What kind of student are you?
Part of being a college student is learning which ways of studying work best for you and utilizing as many tips and hacks to ensure either the most successful route or the route of least resistance.
Some students love the rush of the all-nighter. They like to push the deadline and turn everything in at the last minute.
Other students are the "set it and forget it" type. They review the syllabus and complete all of their assignments and projects early so they don't have to think about it and can feel satisfied knowing the deadline does not loom.
Some students need to ask lots of questions, while others do not feel comfortable communicating their confusion.
Some students need to look their instructors in the eye. Others can't.
Regardless of what kind of student you think you are, the beginning of the semester is a good time to start fresh and discover what works best for you.
Have you ever taken the Myers-Briggs Test?
The creators of this Internet test theorize that people can be broken down into 16 different personality types. You may read your results and think, "That's not me! I can't be defined!" Fine. For others, their Myers Briggs category might provide insight on how they conserve their energy. For example, introverts might prefer studying alone or need solitary wind downtime before going to bed, where extroverts study best in groups or need to talk their ideas aloud.
Are you a morning person or evening person?
What is your golden hour? When is your brain firing on all cylinders? Some students light up in the evening, feeling the surge of energy at 10 pm or midnight, while others roll out of bed at sunrise and log a few hours at their desk before their first class begins.
College students make their own schedule which means they can also make the best of it.
Don't sign up for 8 am's if you work best in the late evening early morning hours. Don't schedule an evening class if you work best in the am. If you must take a class off scheduled, be sure to work in your rest times.
Are you a positive or a negative person?
Your mindset determines your actions. If you are a negative person who does not believe they will get a very good grade on a project, then they are less likely to ask for clarification, assistance, or put in the hours to complete a project. However, those who expect to do well on a project, tell themselves they will do well, are more likely to want to engage with the material, spend time on the project, and are more willing to ask for help when they hit a roadblock.
Consider changing these phrases which will encourage a positive mindset:
I'm not a good writer === I'm a better writer than I was yesterday
This class is killing me === This class is challenging and I can meet that challenge.
This project is stupid === This project confuses me. I should ask my instructor for clarity.
That person is smarter than me. === That person is doing well. What's their technique? Can I learn it?
How is this useful for my future career? === How can I make this useful for my future career?
Are you a digital or analog person?
This section of 2135 is an online digital class. All of your projects will be digital, we will communicate digitally, and you will receive feedback on your projects digitally.
However, that doesn't mean you are a digital person. If you realize you are more comfortable with handwritten notes, paper planners, physical books, and bags full of highlighters, pens, and post its, then take these precautions when taking this class.
1. Print the online lectures after they post and highlight the key terms.
2. Draw your layout and design ideas for your website on a piece of paper before designing on screen.
3. Copy all our assignments down from the class calendar on a paper planner or print each month.
4. Buy a cheap legal pad and write your major projects in pen, then type when you are done. This will give you a chance to catch any spelling errors or awkward sentences.
5. Schedule a time to review and respond to Tweets. The app is easier to navigate.
6. Visit the digital studio and ask one of the tutors for tips and tricks of webpage design.
If you are a digital person, take advantage of all the opportunities digital provides.
1. Download the class calendar to make sure your deadlines appear on your phone.
2. Look into Grammarly, which catches spelling mistakes and minor grammar issues.
3. If you are easily distracted by your apps, turn off your alerts.
Do you Studyblr?
Tumblr, Instagram, Pinterest, and You Tube are full of helpful tips and tricks. All you have to do is search the #studyblr.
Do you need accommodations?
Attending college is a transitional time where you are responsible for advocating for your own needs.
If you are a student who needs further assessment or accommodations to assist your education, do not hesitate to contact the SDRC . They can work with you to determine the resources and tools you need to be a successful student. They work with students who deal with a variety of conditions including but not limited to ADD, ADHD, Spectrum Disorder, Depression, Anxiety, Chronic Illness, Injury Recovery, and more. As a college student, you are now responsible for your own IEP and advocacy. Sometimes the transition from high school to college can make certain conditions seem harder. Don't procrastinate getting the assistance you need. The SDRC will help, but you must contact them.
Students needing academic accommodation should: (1) register with and provide documentation to the SDRC; and (2) bring a letter to the instructor indicating the need for accommodation and what type. This should be done during the first week of class. This syllabus and other class materials are available in alternative format upon request. For more information about services available to FSU students, contact the: Student Disability Resource Center 874 Traditions Way 108 Student Services Building Florida State University Tallahassee, FL 32306-4167 (850) 644-9566 (voice) (850) 644-8504 (TDD) sdrc@admin.fsu.edu http://dos.fsu.edu/sdrc/
Do you need Academic advice for Time Management, study plans or more?
PRE Program @ ACE: Free Academic Assistance
This class will be participating in the Proactive Referral and Engagement (PRE) program (http://ace.fsu.edu/pre), a new initiative at FSU that is supported by the Office of the Provost. The purpose of this program is to give you early academic assistance and advice so that you succeed in this class. Therefore, your course instructor may share information about your class performance with the
coordinator of this program, Dr. Samantha Nix, who may reach out to you via email or phone. She is able to connect you to one-on-one assistance with time management, developing a study plan, finding tutoring, and/or connecting with offices to support your success. While you are encouraged to take advantage of any academic support that she offers, you are in no way obligated to respond. If you would like to contact Dr. Nix for assistance yourself, please use the information below:
Samantha Nix
Email: SNix@fsu.edu
Phone: 850-645-4047
Office: William Johnston Building G015
If academic writing makes you nervous, check out the Reading and Writing Center (RWC)
What is the RWC?
