Throughout my first semester of uni, I've been hearing students saying, "what is the most bulgiest/elective subject for breadth?" or "I'm doing a bulge subject/elective, because I want things to be easy." That's a fair enough statement, that you'd like to do a bulge subject (easy, light weighted subject) to have a break. But have you thought about how it would benefit you in the future? Hmm... probably not.
I'd say, choose your breadth/elective subjects that would associate to your potential career pathway in the future. Use your credits wisely. Take the advantage in exploring your interests that tie into your future. For instance, if you would like to be a teacher in the future, take Education subjects as your breadth. Or if you would like to tie in Marketing into the Music Industry, choose Marketing as your breadth. You have three years in your Bachelor Degree, so I highly suggest to research potential breadth/elective subjects that you need in the future, rather than having 'an easy life' in your breadth/elective subjects. If we're paying a lot of money to study in uni, studying/doing what we love, you might as well choose a breadth/elective subject that really do benefit you for the future.
For instance, I would like to be a music therapist, music teacher, or play therapist in the future. So therefore, I would take Psychology (MBB1 and MBB2), and almost all of the Education Subjects available, which fills up all my breadth credit instantly. For my music elective subjects, I have chosen music therapist subjects, ensembles electives and technical classes (such as Alexander Technique) to benefit myself as a performer. Boom, done!
If you have so many extra breadth/elective subjects that is over the top of the suggested credit points available, you can study them for fun. However, it won't count into your credits. Besides, if you're doing subjects that overrides your needed credits, I wouldn't bother. Just choose your top subjects that would benefit you mostly, or you have a strong interest of. Nevertheless, if you're stuck on choosing your subjects, go with what you're passionate with, or how interested you are in that particular subject.
Here's summary of what I'm trying to say here:
- Choosing a budge subject could be a waste of time for you
- Please choose your subjects that will tie into your career aspirations
- Choosing a breadth/elective subject is what explores your pathways for the future
- Interests and strong passion towards your chosen breadth/elective is a way to go
- Absorb your chosen breadth/elective subject as much as you could; you only have three years in your Bachelor Degree, might as well learn as much as you can
- Got an intense elective/breadth subject? Always write down why you're doing that subject, what are your reasons, etc to motivate you.
Extra things before I finish up this post:
- Surprisingly, a few or some of my breadth/elective subjects is the most bulgiest subjects of all, and I'm not complaining about that actually. Hahaha. I'm choosing of what I love, and what would benefit me in the future. So, I guess I'll be having a good time for the next two and a half years. Hahaha.
- If you'd like to do Music as a breadth, please do ask me questions about it! I can help you with what I've heard, or what I've experienced so far. :)
- Just a heads up for the people who chose a language as their breadth subject!
Things will get harder as you progress in your chosen language. So, I highly suggest to work hard, and keep your head up. Practise is the key! Don't let my opinion discourage you in taking a language! I'm just simply letting you know. Haha. If you love it, stick with it. :)
Suggested music for this post?
Sorry, don't have a chosen song that relates to this post. However, there's this song that I've been loving recently! It's called, Day in June by Kid Astray. Enjoy!
Today marks the end of my first semester of uni. I've never been this proud in my life ever, more than surviving Year 12. When I stepped outside, feeling satisfied with my last exam (technical exam for music), I felt that sense of relief, that happiness of finishing with Semester One. It all seems to associate with that quote in Finding Nemo when one of the fishes of the gang said, "what now?" after they've escape that torturous 'jail' in a fish tank.
"It's over. My god."
"HAHA. What now?"
Well, I plan to explore, practise, train and dance. I plan to take up cycling again, exploring once more again. I plan to ride all the way to Rye (50km) from my place, and back (100km in total), because I can and I'm a crazy athlete. Hahaha. Ever since I rode to Mornington during my summer break, cyclists told me that Rye is pretty mint they say. Therefore, I plan to ride there. Don't worry, I've done this before. Ever since I did the Great Victorian Bike Ride, I believe I can do this... even though I haven't done that much training since the summer. HAHAHAHA. Hopefully, I can get around with that soon.
I plan to practise and memorise all of my End of Year Recital Exam before Semester Two starts. I won't over practise my head off. No way! I want to enjoy and make most of my break. I needed one. It seems very ambitious of me, but I really do need all the time I need now. I have practised these pieces for about two months now, and therefore I should really push myself to memorise these pieces by the start of Semester Two. Now, since I have all the time in the world, I should get cracking with my pieces. I want to do this, and therefore I shall achieve my goals.
