Are you feeling somewhat unprepared and empty even before the new semester starts? No worries, here are 3 essentials that I am going to share to help you kickstart your engine for the road ahead!
1. Planner
Start using a PLANNER! Normally, when a new semester starts, you will be bombarded by different time schedules for your modules, and they are usually scattered in different folders. Having to switch between tabs or to create many sticky notes on your desktop wall can be messy, and may cause you to miss out on important deadlines. Having a centralised planner would help!
Here’s some of my suggestions for setting up a planner:
Hang a whiteboard up on the wall and you can start writing down the important deadlines. You can easily make changes on the board and design the layout.
Hang a corkboard wall and pin sticky notes that are written with your important dates. After those deadlines are met, take them down! The feeling of satisfaction when taking them down is beyond words, and I am not even kidding (tried and tested).
Image from Better Homes and Gardens
Notion app (Student/Personal). This desktop or mobile application allows great flexibility and easy integration of all your digital resources in one place. You can even categorize your tasks and prioritize them. Consider Notion if you want a digitalized planner and a non-messy desktop wall!
Image from Notion app (Personal)
2. Google Scholar
Not sure if you have heard of Google Scholar… It is an advanced version of Google where you can obtain scholarly literature.
Now you may ask, why do I need this? Isn’t Google already a good search engine?
True, Google is an easy access for your questions but it is difficult to search for credible and accurate information sources for your research papers or essays (you will come across them in university). Google Scholar offers all scholarly literature and allows you to explore related works, publications and authors. If you need recent article papers, fret not! It has various filtering functions. Furthermore, you can activate ‘Find It @ NUS Libraries’ to get access to full-text articles! Use Google Scholar if you want a good alternative to NUS Library portal.
You will now not need to panic over where to find the relevant information when it's time to do research for your assignments! 😉
3. Box of snacks
Some lectures timings clash with meal times and this can be frustrating for those who follow a meal routine. To add on, it can be quite a rush for you to run to any vending machine to get a snack, especially if there isn’t one nearby.
Image from Miss Crystal Online
Regardless of when you are hungry, it is wise to keep a box of snacks with you, such as energy bars, fruits, biscuits (be careful not to drop the crumbs), Pocky snacks et cetera. Bring more in case your hungry friends sneak their hands into your snack box... 🤪 Sharing is caring!
One reminder: Pick up any rubbish dropped on the floor and dispose them appropriately. Be responsible yah?
TA-DA! That is all for the top 3 essentials that you must have when you embark on university life! Remember to use a planner, adopt Google Scholar and keep a box of snacks with you! Hope you find them useful and all the best for your university life! Adios!
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About student contributor:
I am Jie Wen, a year 2 biomedical engineering student. During my free time, I enjoy exploring natural trails that Singapore nature parks offer and taking snapshots of their beautiful sceneries. A good way to destress!
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