Sunday Checklist

For us students, Sunday is universally hated day. Full of last minute homework assignments, cramming for tests and existential crises, Sundays are almost always awful. Nothing is worse than having a stressful start to your week so in an effort to make things easier for all us, I made a Sunday Checklist for you get your life in order on Sundays so that you don’t get swept away by your mountain of responsibilities. 

Pull out your planner: Enter in all test dates and due dates that haven't already been inputed. Check to see what you have going on that week. 

Make a to-do list: Include all assignments due Monday/Tuesday and anything else you need to get done. Highlight or mark high priority items and get them done first. 

Start working: Finish high priority assignments first and then move on to the less pressing tasks. Use the Pomodoro technique to keep yourself productive. 

Review material: After finishing your assignments, spend some time reviewing last week’s material for each class to refresh yourself. It’s easy to forget what you’re studying if you don’t touch your textbooks at all during the weekends. 

Clean out your bag: Empty your backpack and reorganize everything for the week. You’ll be amazed at how much trash and stray papers you’ll find. 

Make food for the week: If you’re like me and hate cafeteria food, make a few dishes and refrigerate them for the week. Pasta is an ideal choice for me because its not only fairly easy to make but it packs lots of calories for long school days. 

Pick out your outfits for the week: Doing this will make your morning so much easier because literally all you have to do is get yourself dressed. 

Laundry: Getting laundry done during the week usuall

y never happens with a busy schedule so get it done on Sunday night so you’re not scrambling for clothes mid-week.

Clean your room: Keep your sanity during week by tidying your room up during weekends so you’re not left wondering where that homework assignment disappeared to. 

If you find yourself having really busy weekdays, try your best to keep Sundays free of any commitments so you have a full day to get all your homework and studying for the week done! I usually get everything done on Sundays and do minimal studying during the week. Also push yourself to get up early on Sundays; I know its tempting to sleep in but you will be surprised at how much more time you have in your day when you wake up early. 

Here’s to a happy school year free of stress! 

-Ramya // futurecristinayang

Food

Making flashcards

 


   Making flashcards electronically is a much quicker process, and they’re much easier to transport (I can access them all on my phone). They’re also better for the environment. I use an app called Flashcards Deluxe (this app is paid, but there is also a free version available). The app lets you create your flashcards, add pictures and sounds, and even download flashcards from other flashcard sites like Quizlet (this is the site that I use to create the sites but then they’re all downloaded onto the app). It has a great feature which lets you download auditory files so your device will actually read out your questions and then read out your answers as well. There are also testing modes, so that you can be tested on multiple choice questions (using your answers for other cards) and you can be timed on your answers as well (a kind of quick fire round). Below is a screenshot from one of my cards about vision. 

If you don’t want to use flashcards on your phone, but you still want to make electronic cards, I highly recommend using Quizlet. It’s got a really simple interface, and several games that can test you on the cards.

     Physical flashcards are made on pieces of paper or card. You can buy packets of ready-made flashcards, with the biggest available packs holding 1000 flashcards, but you can also make your own by cutting/ripping your paper/card to the size that you want it.  I usually buy my packs of cards from Paperchase (this pack specifically) and organise them in a clear plastic container (available here). I have used paper cards before and found it was useful to keep them all together on a small metal ring. When doing this, it’s also useful to use a hole reinforcers to support the holes (you can buy them here).

       Write your questions on the card. As I wrote the questions, once a side of card was filled up, I went through the questions to make sure that I wasn’t getting ahead of myself and then made the next card. I also printed some pictures/diagrams onto the cards if I felt that they were relevant to the topics/questions I was testing myself on. Here’s a small guide to printing on flashcards. And there’s another guide here (by winterevezakire)

I also used page tabs to mark the cards. I think blue page tabs meant that I kind of understood that card, but not fully and red/pink meant that I was hopeless on that card and it really needed looking at. This really helped me focus my studying on what I was struggling with.

         You can write answers on the backs of your flashcards as well. I tended to only do this if it was an answer that I knew I was really going to need help with or if I had already struggled to answer that question (as marked by the red tabs). 