Here's my pieces that I will be doing in my 'End of Year Recital':
Italian Concerto by Bach, 1st movement
Sonata, Op. 1o, No. 2 by Beethoven, 1st movement
Nocturne in F major by Chopin
Prelude: Minstrels and Bruyeres by Debussy
Minstrels is another new piece that I have to learn; my four pieces doesn't reach at least 18 minutes or almost to the maximum (20 minutes) of my recital. It won't be so bad. Though, it sucks that I have to learn another piece. But hey, at least I get to perform more of Debussy's pieces for once. I'll discuss about my End of Year Recital soon during Semester Two. My favourite pieces? Chopin Nocturne and Bruyeres. Least favourite? Bach. Okay, don't get me wrong, I like this piece, but it's difficult to learn. Oh well. I will manage. :)
I plan to explore. I want to explore as much as I can. I'm an adventurous, curious person. Some say that I'm 'Curious George' because I find great places by my curiosity. Google and google maps is your best friend in researching stuff. Exploring outside of CBD Melbourne is a good way to explore your horizons. Melbourne gets better when you travel away from the city. If you have your license, I really suggest you do a road trip into the countryside. For the others like me, plan trips that's near access of public transport. For cyclists, talk or observe cyclists who travel on that particular road for potential directions. Remember, when you're travelling on public transport or active transport, make sure you're mindful - be smart, stay safe, take care of yourself and belongings. That's my key rules of exploring. When something doesn't feel right, avoid it at any cost. Trust your instincts. Common sense is always a way to go.
I plan to do dance classes. Ever since I'm a member of the Flare, I plan to go to almost all of their casual dance classes, to make up the missed classes I always wanted to go in Semester One. Flare is love, flare is life. ;)
I plan to binge watching all the missed TV Shows, movies and books. Netflix and YouTube, come at me bro. Goodbye world for a day, or two. Hahahaha.
Library, I shall borrow heaps of books to read... and video games. Hahahaha.
I plan to catch up as many people as possible! I have a list on who I'd like to catch up with, and places to go. I'm going to be spending a lot of money in this. HAHAHA.
A lot of things going to be tied off in such little time isn't it? That's my bucket list for my break. What about you guys? Hopefully, you have something exciting in your break!
For those who you still have exams, hold on tight! You're almost there towards the finish line! Finish the race strong! I believe in you! :)
- Nicole
Music suggestion for this post? Freedom! by George Michael
Such a good 90s song to express this feeling, right? Hahaha.
*First and foremost, I am not pretending to be a nutritional expert or fitness guru, rather, this is what works for me!*
University is a great time in your life! Whether you feel it or not, you’re an adult now; independent in your education and becoming independent in all other aspects of your life. Looking after your body is very important during this time, not only to feel and look amazing, but also to do well in your studies (especially during exam period!)
In my opinion, there are three things you need to do to look after your body: sleep, eat and exercise.
Exercise
Regular exercise is one of the hardest things to stick to (especially during winter!). I play football with training three nights each week and a game, I've also been playing futsal at Uni, and a friend recently introduced me to pilates. It's very intense and to be honest, this amount of sport is not necessary to maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle. Honestly, twenty minutes four days each week of gentle exercise can be enough to keep your muscles active. If you find it difficult to get motivated, look up PumpUp - it's a fun fitness app rather like the Instagram of the health and fitness world! And try Blogilates - a YouTube channel and blog that is really challenging for all fitness levels, so don't worry about finding your workout too easy! Alternatively, just grab a friend to go for a walk with!
NOTE: Females!!! Building muscle is the best thing you can do for weight loss. You are not capable of building ridiculous amounts of muscle unless you use protein powder. Having a toned frame with some muscle will actually burn fat and you will lose weight. So do squats and lift those dumbbells!
Once again, I’m not pretending to be an expert, but these are what I feel work well for everyone and we should all feel our best during exam time! Good luck everyone! I’m sure you’ll do superb!
*First and foremost, I am not pretending to be a nutritional expert or fitness guru, rather, this is what works for me!*
University is a great time in your life! Whether you feel it or not, you’re an adult now; independent in your education and becoming independent in all other aspects of your life. Looking after your body is very important during this time, not only to feel and look amazing, but also to do well in your studies (especially during exam period!)
