Ottawa, August 9 - Being a student and attending university is stressful, especially during the first year. Many think that success comes from studying as hard as possible and attending class. However, it’s the habits, mindset, and balance that lead to student success. Each student’s journey is unique, but some universal strategies can help you excel in university life. Whether you’re just starting your academic journey or looking for ways to improve your current systems, these tips can help you create a steady and fulfilling educational experience.

Health and Well-being 

Mental health 

Balancing academic responsibility with a personal and social life can be overwhelming. Especially today, it is all the more important to pay attention to mental health and take action. A good mental space can help diffuse stress, build healthy relationships, and improve one's capacity to study and focus. Mental health, when disregarded can lead to anxiety, sadness, and other illnesses. While having the usual side-effects of lowering the quality of life, it can create academic obstacles potentially threatening further pressure.

Maintaining good mental health requires a balanced lifestyle allowing relaxation and hobbies. While sounding counter-intuitive at first, making time for these fun activities helps refresh the mind. This balanced lifestyle also includes having a social life and developing friendships that offer you emotional support and a sense of belonging. Furthermore, students can manage stress through mindfulness and medication. Sometimes it may not feel as though these mindful activities may be enough. Universities offer mental health services to support you such as counseling, therapy, and support groups. Taking advantage of these services when necessary may be a crucial step to maintaining your well-being.

Physical health

Physical health has an impact on memory, cognitive functioning, and the learning process. Exercise can also improve energy levels, mood, and attention. Thankfully, you do not need to spend eight hours a day working out to look like an Olympic bodybuilder! Engaging in upwards of 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week and eating a well-balanced diet can help your body develop and remain healthy. Getting 7-9 hours of sleep per night will improve this process optimally, as well as keep you acute academically and personally. Having a regular sleep routine and reducing screen time before bedtime will help you fall asleep while prioritizing health.

Optimal Studying 

Time is the ultimate currency, invaluable and irreplaceable. Studying properly and making the most use of your time when studying is an essential skill for each student. Learning quickly and studying efficiently is not something you are born with; it can be improved with practice and dedication.

Effective Study Techniques

Try experimenting with different ways of studying and try to find what works for you!

Using active learning techniques such as creating flashcards or mind maps and forming study groups to collaborate can make your study sessions more diverse and engaging. This can include working with classmates to discuss topics, sharing notes, and explaining concepts to one another.

To study effectively you also need to take account of the limits of the human brain. According to studies, today's average human attention span is 8.25 minutes, and the longer you study the less productive you are. Strategies such as the Pomodoro Technique complement a cycle for optimal productivity consisting of 25 minutes of concentrated studying, followed by a 5-minute break can streamline the study process for you.

Studying more effectively also requires developing good habits. This means not cramming for a test the night before, and instead using spaced practice. When our brains almost forget something, they work harder to recall that information therefore spacing out studying allows your mind to form connections between ideas and expand on knowledge that can be remembered later.

Planning and Prioritizing

The world today is full of distractions, with all of our devices constantly fighting for our attention and time which makes it difficult to stay on track. As a result, students can get some tasks done because of procrastination and let opportunities slip.

By making a schedule, we can take control of how we spend our day. By following a detailed schedule, we can win the fight against procrastination and be a lot more productive. We also need to make sure to prioritize activities based on their importance. We as students have a lot on our plates so a good daily schedule should prioritize assignments and studying based on deadlines, importance, and difficulty level. Doing this will give you a better perspective of where you can include time for the other aspects of your life.

Alongside having a schedule establishing academic and personal goals is vital. Clearly defined goals provide direction and motivation, acting as the first step to your journey to student success.

Networking and building relationships

Building relationships and networking can make a student's life a lot more enjoyable. Building relationships with classmates, joining a club, etc. can be essential. Engaging in social events and extracurricular activities such as sports intramurals are some of the most effective ways to make friends and create a sense of belonging. Furthermore, forming friendly relationships with Professors is also important as they can provide access to resources and opportunities. Try going to office hours sometimes!

Relationships outside of the University are also vital. Connecting with alumni, industry professionals, and potential employers provides insights into career paths, job openings, and valuable advice. Attending networking events and career fairs can lead to internships, job offers, and mentorship, giving students a competitive edge in the job market.

Without question networking and building relationships are crucial. Engaging in these activities lays a strong foundation for both academic and professional success while making the university experience more enjoyable.

Mindset 

Having the right mindset is key to effective studying and overall student success. A concept introduced by psychologist Carol Dwek explores the idea of a growth mindset. A growth mindset is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work. Students may find it beneficial to try to implement some of Dwek's philosophy, such as viewing challenges as opportunities to learn and improve. Changing a perspective on mistakes, seeing them as learning opportunities rather than failures, and being open to receiving feedback and criticism will make the "mistake-making process" a far more positive one. You may impact your thinking further by engaging in positive self-talk and affirmations. Also, focus on your development and celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small. Recognizing improvement helps to sustain motivation and encourages continuous effort.

Conclusion 

Student success is not a one-dimensional achievement but a harmonious blend of effective study habits, time management, goal setting, attention to health and well-being, and developing a supportive network. By adopting some of the strategies I suggested today, students may be able to create a well-rounded and success-filled university experience. However, it is important to keep in mind that Student success is not just about excelling academically but also about growing as an individual, building meaningful relationships, and preparing for future professional endeavors. The skills and habits developed during these years will serve you well beyond graduation, setting the foundation for a fulfilling and productive life. Remember, it's not about being perfect but about making consistent progress, learning from setbacks, and celebrating your achievements along the way.