Simple Study Tips for Midterms

 

While midterms are important, some students may end up feeling overly anxious about studying for them. Because these exams only cover half a semester of material, they should be less stressful and require less work than finals. Plus, you can use certain techniques and shortcuts to make studying for midterms even easier. Discover some practical ways to get prepared for these mid-semester exams below.

Systematic Study Sessions

You can avoid having to cram before midterms by beginning the study process a few weeks in advance. Work study sessions into your schedule each week. Not only will this approach alleviate some pressure, but it will also help you retain and recall information. Plus, you’ll still have time to work on other assignments, important tasks, and projects. Just remember to make time for each class.

Regularly Reviewing Material

Reviewing notes, as well class and textbook material, is a fail proof way to retain information. For the best results, review important concepts from this material for just a few minutes each day. You can even rewrite or tidy up your notes for a simple and effective review. Making sense of your notes through rewriting them can serve as a reminder of important information and even help clarify confusing or complex topics. So, when you read and organize your own notes, you’re inadvertently reviewing the material.

Organizing your notes every week should keep you abreast of all the concepts that will most likely be covered on the midterm exam. You should also review material discussed in class and covered in the textbook. Plus, by connecting this material to your lecture or lecture notes, you’ll broaden your understanding of certain topics.

Using Flashcards

Flashcards are one of the most effective study tools used and beloved by students everywhere. Creating and using flashcards makes studying easier, quicker, and perhaps even enjoyable. The visual cues and repetition of flashcards helps you recall information. Moreover, flashcards can be stored and used for quick reference when needed or reviewed just before the exam. You can also use flashcards to hold engaging studying sessions in a group, which brings us to our next tip.

Joining a Study Group

Study groups or study partners help students to share ideas, information, perspectives, and resources. Your classmates can clarify confusing concepts, provide smart study tips, shed light on key information, and keep you on track and immersed in the material. A study group or partner also alleviates some of the stress and pressure associated with studying for a big test. You can review information with your group or partner and quiz each other on key topics. Study groups are found all over campus or in your apartment community, especially if you live in one of the most equipped student rentals Waterloo has to offer, like those provided by King St. Towers.

Reviewing Major Concepts

Major concepts or topics are those that include the material most heavily covered in class, which will therefore make up most of the exam. Unfortunately, they may also be the most complicated to understand and study. Thus, you should review these concepts frequently and thoroughly. If a major concept includes many smaller topics, divide your study time. For example, study each group of connected topics on different days of the week. Eventually, you’ll be able to connect all the smaller topics to the larger concept.

Studying sizable concepts in smaller groups is perhaps the most effective way to retain the material. You can also ask your professors for guidance or information on which major topics will be covered on the exam. If you need additional help studying or understand complex topics, consider visiting your school’s learning centre.

Practical Ways to Bring Your Grades Up

 

Many aspects of university life depend on your ability to maintain your grades. After all, your grades act as the culmination of your academic effort, including attending class, studying, and completing exams and projects. As many students know, however, balancing, social, personal, and academic obligations can make it challenging to maintain good grades or raise them. Fortunately, these simple tips can help you raise your grades without derailing your social or personal life.  

Ask Your Professors for Help

If you’re struggling or your grades are failing, ask your professors for help. In many cases, professors are more than willing to provide extra credit or guidance. All you have to do is voice your concerns and express willingness to improve your performance. If you’re struggling in multiple classes, you might also consider consulting your academic advisor. These individuals can provide tips, support, and resources, including advice for lightening your course load. Moreover, they could also offer guidance on how to practice better time management, since this skill is essential to academic success.

Study Well

Studying is the cornerstone of good academic performance. So, to perform well, you must study well. Here are some smart, effective study techniques to consider:

• Review lecture notes and key concepts daily.
• Study for an exam every day at least a week before that exam.
• Join and contribute to a study group.
• Create and maintain a regular study schedule.
• Use flashcards for fast, effective studying, which makes it easier to retain and recall information.
• Find a quiet, comfortable place to study.
• Highlight key concepts in your notes and textbooks for quick reference.
• Seek tutoring or help with assignments when needed.