In my opinion, there are three things you need to do to look after your body: sleep, eat and exercise.
Food
Eating well is one of the most difficult things to do during University. Your routine isn't necessarily daily - it's sporadic and difficult to manage, so you cannot really make something healthy each morning, and sometimes, even when you are eating well, you still feel lethargic and bloated! We've all been there! Here are my top 10 tips for eating better during Uni...
1. Cut the carbs
This may sound like some ridiculous health scam - but trust me! Carbohydrates (bread, potatoes, pasta...) can give you a lot of energy. However, you need to use it right away for it to be good for your body. Carbs can retain water and make you both bloated and lethargic if you don't use the energy right away. To make carbs work, eat them before a morning workout.
TOP TIP: Don't eat carbs later in the day, they are burned more effectively in the morning.
2. Eat green!
If you're a veggie lover, it's good news for you! Green vegetables have so much protein and are so much better for you than meat! If you want long lasting energy and want to feel switched on, eat green veg! Your body needs protein, but we all know that eating too much meat never feels good. Stock up on broccoli, peas, spinach, and kale!
3. Start your metabolism!
This is for those of you who, like me, were not blessed with a naturally fast metabolism. I do a ridiculous amount of sport to try and tone up and get rid of the effects of food (I love food) but the easiest way to stay healthy and trim is to eat right! Speeding up the metabolism will rid your body of toxins, improve blood circulation, skin, immunity, reduce stress, and give you more energy! Try eating more peppers, brown rice, broccoli, apples, pears, citrus fruits, nuts, fish, cayenne, garlic, cinnamon, beans and try drinking green tea!
4. Water
While this isn't eating, this is the best thing you can do for yourself. If you do not have a water bottle, buy one. There is great debate over how much water one should drink. 1/3 of your body weight, 2L, ten glasses... It's all very undecided. My advice would be to just drink little constantly. Take a few sips every now and then to keep focused and keep yourself from feeling 'hungry'. Usually you're just thirsty! Drinking before a meal is also supposed to help digestion, and drinking the moment you get up is supposed to help boost your metabolism. Water is fantastic stuff!
5. Eat little often.
A lot of people swear by this, and if you're like me, this is difficult. I eat a lot all the time. Something that has helped me deal with this has been using smaller plates. I try to serve my food on a smaller plate so that I feel more full as I'm eating, and reiterating my last point, I drink a lot. It can also be hard to find snacks that can fill the 'often' category, keeping fruit and nuts around is very handy, and I personally like homemade muesli bars if you have the time (or a willing mother). Just remember though, it's better to eat at regular times!
Once again, I’m not pretending to be an expert, but these are what I feel work well for everyone and we should all feel our best during exam time! Good luck everyone! I’m sure you’ll do superb!
*First and foremost, I am not pretending to be a nutritional expert or fitness guru, rather, this is what works for me!*
University is a great time in your life! Whether you feel it or not, you're an adult now; independent in your education and becoming independent in all other aspects of your life. Looking after your body is very important during this time, not only to feel and look amazing, but also to do well in your studies (especially during exam period!)
In my opinion, there are three things you need to do to look after your body: sleep, eat and exercise.
Sleep
Most of you will already know everything that I'm about to say. We're taught it in high school Psychology, and smart arse friends (like me) always go on about these facts. But I think they're worth sharing!
Sleep is the time when your body repairs itself. As teenagers/adults, we need 6-9 hours sleep each night to be healthy, and ideally, we should go to bed before 10pm to complete the sleep cycles. Sleep deprivation can make you moody, depressed, accident prone, gain weight, and susceptible to colds, as well as more serious issues such as Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure. Not to mention it obviously impairs your cognitive ability which is crucial during University exams!
While going to bed at 10pm may sound like a stupid idea meant for ten year olds, I can assure you, waking up at 6:30am each day, catching the early train, and getting on with study makes you feel so productive and motivated! It may be difficult to break into the routine, but it is worth it. If you find yourself forgetting the time and stumbling into bed at midnight with a 6:30 alarm waiting, set an alarm each night for 9:30 to make sure you know to start getting ready for some quality sleep!
Once again, I'm not pretending to be an expert, but these are what I feel work well for everyone and we should all feel our best during exam time! Good luck everyone! I'm sure you'll do superb!
Tomorrow marks the start of our exams... annddddd we have to wake up early, if we have a 8:30am exam. What I could say is, "don't worry man, it'll be fine." Nah, seriously. Pros weigh out the cons and here's why...
