News

January 28, 2021

Tips to Start Fresh this Semester

Spring semester is here! Whether you are a traditional undergraduate student, graduate student, non-traditional adult student or in our doctorate program, welcome to the spring semester at Roberts! Did you know that the beginning of every semester is a fresh start? So whether this is your first semester or you’re preparing for graduation, consider today a chance for a new beginning! There are plenty of resources as you start the semester, so never hesitate to reach out to your advisor, career development, your Redhawk guide or faculty for help. At Roberts, we want you to reach your full potential.

Evaluate Last Semester & Start the New Year Off Right

You completed your fall semester and that’s quite an accomplishment – especially during a pandemic! 2021 is a new year, so let go of last semester – regardless of how it went – and set some new goals. Look at areas that you may need a fresh start or to be more disciplined.

On Campus Resources

Take advantage of the resources available to you on campus. If you have a difficult course this semester, one of the best ways you can ensure you’ll do well in is by utilizing the resources and support available to you. Don’t wait until your first test or project is due to ask for help from your professor. You can also contact the Learning Center and request a tutor who can help you with a class. It’s free and you have nothing to lose, everything to gain.

Don’t forget to use the Writing Center to become a better writer for any stage of the writing process. Take advantage of these opportunities early on and you’ll thank yourself later. Think about new ways to make your dreams a reality.

Links to Campus Resources:

Make Every Effort

It’s normal to feel anxious about the new semester.  So, reach out to others around you – friends, faculty, staff, trustworthy family members – or make an appointment with the Counseling Center on campus.

To ensure you are prepared to do your best in classes, make sure you utilize the resources available to you at Roberts. Don’t wait for a test or project, reach out to the Learning Center and they can connect you with a tutor if you feel stuck in a class or are not clear about class concepts. It’s better to ask for help early on versus waiting and falling behind.

Be Organized

Before you start classes, get a planner and start mapping out the semester. Add the important dates from your syllabuses for tests, projects, papers, presentations, etc. Look ahead at your first few weeks of classes to see what is coming up and which things should take priority. Break up the work you can into chunks over the semester to set a plan in place.  Drafting a semester plan will help to keep you on the path to success. And, ensure you have a place for every class item that you’ll such as a Google folder for your typed notes, a notebook/folder for hand written notes, and defined area on your desk/shelf for your course work.

More Tips & Tricks to consider:

  • Did you know that a basic rule of thumb is to study for two to three hours for each hour you are in class?  If your class meets three hours a week, then you would plan to study six to nine hours a week for that class.  Use your planner to schedule consistent blocks of time every day to study/review class material. You may feel like there is a lot of time before your first exam, however studying regularly will help you stay familiar with the material you are learning.
  • Create index cards/flashcards for memorization. This can be especially helpful for key concepts, definition and dates.  Determine what you need to remember and write down the keywords, themes and definitions by subject. You can use these flashcards later to study for exams.
  • Use a time management system. One example is the Pomodoro Technique. Just set a timer for 25 minutes and concentrate on a task during that time. When the timer is up, take a five-minute break to get a snack or stretch. After your break, repeat. If you follow the Pomodoro Technique four times, then take a longer 15-30-minute break.
  • De-clutter your virtual workspace. Organize folders on your computer using a logical naming system. Delete what you no longer need (such as documents and photos). Remember to uninstall non-essential apps too. This will help to free up storage space. When you’re done, remember to clean your laptop screen and keyboard with a damp (with water) micro-fiber cleaning cloth.

Today is a perfect time to bring out the best student in you! Start off 2021 with a positive mindset!

Have a great semester Redhawks!