Tips and tricks to survive in a local University.
Disclaimer: If you don't survive... well, I take no responsibility.
1) Pray to the Bell Curve God.
No matter what religion you are, you better be in the Bell Curve's favour. If you're not, then it's almost impossible to get your grades back up! Always remember that if you're following the majority, you're on the right track.So start praying.
2) Picking electives to help your grades
My improvisation elective was funnn!
Ask your seniors for elective recommendations but take note of these vital points! If you choose an elective that's easy in content but difficult to score (essays, case studies, etc), it might not be the best option for you. For example, during mid terms, you scored a 28/40 which is pretty good right? But if everyone
else is scoring 34/40 then you might even consider S/Uing the module. If you fail... then the easier the final exam, the more likely you are to be screwed. However, if you take a confusing module but the final exam is MCQ (Multiple Choice Questions) then, that could be a better option because you have the luxury of GUESSING. Oh, and if everyone else is GUESSING too, who will the bell curve favour? Guess.
(Note: Feel free to pick electives you're interested in! The above tip was purely for pushing up your GPA)
3) Get good groupmates
Pick crappy ones and you have nightmares for the whole semester. Or maybe no nightmares because you won't even be sleeping. You'll be living in one, though. You know what they're like, they don't turn up for meetings, are always MIA and uncontactable during CRUCIAL periods, give super sloppy work and of course, try to claim credit when feedbacks are due. The trick is how to SPOT them before grouping with them! There isn't a fool-proof method, but there are some signs you can look out for.
- Late for class often (or doesn't even show up!)
- Unkempt appearance
- Sleep during lessons
If your professor groups you together with them, you have no choice. But you better set your expectations and talk to them sternly before all hell breaks loose. (Good luck.)
4) Obtain senior's notes
Granted, it will be time consuming to create your OWN notes for every subject, so why not get senior's notes instead? Unless you're doing a new module... or your entire syllabus has changed, there will be some notes somewhere. Ask around, ask your classmates, bribe them if needed.
5. Study smart
I study, text, study, text, otherwise I get restless.
Studying at the last minute doesn't work for everyone. Worse if you actually study the ENTIRE syllabus :X Checking past year papers help you gauge the types of questions that will come out, listening intently when your prof reveals the final exam format (and the people who ask for topic hints) will also help as well. Find your study preference! Are you a morning or night person? Do you need 8 hours of sleep to be optimal? (I do.) In a quiet place or a noisy one? iPod music or not? Studying alone, or in a small group? (Big groups are useless. Once someone gets fidgety and suggests to do something else, if you're the minority, then gg). The only way to find out is to try all these permutations and you'll find your match.
That's it! Other tips like don't skip meals blahblah apply but I'm sure you already know that :P
I survived. You can too! (which is also an appeal not to commit suicide from stress).