PROS
1. You get to see the sunrise
Even though I catch up on my sleep on the train. You get to see a little bit of sunrise, if you're taking a snooze ride on the train. It's a nice feeling when you get to see the sunrise, early in the morning
2. Early trains = off-peak = sweet life
You have no idea how glorious it feels to go on an off-peak hour train ride. It feels peaceful, and you'll most likely get a nice comfy seat. Oh, and there's no school kids on early train rides too. Sweet!
(Sorry high-school students who read these posts, but you'll understand when you get older. Hahahaha)
3. You won't feel alone if you sleep on the train, early in the morning
You have no idea how many passengers take a nap on an off-peak hour train. So, it's okay if you take one.
4. You can read in peace
It's a good time to revise... if you choose not to take a nap on the train early in the morning. Hahaha
5. You feel that the carriages are roomy
Off-peak hour train rides = less people = happy passenger
Peak hour train rides = sardines = slightly crushed passenger
You get the feeling. :)
6. When you get to Flinders, there's more room to rush though if you're running late
When I get the 6:51AM train, and arrive at Flinders at 7:35AM, I feel there's room to rush though. However, there's a few days when it gets packed... with slow walkers. I don't know why I see slow walkers. Maybe workers want to walk slowly to work, and want to watch students to be late, or probably I walk really fast.
Actually, I walk pretty fast. I'm a tall fella. So, that's self-explanatory. Hahaha.
Usually, when it's packed, I act smart. If I see more than three people, waiting in line to tap their Myki's away, I quickly look for a line with less people waiting. Hahahaha.
7. If you want a coffee, it will be fresh
That's my expectation. Usually, coffees in cafes may get 'eh' later on in the day. Unless you go to a really good cafe that always serve great coffee throughout the whole day.
8. You get to see hot air balloons in the city
It's a nice feeling when you get to see some hot air balloons early in the morning. :)
9. Fresh cool air
Early morning in the cool season is pretty nice actually. You can breathe in the nice fresh air in the morning, and it's a great feeling to feel that early in the morning. You can feel you're awake in some way. Nek minute, when you go on the train, "nighty, night. Imma take a nap, and catch up on sleep". Hahhaahaa
CONS
1. Waking up early
That's self-explainitory. But it's okay! After exams finish, you can sleep whenever you like. If you're a deep sleeper, having four alarms may do the trick. Try having upbeat music playing in the morning. It gets me going in the morning.
2. Rushing
If that happens, try organising the night before. Whenever I rush, I drink a cup of milk (if I have time), or grab an 'Up and Go', make a peanut butter and Nutella sandwich for breakfast, and BOOM off I go with my backpack.
3. It can be cold in the morning
Please be prepared for cold temperatures during the winter break! So wear a warm jacket, gloves and beanie! Layers is the key. You can also bring hot water, which keeps your body and throat warm.
That's pretty much all I could say about waking up early, and catching public transport early in the morning. Good luck with your exams! Be organised and calm, and you'll be alright. You got this bro. If you're nervous, just remember how you dealt with it during your VCE exams. That's how I'm going to approach before my exams.
Remember to think in the bright side when waking up early. It's not so bad when you get used to it. Enjoy all the little things like that fresh air early in the morning.
Music suggestion for this post, if you want a nice upbeat song?
'Dead Oaks by Now, Now.' You know this song. It's a pretty good song, right? :)
- Nicole
It is currently SWOT VAC at UniMelb (and for most other Universities) and I have had some interesting experiences over the past few days. Doesn't it always seem to be the case that when you need to focus most, everything falls to bits?
Since SWOT VAC started, I have been going to bed around 10:30, waking up at 6:30, doing pilates and having a hot shower, making a healthy breakfast, and starting my homework at 9. You would think that sounds like the recipe for success? However, this past week, my sister has been in hospital three times, two of our three cars broke down, our printer stopped working, and my coach is disappointed because I put back returning from injury so that I could finish my final Creative Writing assignment (which I had not been able to complete due to the above reasons).
This isn't a pity party, I can assure you. Things happen, you just have to keep working. It's all in the past, right? But how do you get the motivation to keep ploughing ahead when it feels like the world is against you?
While this post is directed at me as much as it is for all of you who are struggling with the same thing, here are my top 5 things to do when 'things happen'.
