The winter break has come to an end, and we students must say farewell to these glorious days of well-deserved rest and fun, and gradually step back and prepare for the new semester ahead. It is vital to prepare ourselves when beginning a new semester, as it can make the experience a bit more entertaining and pleasant for us. A positive attitude and an open mind can do the trick quite nicely. Let’s delve into some things that can put your mind at ease as you embark on another segment of academic studies.
Written by Umaima Usman
To start off — who doesn’t like some new supplies for the new semester? I think buying new supplies can make you more excited for the semester ahead, and it can also set the right tone for the year. Listed below is a checklist of supplies that can help you prepare better for another year of fantastic notetaking and organization:
Electronics
Computer/Desktop/Tablet: (including charger) that meets the requirements of the university and is appropriate for your program. Some universities require students to download the “Respondus” lockdown browser for midterms and exams. Make sure your device is able to download the application.
Microsoft Office Subscription: Some universities provide a complete Microsoft Office 360 package as part of your university tuition. Consider buying this independently otherwise, if you think some of the tools could be valuable for your program.
USB Drive: to back up important files and assignments.
Reliable Internet Connection: With many classes shifted online as of the spring/ summer 2020 semester, this is imperative. If your at-home wifi is unreliable, consider finding a local internet cafe or public library that accepts in-person service.
Adobe Reader: This will allow you to download, read, and edit PDF documents. There are free and paid alternatives for this, so browse before buying a subscription.
Headphones: Comfortable noise-cancelling headphones are helpful as they can help you study better in a noisy environment. This is especially true if living amidst family distractions during the pandemic.
Mouse and Keyboard: This is specifically if you are using a tablet or desktop for online classes.
Citations Application: These can save you a great deal of time when it comes to creating bibliographies for your research papers or essays. Free apps like Zotero, EsyBib will help you properly cite and organize the sources. See which applications are recommended by your university.
Stationary
Pens, pencils, highlighters
Notebooks, binders, loose papers, graph paper
Sticky notes, scientific calculator, etc.
Personal Planner
A trusty planner will help you stay organized and on top of things. No one wants to miss the deadline for a crucial assignment or an important meeting. A planner will help you keep track of all the assignments and important meetings you have to attend, and will make your life way easier. If you prefer, consider investing some time exploring Google Calendar or Microsoft Calendar, so you can get online reminders and easily rearrange your schedule as required.
Textbooks
Always read the course outline/syllabus to see if a textbook is required for a course. Often time you can buy these for cheaper from Facebook Marketplace, Kijiji, or from smaller bookstores near your campus. Alternatively, e-book options also exist for most textbooks, especially in the sciences.
Even if the course outline says that textbooks are required, it is better to email the professor and ask how much will you be using the textbook. If you do require the textbook, make sure you order it before the new semester starts or as soon as possible from the campus bookstore so it arrives on time. Sometimes textbooks are otherwise ‘recommended’ to reinforce concepts taught in class, but are not mandatory to do well in the course. Weigh your options and see what works best for you.
A Quiet Study Space
I cannot stress how important it is to have a clean and quiet study space that is not your bed. Having a study space can help you focus more and study better as you will be distracted less. Students tend to underestimate how vital it is to have a clear headspace when studying. If living with family or noisy roommates, share your schedule with them so they are aware of when they need to keep noise levels down.
A Comfortable Chair
You may find yourself sitting in the same spot for hours as you engage in an online schooling experience. It is important to have a comfortable chair that you can adjust to the right level to see your computer easily and also one that will not hurt your back. Alternatively, consider standing workstations so you can give yourself a break from sitting while studying.
Snacks
While taking online classes and studying, it is always a good idea to have some snacks next to you. I recommend having some nuts or dark chocolate as well as a filled water bottle next to yourself when studying. Eating and staying hydrated while engaging in material might help you stay awake and focus longer.
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