STUDENT 911
KICK-starting the semester
Vukosi Nwaila
So it’s back to books, coping with exam stress, submitting assignments and getting good predicates. For first
years this is the beginning of your successful journey.
What could be more overwhelming than seeing your
hard work pay off at the end of the semester?
Below are things to get you started
1. KNOW YOUR PURPOSE
Varsity as we know it is a platform for all kinds of things,
from parties to bad friends and a whole lot more which
can be fun and simultaneously be your down fall. Get
your priorities straight; at the end of the day everyone’s
ultimate aim or goal is to get a qualification, yet only few
are determined and ready to carry that studying burden.
Go out as much as you want to but don’t forget why you
are here. If peer pressure was not a reality back then, it
is one now .
2. BOOKS, BOOKS AND MORE BOOKS
Not everyone was born a genius and not everyone is a
book junkie but try to be one this semester. It is worth
giving it a try. Study time tables are said to be an idea
of absurdity but once you get used to the idea you are
ready to make it. Study time tables get you organised
and committed but while you are at it, leave some room
for disappointment. Not everyone aces their first few
tests but if you put your mind to it you are sure going
to survive the semester. Do not wait for your lecturer to
announce test dates before you get started, prepare for
tests weeks before and you will not regret your effort.
3. SET GOALS
Setting short and long term goals motivates one to work
towards achieving outstanding results and gives you a
sense of direction. Write down everything you want to
have achieved by the end of February, even better the
semester. A short term goal could be “to obtain 75% in
all tests” and a long term goal could be to have an average of 65%. Goals should be specific and realistic. Here
is a check list to ensure your set goals are on point using
the SMART method:
Goals should be:
• Specific
• Measurable
• Attainable
• Realistic
• Timed
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4. HAVE A POSITIVE ATTITUDE
A positive attitude sees light in darkness, it is that one
most significant requirement you need to survive the semester. See an opportunity in every challenge and keep
your head up. Now is the time to unleash you potential.
Do not underestimate your capabilities, be optimistic,
think positively and be of good courage. A negative attitude indirectly positions you mind for failure. Be the type
of student that says “I can still get a distinction in this
module” when you have failed to get one in a test. Be
willing to try, attend SI sessions and be confident and
believe anything is possible.
5. STICK TO THE BUDGET
It is that time of the year again where you ought to make
decisions about how to spend your pocket. For year student s it a new thing and for seniors we have learnt from
our mistakes. Not everybody is a “gates” at campus,
some are from humble backgrounds. So how you spend
your pocket money is all up to you. Do not exhaust your
budget on unnecessary items like clothing and going out
more often than you should, overspending only has a
stress after effect. Draw up a budget, which basically
is a spending plan that you decide upon based on your
income. Know what you can afford and what you cannot
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