1. Talk to a friend
I personally wouldn't recommend talking to a family member (unless they are your best friend). I would suggest going to your most level headed, inspirational friend; the one that you can just eat chocolate with and watch a movie and not say anything, but still feel comforted. Message that friend. Offer them food. Meet.
Taking an hour or two from study to let that calm wash through you is far more beneficial than trying to tackle that extra exercise or revision topic and then breaking down and falling to pieces. Take some time out!
2. Look after yourself first
When on a plane, you are always told to put your own oxygen mask on first - you are the most important person in terms of who you are looking after. You need sleep, you need food, you need water, you need exercise. Do not compromise to help others. This isn't selfish. In the plane scenario, if you're trying to put someone's mask on and you fail, both of you die. Secure yours first, then help them. Simple - you both survive. Sounds drastic, but I guess at this point the exam period feels drastic!
3. Expression
Now, this is a general term referring to art, music, yoga, whatever! Just take 15 minutes to do something expressive that can let out all of that emotion. Punching bags are recommended.
4. Cup of tea
A hot beverage can always be quite soothing. You should constantly be drinking water anyway (to help improve concentration and maintain health), but a cup of tea can go a long way in terms of helping you calm down and warm your insides!
(If you don't like tea, try more types of tea. There are over 15'000 types, I am sure there will be one you like!)
5. Check your attitude
I don't mean this to be rude! But in all seriousness, there are times when we just need to think about things for a moment and take a deep breath. Often, we can over-complicate things or look at issues from the wrong angle. Looking at things in different ways can help get rid of the negative emotions and help restore motivation. Don't shut yourself down! Often, the only thing standing in your way is you. If it's not you, then I believe you can figure your way around the obstacle. (You've got this!)
I hope that you are all studying effectively and taking some quality 'you' time each day to recharge. Try texting five people each night and reminding them that you appreciate them and that you are looking forward to seeing them 'on the other side'!
Keep it up everyone! We can do this!
Hi all!
Well, SWOTVAC is upon us, and I have spent most of my day today studying for MBB (Mind, Brain and Behaviour). Since I am revising memory and how it works... I thought I would give you all some study tips for the upcoming exams!
First of all, it has been proven that the more you engage with information, the more likely you are to remember it! Instead of rote-learning, try the following: making up a little song about the concept or using an acronym. Or if you find this a more painful experience than sitting the exam itself - I suggest just converting your paragraphs of information into a mind map, or a new table, or writing them in a 'question and answer' format rather than dot points of information. The whole point here is just to reorganise the information in a different way.
Try and relate your new information to things you already know... or relate it to a scenario you make up.
Stick them up in places you are forced to look at them, and use lots of colour!
- Use a variety of learning tools
You could alternate between typing notes, writing notes, listening to lectures again, watching PowerPoint Presentations.
I highly recommend checking out Youtube and Wikipedia if you want to know more about things. Particularly for Psychology, there are many great channels like 'Vsauce' and 'Crash Course' that cover concepts related to the course.
I find it helpful to imagine I am explaining a concept to someone else. I think about what I would cover (what I need to know), how to explain it simply (so I know I understand it), and consider what I'm having trouble putting into words (what I need to revise).
There you go, everyone! Good luck with exams.
Bella :)
Congratulations! WE'RE FINISHED WITH SEMESTER ONE!
I hope you all had a great semester! I know I had... sort of. It was full of ups and downs, challenges here and there. But it's okay! I held on through all those long days, and bumps on the way, and got through my day in one piece.
Week 12 was just one hectic week (10% test, bad piano lesson, assignments, intensive practises). I was basically physically exhausted, that I basically tripped almost every day. Usually, I save myself by picking up my balance, and walking it off like nothing happened... but not on my last day of uni; I basically laid on the floor thinking, "what the heck just happened?" You should've seen my face when I fell. My eyes said, "OH CRAP!" while all these people were looking at me thinking, "poor kiddo". I'm still grateful that my backpack saved me from that clumsy fall. Hahahahahaha.
Here's how I survived my semester, or my full on days (which is every day, hahahahaha):
1. I was being strong mentally
Mental motivation is what gets through my day. For instance,
"I can't do this. Help me, Nicole."
"Com'mon, just one more lecture."
"But..."
"You can do this."
"Okay...."
You just have to push yourself to get to places, or doing things. That's all it matters.