Part of the English Department, the RWC serves Florida State University students at all levels and from all majors. Think of the RWC as an idea laboratory: it is a place to develop and communicate your ideas!
Who uses the RWC?
In short: everyone! The RWC’s clients include a cross-section of the campus: first-year students writing for composition class, upper-level students writing term papers, seniors composing letters of applications for jobs and graduate schools, graduate students working on theses and dissertations, multilingual students mastering English, and a variety of others.
Where is the RWC located?
As of Fall Semester 2015, the RWC currently has four locations: the newly remodeled Williams 222 location, the gleaming Johnston Ground location, the happening Strozier Library location, and the up-and-coming Dirac Library location. For students who are distance learners, online tutoring is available. Contact Dr. McElroy at smcelroy@fsu.edu for information.
What are the hours?
Hours vary by location. Check the online schedule for availability.
Who works there?
The tutors in the RWC are graduate students in English with training and experience in teaching writing and undergraduate students who have completed a 3-credit English elective course in tutoring writing and who have been apprentice tutors in the RWC.
What happens in a RWC session?
Many things! You can come with a prompt and talk about your ideas with someone who will be an active listener and ask questions to help you figure out what you think. You can come with a few ideas jotted down, and you can talk through your organization with a tutor. Once you have written parts of a draft or a whole draft, you can see if you communicated your ideas clearly by having a tutor be your “practice audience.” They will listen as a reader, and explain to you what they are thinking as a reader. If they hear what you intended to communicate, hooray! If not, you have an opportunity to revise before you give your work to your actual audience. The tutors will even help you learn editing and proofreading strategies so you can independently communicate your ideas clearly.
How do I make an appointment?
The best way is by using our online scheduling website: https://fsu.mywconline.com/ Instructions for making an appointment can be found here:
http://wr.english.fsu.edu/Reading-Writing-Center/How-to-Make-an-Appointment
While we will accept walk-ins if a tutor is available, it is usually best to book ahead.
How much tutoring help can I have?
All FSU students can have 1.5 hours of tutoring a week FOR FREE! This includes all locations, i.e., NOT 1.5 hours in Williams, 1.5 hours in Strozier, etc. Students who opt to register for ENC 1905, REA 1905, or ENG 5998 may have more time depending on the number of credits they choose to take. Appointments are limited to 60 minutes/day.
If navigating digital technology makes you nervous, check out the digital studio
What is the Digital Studio?
The Digital Studio provides support to students working individually or in groups on a variety of digital projects, such as designing a website, developing an electronic portfolio for a class, creating a blog, selecting images for a visual essay, adding voiceover to a presentation, or writing a script for a podcast. The DS has both Macs and PCs, and some of the cool software available in the DS includes Photoshop, InDesign, Windows Movie Maker, iMovie, and more!
Who uses the DS?
Any FSU students who want to complete digital class assignments (e.g., for FYC or WEPO) or to improve overall capabilities in digital communication. Students also use the DS to make Prezis, business cards, flyers for their own student organizations, and more!
Where is the DS?
There are two DS locations: Williams 222 and Johnston Ground.
What happens in a DS session?
Like the RWC, think of the DS as an idea lab, only it is a place to explore ideas in digital texts and to learn new technologies to communicate ideas in those mediums.
How do I make an appointment?
The best way is by using our online scheduling website: http://fsu.mywconline.com The DS does accept walk-ins, but the DS gets booked by large groups and is very busy at the end of the semester, so it is best to plan ahead.
How much tutoring can I have?
You can use the DS as much as you’d like!
What if it is all just too much and you don't know what to do, don't spiral
Being a college student can be overwhelming. Really overwhelming.
You don't have to let it overtake you.
Case Management Services provides assistance for issues including but not limited to:
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Emotional Distress/Mental Health
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Death of family member or close friend
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Serious Illness (i.e. mononucleosis, meningitis, cancer, chronic illness, etc.)
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Accident resulting in injury
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Hospitalization for emotional or physical condition
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Housing crisis
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Financial hardship
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Family/relationship difficulties
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Academic concerns related to a crisis
If you are struggling with an issue:
Contact the Dean of Students main number 850.644.2428 and ask to speak with a Case Manager.
Or, Case Management operates on a walk-in basis and has walk-in hours Monday through Friday from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm. Case Management is located in University Center A on the 4th floor, Suite 4100.
Or maybe, what you need is someone to talk to.
Check out the University Counseling Center. In addition to offering confidential one-on-one or group counseling, you can also reach out to them for information in case you are worried that one of your friends is struggling with something you are not prepared to deal with. Also, check out their website for relaxation techniques, free apps for sleep assessment and mood trackers, information on sexual assault awareness, and more.
You can visit the University Counseling Center, on the 2nd floor of the Askew Student Life Center during regular business hours, Monday- Friday, 8am-4pm. Or call them at (850) 644-TALK(8255)