Be Active and Practice Effective Notetaking

Actively engaging during class keeps your brain active, flexible, and better capable of memorizing the material. An actively engaged student is one who asks questions, attends every class, participates in discussions, provides constructive feedback, and of course, listens and takes notes. The more active you are, the more you learn (from both your professor and your classmates).

Effective notetaking is also a key component of active engagement. Take notes on the major concepts and important information, but maintain focus on the professor. You don’t have to write down every detail your professor provides, as it would shift your focus away from the lecture, and it’s impossible. Plus, you should leave some space for thinking about intriguing or complex subjects. Use familiar abbreviations and schemes for faster notetaking, and since they will be studied later, make sure your notes are legible.

Get Organized

Being organized alleviates stress and confusion. It can also help you remember assignments, stay on schedule, complete goals, and meet deadlines. Learning organization skills and implementing certain tools can help you become a more organized student. A planner, in particular, is an important tool to consider. Typically, planners are used for scheduling and tracking daily activities, goals, assignments, and obligatory tasks. File folders, binders and organizers, notebooks and labels can also be used to keep hard copies of your assignments separated and organized. You can also use flash drives or storage to back up assignments and organize digital files.

If your grades are suffering, poor organization could be to blame. So, try getting organized as a part of your approach to improving your school performance. Strong organization skills can even extend to other areas of your university life, including navigating the search for the best student housing Waterloo has to offer.

Contact us today for more information on our student housing in Waterloo. 

5 Popular Spring Break Destinations to Consider

Spring break offers reprieve from the long, cold winter, unyielding classes, and stressful exams. It’s a welcome opportunity for university students to relax and cut loose. Spring break getaways are so popular that each year seems to have its own must-see destination. Yet, you can’t go wrong with the tried-and-true mainstays. Below are a few fun, popular locations to consider for this year’s spring break.

Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach, Florida is a popular year-round vacation spot, offering 37 kilometres of beaches, plenty of entertainment, and quick access to other locations and activities, like Universal Studios in Orlando. Of course, it’s also a popular destination for spring breaking. The popular locale allows university students to explore interactive motorsports shows, picturesque beaches, and tons of restaurants, bars, and nightlife.

Panama City Beach

Panama City Beach is another popular Florida spring break destination. In fact, this spot has even been dubbed the “Spring Break Capital of the World.” The location offers over 11 kilometres of white sand beaches adjacent to the Gulf Coast. These beaches are usually filled with spring breakers, as well as local entertainment and hospitality industries offering events and accommodations designed to attract university students. In many cases, resort and vacation packages are especially affordable during this time. Yet, while Panama City Beach is fun, it’s often overrun by spring breakers. If you’re worried about crowds, you can still explore other exciting spring break locations in Florida, including Miami, Clearwater, and Key West.

Ocho Rios

Ocho Rios is a fishing village in Jamaica which is becoming an increasingly popular spring break location. Its quaint feel, lush landscape, iridescent waterfalls, and historical legends attract visitors from all over the world. History enthusiasts are drawn to the village’s Columbus Park, which features maritime artifacts and Colonial Spanish architecture to honour Christopher Columbus. In this area, the park is touted as the first place where Columbus landed in the West Indies. Ocho Rios is also known as “the spring break destination in Jamaica.” Spring breakers are often drawn to the nightlife and lively parties at Rick’s Café and Margaritaville. Musical performances and beachfront gatherings are also common sights in Ocho Rios.

Cancun

Cancun, Mexico is perhaps one of the most recognizable names in the spring break arena. Most university students know that Cancun offers a “can’t miss” spring break experience. Here, you’ll find spring breakers from around the world. Like Panama City Beach, FL, the destination is replete with events and accommodations suited to university students. Beach parties, nightclubs, booze cruises, horseback riding, waterparks, and ziplining are just a few of the activities you’ll encounter in Cancun. You can also take in some history by visiting some ancient Mayan sites.

South Padre Island

South Padre Island is a barrier island in Texas and a top spring break destination. The island’s affordability and thriving nightlife make the destination especially popular amongst university students. Plus, the island is brimming with water sports and is even known for its active dolphin population. Spring breakers are also drawn to the island’s quaint appeal. The fun and charm of South Padre Island is comparable to other popular spring break locations in the southern United States, such as New Orleans, Louisiana, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and Savannah, Georgia.