2. Hugs
If I hugged you like I mean it throughout my Week 12, it's because I really needed one. I was broken in the inside, trying to get through my day. Hugs really do boost up your mental state. So hug it out guys. Hug it out. Hahahaha
3. Deep breaths
During my lesson, I took a deep breath, just because my teacher was being strict on my scales and arpeggios; I was trying so hard to concentrate on not making one single mistake. If I do make a mistake, I had to start again, and that made me frustrated. Frustrated = needs to start again by taking a deep breath
4. Friends
Seeing my friends was my highlight of my day. Every day when I see them, they make me smile. I'm always glad to see them.
5. Talking about problems
Talking about your issues towards your friends and family would be the best direction now. For me, I think before I say things that worries me, if I want to talk about what I'm worrying about. I try not to start off with, "I'm stressed," because in my beliefs, it would make others 'stressed' too. So again, I try not to make things a big of a deal; I shift my tone around to not make it too dramatic, as I would think in my perspective.
6. Naps
Oh, they are the best. I nap on the way to uni and back. Even in my lectures... if it starts getting boring, or that it's not relevant to me, or my exam. Hahahaha. Just make sure you keep your belongings safe and sound in your arms.
7. Caffeine
Morning - Milk/Choc Milk/Milo
Morning Tea - Latte
Lunch - Hot Choc
Arvo Tea - Tea
Caffeine gets through my day a lot, and I rely on them. Hahahaha. They are my motivation and reward throughout my day. I use instant packets, and I top them up at the Wom*ns room, or a facility that provides a hot water facility.
8. Dancing
When things go down, or that I need a pick me up kind of thing before practising or studying, I dance in my practise room. That's right. I pick a song, let's say, 'Shake It Off' by Taylor Swift (it's my pick me up song, okay?) I just shake it off, and go on with whatever I need to do. Makes me glad that I live a little. Hahaha
9. Sunshine and fresh air
Sunshine awakens you apparently. So get some Vitamin D going around. :)
Fresh air simply refreshens your mind. :)
10. Organisation, commitment, determination
Organise your schedule, outfit, every thing to reduce stress for your day.
Commit to your schedule, or your day.
Be determined you can get through your day with 'flying colours'.
11. Believing and hoping there's an end to this
I was simply saying to myself, "you're almost there! Hang in there!" or really taking things one at a time.
12. Exercising
Walking around campus is another thing, which reaches our NPAG (National Physical Activity Guideline), but that doesn't mean you can leave out exercising! 30 minutes, moderate to vigorous intensity, a few times per week is what it takes to be healthy! You can ride to campus, or run or ride with a mate, what ever it takes to de stress you!
For me, I do my physio exercises with my resistance training (two to three times per week), swimming (once a week), netball (twice a week). :)
13. Living in the moment
I live out my life as much as I could, which means enjoying myself with what ever goes around in the present, not the past, nor the future. Just the present, the now.
14. Simply forgetting my worries, and focusing on my day
This is simply forgiving on your mistakes. Forgiving yourself is what makes you go forward. :)
"Forgive and forget" is what I do.
15. Alone time = replenishing yourself
It's a way that I usually replenish myself, in order to be myself at times like these.
16. Rewarding yourself... with a cookie.
Okay, I take that back, because I was binge eating chocolate and cookies, which was a bad idea as a reward. But it's okay! I managed to burn it off by dancing hard last night at MSS (Music Student's Society)'s Social. Hahahaha. It was so much fun!
GOOD LUCK WITH EVERYTHING ELSE! YOU ALL WORKED HARD FOR THIS! LET'S FINISH THE RACE TOGETHER! :D
Music suggestion for this post? Bon Jovi - Livin' On A Prayer
As a musician in first year, things can be hard as assignments gets difficult each time, practising becomes more frequent, studies gets more intense each time, or just basically struggling with everything else. If you're struggling at the moment, all I could say is, "hang on tight, you're almost there". You're not alone. We're all on the same boat. In fact, everyone in the whole uni is possibly on the same boat (struggling with everything else), and it's okay if you're struggling. If you're struggling or stressing now, take a break, reenergise yourself, go for a run or walk to cleanse yourself. It's really important to keep yourself cool and collected. Here's some tips for surviving your studies for our upcoming tests, technical exam or your breadth subjects!
