Serious Studying

STUDY HABITS

I am absolutely awful at studying. However, after two years at college I have learned what works for everyone else.

- Academic Planner: There is nothing worse than finding out about a paper or test the day before. As soon as you get your syllabii fill out a planner and take it with you everywhere. Check it several times a day and put return information in it in case you leave it somewhere. Put important dates in your phone as well.  I would suggest color coding by class or assignment type and remind yourself days ahead.
-Getting a head start: I never do this, but something as simple as a writing page a day allows you to have ample time for editing and to avoid that final stress overload. I meet with an ADHD counselor (provided by disability services) at least once a week to prepare outlines, go over editing, and manage my schedules. Doing the outline is important and makes life a lot easier. Do citations as you go so you do not forget to do them later.
-Finding a good study space: studying in one's room is almost impossible to do because it's comfortable and easy to get distracted. Base your location off your study habits. While the library may seem like a good place to go, it is very hard to find a table and many people talk anyways. Statistically speaking, you will study more thoroughly without music (I know this is the opposite for some). Finding a cubby, away from friends or other stimuli is a great suggestion.  Studying hours on end is not as effective as studying for half an hour periods with small 5-10 breaks in between.
- Flash Cards: I cannot emphasize the importance of flash cards. Learning by doing is great, but flash cards are visual and can be read aloud. They provide an easy way to review with friends. Look over them maybe 15 minutes a day and that is a great booster. Some more tips here.
- Do Research on Caffeine: Some people swear by it and others do not. I wrote an entire research paper on the negative effects of caffeine, so I personally do not indulge. The choice is, obviously, yours.
-Editing: If you are not great at editing, at least read your paper aloud. Papers sound differently when read aloud and your brain skips over many errors while reading it on the screen. Write by hand if you have difficulty focusing while typing. Ask a friend to edit your paper or ask several. If you can, for your first paper, set up a meeting with your professor before the paper is due to find out what they are looking for and to see what suggestions they may have.
-Study Groups: Only use a study group if you feel you are being more productive with your group than without. Each department should offer tutors or study sessions. I highly suggest attending these because they are lead by students that excelled in the class and know how the professor's tests are designed.

If you want some more information this article from The Wallstreet Journal is interesting.

Planner Suggestions:

Order Out of Chaos : recommended by ADHD counselors. Offers a by subject basis.
Lilly Pulitzer: aside from being cute, offers month, week and individual day organizing.
Your School most likely offers a free one!
New York Public Library Student Planner: includes a study schedule!

The College Prepster also has her own set of recommendations!

xoxo - Emma

Happy and Healthy

Staying Healthy.

The space you live and potentially study in is really important for your health and your academics. During my first semester of Freshman year, I got mono. At the time I was the only person on campus to have it and was very confused. I also got throat infections and colds regularly. Moving my bed away from my roommate's was a good start but what I really needed was a more hygienic space. Now I Swiffer, change my sheets, and disinfect at least once a week. Communal dorm bathrooms are pretty gross, especially on weekends when the cleaning staff is off duty. Shower shoes are a must to prevent athlete's foot.
- Drink as much water as possible. If you get sick (which is inevitable at college) your body needs to stay hydrated to flush out any toxins, regulate your temperature, increase your energy...etc. This means drinking WATER, not soda or coffee which will actually de-hydrate you (and ruin your teeth and digestive system). Many girls keep a tumbler or water bottle on them at all times.
-CLEAN YOUR ROOM. Do your laundry regularly, take out your trash and make sure no stray food is left around. My roommate was particularly bad about this and I would find mold over old tea. I had no idea that iced tea could grow mold in our room, but it definitely can. Changing your pillow cases regularly also greatly reduces acne.
-Go to the health center. If you think you are sick you should get checked out. It's only $50 to do so by appointment. I was so sick but assured myself I would get over it. The day I couldn't walk was the day someone dragged me over only to get diagnosed with acute mono. Either way, they have free painkillers and cold medicine and obviously, condoms. Also, if you get sick that means the people in your living space are at risk. Everyone is trying to do well at school so please be considerate. Get a flu shot, they offer them on campus!
-GET SOME SLEEP. When you're asleep your body repairs itself. Not sleeping is a great way to get sick and lower your concentration. If you need to take naps, find a time not near a class to do so.
-Do not share drinks. At parties, people might reuse a cup for beer-pong or share with a friend. This is obviously a great way to get sick. The same goes for sharing a cigarette, a joint, smoking a bowl, etc. Be careful. If you know someone is sick, avoid the germ swap.
-Clean off your phone. The majority of cell phones have traces of fecal matter because of poop texting. Additionally, many suffer from phone induced acne on the sides of their faces (I have it). Disinfect your phone regularly. Wash your hands, obviously.
- Wash your dishes. Do not tell yourself I'll do it tomorrow. Eventually you'll have to resort to re-using dirty dishes because you cannot expect your roommate to pick up the slack.
If you want to learn more, this is a good start.

Beginning Basics

WELCOME!
It's time to start gearing up for the beginning of a new semester. This means shopping for the basics needed for the year. Here are some recommendations for a cheap & chic wardrobe and lifestyle.

1. THE TOTE BAG
I cannot stress the importance of this item. One bag serves as a staple of your wardrobe and an organizer of your life. This means that it needs to be large enough to carry your laptop, school supplies, and some text books. Have no fear, you need not be restricted to a Longchamp. The following are a few of my picks for the first semester (still in happy colors until it gets cold).

1. Tory Burch "Ella" Nylon Tote ($195). 2. Kate Spade "Flatiron Maryanne" Nylon Shopper ($135)  3. Marc by Marc Jacobs Medium "Tate" ($135) 4. Betsey Johnson "One & Only" Tote ($128). 5. Coach Medium Tote ($199).

2. DURABLE FLATS
Walking across campus day after day can be a nightmare for your feet. Flats are an easy decision because they are comfortable and can be dressed down or up. Some flats just wear out too quickly or do not fit well. Here are some suggestions that should not fall into either category.

1.MICHAEL Michael Kors 'Delphine' Ballet Flat ($125) 2. Sam Edelman 'Noah' Flat ($99). 3. TOM'S Linen Ballet Flats ($79). 4. THE PEOPLE'S MOVEMENT Ballet Flat ($49). 5. MARC by Marc Jacobs "Tuxedo" Flat ($199). 6. Kate Spade "Tock" Flat ($199).

3. RAIN GEAR

When I came to college, I only had a flimsy umbrella. At High School rain is not an issue because buildings are connected or close together. At college the rain is ruining your shoes as you run to class. Understand that it will rain and you will need all of these things to function as usual.

- Rain Jackets: focus on the thickness you need. Hot southern rains do not need much, but hail up north is a different story. You also need to see if the jackets are rain resistant or fully waterproof.

-Boots: Wellies can also double as snow boots with thick enough socks. I highly recommend this considering how much cleaning UGGs can cost. I also recommend getting some tread to avoid slipping. I personally love Coach and Burberry boots.

-Umbrella: I would suggest getting an automatic opening one and one with a large enough handle that two people can share. Also, having a unique print can ensure that no one takes yours by mistake (unless they're jealous and do so on purpose).

-Waterproof Bag: This is obviously not a necessity, but I highly recommend getting one. I worship leather purses and the rain is an enemy of mine. I have a bag JUST for rainy days/snowy days that has done me well.

I will add more essentials as they come!
Xoxo, Emma