Spring break can make the university experience rich and exciting – but naturally, returning home can feel a bit deflating after such a vibrant vacation. If you’re unhappy in your current accommodations, you might consider looking for different apartments near the University of Waterloo to enjoy a more private living space that will better round out your student life. King Street Towers offers premium off-campus student housing for University of Waterloo students with 24-hour recreation and fitness centres, as well as private bedrooms to give you the space you need when you need it. Contact us to book a tour!

How to Handle a Difficult Roommate

Anyone that has lived in a college residence has ultimately had to deal with a difficult roommate. Even if you haven’t, there’s a good chance you’ve heard the horror stories of roommates locking each other out, stealing each other’s belongings, or bickering before bed.

Don’t end up like one of these stories. Here’s a guide for tactfully dealing with a difficult roommate.

1. Create an agreement early on

You don’t need a physical written contract, but you do need to assign ground rules. Who will do the dishes when they’re dirty? Who will get groceries? Is there a policy for playing music while others are studying or doing homework? It’s important to come to an agreement early on, instead of procrastinating and then arguing later.

2. Stay objective

In any situation, try to remove yourself from the problem so you can look at it objectively. When you take things personally, your mind is clouded, and you’re only focused on attacking the other person (in this case, your roommate). If any problem were to arise, approach it as you would a lawyer or a detective: focus on the facts.

3. Spot early signs

Roommates don’t just flip out at any given moment (most of the time). Many will exhibit signs leading up to a potential major conflict, so it’s important to keep an eye out. These may include not doing their share of chores, passive aggressive remarks, or just general apathy or disrespect. Don’t let these go. Address them as soon as possible.

 4. Confront directly

Don’t hide behind an RA or a friend. Don’t send text messages or voicemails explaining your issue. Instead, seat your roommate down when they aren’t busy, and be honest about the situation. If something they do is making you unhappy, let them know. Many times we aren’t even aware of what we do wrong, so being direct with your roommate could help open their eyes.

5. Consult help

If the steps above have been ineffective for mitigating conflict, you’ll need to get outside help to mediate the conversation. You may want an RA’s advice on how to handle the situation, or a mutual friend’s opinion. Finally, if you cannot resolve the issue amicably within a few months, it may be time to ask for a transfer to a different dorm or apartment, or even look into other student apartments for rent so you can live on your own.

Living with a roommate can be an incredible experience, or it can be exhausting. At times, the pressure of simply living so closely with other students can spark disagreements. Check out some off-campus student housing to find a new environment for you and your roommate, if needed.

Is Residence or an Apartment Right for You?

One of the biggest decisions to make before you head off to university is where to live. Many students decide to spend at least their first year in residence, but others find this uncomfortable and prefer to live in apartment rentals in Waterloo. Waterloo students are lucky, as there are plenty of options whatever you choose — you just need to figure out what would better suit your needs.

Cost of Living

Living in residence is almost always more expensive than renting an apartment. You pay for the convenience of being on campus, receiving a meal plan, and having a furnished space.

However, the total costs could be lower, as you’ll only pay for eight months rather than 12 months. This could be convenient if you want to go home over the summer, but it will be an additional complication if you want to stay in Waterloo for a job or internship.

Meet New People

A major reason why many students opt to live in residence for their first year is because they have no friends at university yet. When you live on campus, you meet a huge number of people in a short period of time. Beyond just being around other people, you can attend organized events that are designed to help you make friends.

Privacy and Freedom

A downside to living on campus is the lack of privacy. You’ll be sharing a room with another person, which means you’ll rarely be alone. Plus, you’ll have to share a bathroom with even more students.

You’ll also have less freedom. In residence, you need to stick to the rules about who you are allowed to bring to your room and stay quiet during exams. At other times of the year, you may find the dorms quite loud, which could make it difficult to study.

If you live in your own apartment, you’ll most likely have your own room and share common spaces with fewer people. Plus, you can set your own rules.

Commute

The last factor to consider is your commute. Living in residence means that you’re already close to everything and rarely need to think about transportation. If you have an apartment, however, you will need to think about how you’ll get to class.