1. CATCH UP ON YOUR LECTURES
If you missed out on a few on that subject, that's fine. If you missed out on more than 5, that's okay. If you missed out on more than 10 on that subject, what on Earth were you doing during Semester 1 or that week?!?! If you can cram this week, that's awesome, but make sure you take a break in between your watched lectures. You need to consolidate at least 30 minutes, in order to get into your Long-Term Memory. If you missed out on 10 lectures, you might as well watch the lectures - listening and watching is a 50% chance of going into your LTM, writing out notes is 3% chance into your LTM apparently.
Just do what works for you, but there's stats for doing 'smarter' studying as they say.
2. ORGANISE YOUR SCHEDULE
Here's how I schedule my week/day:
- Write/type all lectures, tutorials, extra-curriculum and shifts/events
- Write out a list you need to do (such as assignments, or job-related things)
- The spare hours/break - that where you put in study/practise time
- Commit to the schedule
- Repeat
Having a typical schedule is what gets you going, in routine wise. It's a great way to get into a good habit of studying, practising and ect.
For 'To Do Lists' make sure you list from 1 to how many assignments you have due in the following week. For instance, I had four assignments due this week (2 Music Language assignments, Art of Piano Teaching Essay and WAM Written Assignment).
Music Language and WAM assignment is due on the same day (Thursday). However, Art of Piano Teaching is due on Tuesday, and I didn't start in my AOPT Essay last week (oopsy daisy). Therefore, my priority list looks like this...
1. Art of Piano Teaching Assignment
2. Music Language Assignment 8
3. Music Language Assignment 9
4. WAM Written Assignment
You get the jist after that; you make time for those assignments, you make an estimate on how much time you need, etc.
3. BE DETERMINED AND GIVE IT YOUR ALL WHEN DOING YOUR ASSIGNMENTS and PRACTISES
It's the same when you do training for a particular sports - 100% effort with hard core concentration and focus.
By now, we should now lock in what we're going to express in our performance, practise for our semester two pieces (for pianists), and polishing up our damn technical syllabus. I highly suggest (for pianists, or other musicians, if they know their syllabus for semester two) to pick and practise your pieces ASAP! Four to five pieces into a 45 minute lesson is not much. So, it's going to be spread out throughout your lesson, and I would expected that be a little difficult to be structured in one lesson.
I've already started practising for my Semester Two pieces since Week 8. So, pretty much straight after I finished my AMEB Grade 7 exams. It was hard practising eight pieces altogether (duo piece + AMEB Grade 8/Semester Two pieces + Technical Exam pieces and syllabus). But I'm getting through it just fine, as my practises are well organised and structured.
4. NEED HELP ON UNDERSTANDING SOMETHING? ASK YOUR FRIENDS, TUTORS, AND GOOGLE.
5. MAKE A GOAL/ACHIEVEMENT AND REWARD YOURSELF WITH IT
Finish your assignment? Have a cookie
Finish two paragraphs of your 1000 assignment? Have another cookie
Finish an intense practise? Have another cookie
Finish 4 hours of practise? Oh you guessed it! Have a coffee. HA! Got you! Jokes, have another cookie. Hahahaha.
5. BELIEVE YOU CAN DO IT
Believe. Bellliieevveee! Belieevvveeee.
*Shows Melbourne Uni's motto*
Everybody, remember! Belieeevvveeee. Hahahahahaha. Oh I'm having too much fun with this.
One final note to end this blog post - I learnt how to deal with heavy workloads, stress, emotional roller coasters during Year 12. Therefore, I knew how to organise myself, and deal with all shenanigans from my subjects. In a nutshell, a lot happened in one year, and I'm glad I got through those crappy moments and learnt what worked, and what didn't worked. So, relating what worked for you (e.g organisation, study tips) during Year 12 is great to apply for your studies now.
I remember so clearly when my past piano teacher told me about what's going to happen when I study at Melbourne Uni during first year. I braced myself for the worst on stress, and workload when I got accepted into Melbourne Uni. Throughout this semester, I had struggled at some stages, but I knew it's okay to feel that way. First semester into Uni can be hard sometimes, and that's okay. :)
Everyone (First Year, Bach. of Music) still have two more assignments to do (Music Language and Writing About Music), or probably have three more (based on their Breadth subject). We're so excited, but slightly sobbing through it as it's a little difficult. Dear god help us. But it's okay. We're all one big family. We'll all get through this together, and we'll all finish together at the finish line.
Cues 'We're All in This Together'. Hahahahaha.
Music suggestion for this post? Hit Me With Your Best Shot by Pat Benatar
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