds of eventsand keep track of your classes. If you are on campus it can even help find a car park, check shuttle bus times and locate rooms.

App Store download
Google Play download

Connect with on social media

There are a range of social media channels to help you connect with QUT and your peers. Check out the official channels to stay up to date with all things QUT.

Facebook
Twitter
Insta

You will also find many more connections through your faculty so make sure you look out for this info in your units.

Attend orientation and study skills sessions

Make sure you join your essential orientation events. They cover everything you need to know about studying in your faculty and give you a chance to meet others.
Look out for other workshops to help you prepare for study at university.

Don’t worry if you miss something as most session will be recorded and available to access online.

Have everything you need

Be ready to start with all the text books and study materials you need for each unit. Once you have enrolled you can view your personalised booklist.
Don’t forget to check out what’s available in QUT Library as it stocks a small supply of prescribed readings and textbooks.

Strategies for managing exam stress

It’s that time of semester again and we all know that the exam period can be super stressful for many of us! Even though we know it’s coming and we have the best of intentions things often begin to unravel at the end of semester. It helps to have a plan and a reminder of some of the simplest things you can do to set yourself up for success:

Check in with yourself

Often we forget to really notice what’s going on for us. Stress can manifest in all sorts of ways but these are some common signs:

Feeling confused

Losing touch with friends

Feeling moody

Having trouble making decisions

Feeling overwhelmed

Lacking motivation

Trouble sleeping

Upset stomach, or feeling sick

Tense muscles and headaches

So how can you minimise the impact of stress when trying to prepare for exams and assessments?

Get into a healthy routine

It may seem like a good idea to pull an all-nighter but lack of sleep has a significant impact on your mood and energy levels. It’s hard to focus on revision when you’re sleep-deprived and your body starts to crave all sorts of things like caffeine! Try to aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep a night and also make time to enjoy other activities like spending time with friends and family. Balance is the key!

Set realistic goals

Make a plan and divide your tasks into realistic goals with a reasonable timeframe. It can help to break each unit into sub-topics to focus on in one study session. Chunk your time down to 30-minute sessions so that you can see what your priorities really are. Make sure you allocate time for breaks as well as food and sleep! Seeing a plan in front of you can also help you stay on track so try printing it out or add it to your screen background.

Look after your body

We all know that nutrition plays a huge part in our wellbeing but when we feel stressed it’s easy to reach for something quick and easy. Unfortunately highly processed food and fast-release carbs can make you feel sluggish and unmotivated after the initial food high. Surround yourself with healthy snacks (fruit, nuts, energy bars, healthy smoothies, eggs etc) and try to plan your main meals during the entire study period. Drink plenty of water and eat a balanced diet to give yourself the energy you need to power through this intense time!

Look after your mind

When you start to feel anxious or overwhelmed it helps to just stop and re-set. Take some time to close your eyes and just focus on your breathing for a few minutes. By calming down your breathing you can decrease your body’s response to stress and give yourself a new perspective. It’s also important to find time to exercise. Just moving your body for 30 minutes a day can increase your energy, focus, and boost your endorphins! You don’t have to fit in a full gym workout – just a walk will do.

Balancing study with everything that’s going on can be a real challenge. Just remember that it’s only for a short time and there is always someone at QUT that can support you. There are also plenty of useful resources available!

Successful habits March 5, 2021

Tackling your first assessment

Starting an assessment task can be stressful. Not sure where to begin? Here are 5 steps to help you get on track:

Understand the task

During your course you’ll be expected to submit lots of different types of assessment. Understanding the assessment requirements and reading the task instructions carefully will help you stay on track and submit what is actually required. If you’re unfamiliar with academic writing you might what to check out types of assignments. The assessment guidelines include the marking rubric (CRA) which outlines the standards used to grade your work. These often contain extra information about weighting of marks and how many references to include so it pays to read them carefully for EVERY assessment task. The instructions also include information about the accepted format, referencing style and mode of delivery for presentations. Find out more about CRA sheets.

Analyse the task instructions

Once you’ve checked out the task itself and looked at all the criteria it helps to break it down further. You can unpack the assignment by identifying key words that tell you more about what is required:

Content words

Directive words

Limiting words

Use the key words to brainstorm everything you know about the content (topic) so that you are ready for the next step. Find examples of directive words in the Task Word Glossary.

Research the narrowed down topic

Use the content words (which tell you about the topic) and limiting words to make a research plan. Make a list of questions that you need to answer and make sure you read with that purpose in mind. It’s important to note the searches you do so you can keep refining the search and find the most relevant, current information. If you don’t feel confident about researching a topic QUT Library has a stack of online resources to guide you through the process.

Organise your notes effectively

You need to read and note the information you have identified as useful for your assessment task. There’s no one method that works for everyone but it helps to have a basic system and to keep reviewing and refining your skills during the semester. So, make sure you develop a process to organise your information in a way that makes your life easier. Record the reference material every time you refer to a source. If you are doing this electronically use file names that make it easy to locate the information later and store the files under topics so you can locate them again for future reference. Learn more about effective notetaking in our study guides.

Make a detailed plan

Whether you’re writing an essay or preparing a presentation it always helps to have a really good plan. Use the task instructions to map out what you need to include in your assessment task.
Most written assignments require you to organise the information logically and the task instructions will often give you a structure to follow.
It may be tempting to think that it’s not so important to write a plan for a presentation but careful planning goes a long way! Planning the content, structure and timing of a presentation is essential to achieve maximum grades. Check out QUT’s guides for preparing a presentation.

The first assessment you do at uni or the first assessment for a new unit can feel a bit overwhelming and it’s easy to let self-doubt creep in. The good news is, you’re not alone at there are so many resources to support you. Check out academic help and workshops available to you this semester.