It is possible to have the best of both worlds. With Waterloo student housing rentals like King Street Towers, you’ll be around other students and live near campus, but you can enjoy freedom and privacy. Plus, the suites are much more affordable than living in residence, even though rooms are furnished.

Questions You Should Ask When Renting Housing in University

Moving into off-campus housing is a big step. Initially, you’ll probably feel excited about your newfound freedom. All the same, the search for the perfect home can quickly turn stressful. Asking the right questions is key to ensuring you choose the best place to live and to preventing problems in the future.

1. How Does the Lease Work?

If the landlord will provide you with a single lease, this is ideal. You could be in trouble if one of your roommates fails to pay the rent on time and decides to move out early. When you know and trust everyone you will be sharing with, this is unlikely to be a problem. However, if some of your roommates are friends of friends, you need to be prepared that, should the living situation change, you may need to pay an extra share of rent and utilities.

Ideally, the landlord will be able to give each of you an individual lease. That way, if someone does leave, there will be no rush to find a replacement roommate.

2. What Does the Rent Include?

Sometimes, rent includes utilities. In other cases, tenants are expected to pay for everything. It is crucial to ask exactly what the rent includes when considering an apartment — otherwise, it’s impossible to compare places.

If the rent will not include utilities, find out how much you can expect to pay. Ask the landlord for average monthly payments. It is best if you can see evidence of what the previous tenant was paying. This will ensure that the landlord is not underestimating. Also bear in mind that some tenants may be less careful about how much they spend on things like electricity and heating — you may be able to reduce these expenses.

3. Who Is Responsible for Maintenance?

Some affordable housing for students is not the newest. There is always the chance that something could break — and you may need it fixed as soon as possible. Most of the time, landlords take responsibility for maintenance and offer a timely service. Clarify that this is the case before signing a lease.

A good alternative to apartments for rent near University of Waterloo is a place like King Street Towers. This accommodation is designed just for students, but it is still off-campus housing Waterloo, Students each receive a furnished suite in clean, modern facilities — utilities and maintenance are included. Although you’ll have roommates, you’ll only be responsible for your own rent payment.

Rental Tips for Students

Many students are concerned about living off campus simply because of potential problems. After all, you’ll need to take extra steps to stay safe and avoid disputes with your landlord. However, these are minor challenges to overcome, especially when you consider all the advantages of living in student rentals in Waterloo. In fact, with the right planning, there is no reason you should experience any issues at all.

1. Avoid Becoming a Target for a Break-In

Take measures to prevent your home from becoming appealing to thieves. When you go out, draw the curtains of any windows with a street view or at least keep valuables out of sight. Always confirm that windows and doors are securely fastened — including when you are in the house.

2. Stay Alert

Be on the lookout for anyone in your neighbourhood acting suspiciously. Take extra care when arriving home late in the evening.

3. Never Hide Keys

Leaving a key under the doormat or elsewhere in the entranceway is all but inviting thieves into your home. If you worry about getting locked out, give a spare key to a trusted neighbour.

4. Prevent Fires

Check your smoke alarm on a regular basis. Avoid accidents by never leaving the oven or dryer on when you leave home, even if it’s only for a few minutes. Unplug items like hair straighteners as soon as you’ve finished with them.

5. Report Maintenance Needs

Confirm what your responsibilities are and what are the responsibilities of your landlord by reading your lease. For instance, you may be required to shovel snow and keep the yard in good condition. However, your landlord should carry out repairs to appliances and fixtures. If you need any maintenance, inform your landlord as soon as possible.

6. Take Out the Garbage

It is crucial that you take out the trash regularly. Letting it build up will attract pests ranging from flies to rats, which could cause damage to your unit.

7. Be Respectful

If you are renting a room in your landlord’s apartment, go a step further. Keep common areas clean, avoid making too much noise, and obey the rules of the house.

You can eliminate the headaches that come with renting off-campus University of Waterloo housing by staying in a student rental like King Street Towers. Staff are on call 24 hours a day to resolve any problem you may face, only people who live in the building are allowed to enter unattended, and you have no need to worry about repairs — simply submit a maintenance request for whatever you need.