The actual questions that I wrote were based on my lectures/readings. I tried to cover every topic. If I was struggling with a topic then it would be broken down into a lot of questions and then as I got more familiar with it, the questions would become more general. So for example, I have specific questions like “what is behind the cornea?” but when I get more used to this topic the questions will become more general things like “describe the anatomy of the eye” so that I’m not relying on my question wording or anything to retrieve the answer.

           I would give a word of warning about flashcards though. While I advocate their use, they shouldn’t be used in isolation. I find that flashcards are a very static approach to revision, which allows you to remember things and get a foundation knowledge, but they don’t help you understand because they don’t ask you to apply the knowledge, or question it, or see links between topics. To do that, other forms of revision are needed as well. 

Here are some links to some of my favourite flashcard sets for inspiration:

• Flashcards (by @aemiliana-studies)
• Flashcards (by studywithstyle)
• Flashcards (by avhoche)
• Flashcards (by sabitcher)
• Flashcards (by skyestudies)
• Flashcards (by reviseordie)
  
  BY: study well 

DIY Faux Agate Coasters

Here’s How:

Step 1

Use a pencil to trace the shape of your agate print on the cardboard. Make sure to cut your carboard over the shape that you have. 2 pieces or cardboard are needed for each print.

Step 2

With your tape, start taping the 2 cardboards together going around and over it until they are enitrely covered with tape.

Step 3

Once the cardboards are covered up, you can now start painting them with gold spray paint.

Step 4

Spray a little glue to the back of the prints to stick them into the painted cardboard.

Step 5

To make them water-proof, apply a thin layer of mod podge onto the surface of the agate print using your fingers. Let them dry for a couple of hours.

And your agate coasters are done!

By: DIY JOY 

DIY PROJECT: FISH SCALE PENDANT LAMP

This is the second project we’ve shared from designer Kara Paslay in recent weeks, and again she’s managed to reintroduce me to a cool technique I had long forgotten about. Inspired by the ocean, Kara decided to transform a simple paper globe into a beautiful sculptural pendant lamp. By dyeing and dipping cut paper rounds into wax, Kara has transformed the material into an almost unrecognizable state. The “scales” have a glowing, translucent finish and a gorgeous deep watery hue, giving the lamp a beautiful texture, whether it’s unlit or switched on and glowing from within.

I can’t get over how far removed the end result is from a simple paper globe, and given that the whole project cost around $20 and can be done in an afternoon makes it even more appealing! If you’re looking to add some oceany colors and textures to your home for summer, this inexpensive and easy project might be the perfect choice. Thanks for sharing, Kara! — Kate

Have a DIY project you’d like to share? Just shoot me an email with your imagesright here! (Low res, under 500k per image, please.)

Read the full how-to after the jump . . .

Every year around this time, I start to daydream about the beach and the beautiful scenery that surrounds it. My beach dreaming, coupled with my love for the fish scale pattern and obsession with unique lighting fixtures spurred the idea for this fresh and fun DIY project. The different dye baths used in the project create a ton of watery texture, while the wax technique allows light to filter through the piece and adds to that “scale like” feel. The project can be completed in an afternoon for about $20, which means all of us who can’t make it to the deep blue sea this summer can at least surround ourselves with something sea inspired! Happy creating! — Kara Paslay

Materials

• 110# paper
• circle cutter (available at most craft stores)
• Rit Dye
• paraffin wax
• mineral oil
• crock pot
• extra bowl
• white paper lantern
• glue gun

Instructions

1. Use your circle cutter and use 110# paper to create around 200 circles. The 200 circles will cover a 14 in. paper lantern.

2. Place the cut circles into a bucket of Rit Dye (I used the purple and purple mixed with teal) and allow them to darken to your taste. I chose to make my circles different shades to enhance the texture of the final piece.

3. Create a double boiler with your crock pot and extra bowl. Put a block of the paraffin wax in the extra bowl to melt. Once the wax is melted, add mineral oil to thin the wax. Make sure your circles are dry and then dip each one into the wax, making sure to leave a portion of the top clean and clear of any wax. Lay the circle on wax paper to dry.

Note: Dipping the circles in the wax makes the paper transparent and allows the light to pass through it more easily.

4. Once the wax has dried, start attaching the circles to a white paper lantern. Use a glue gun and be sure to place the glue on the portion of the circle that does not have wax on it.

5. Work your way around the lantern until it is fully covered. I started at the bottom and overlapped my circles in a fish scale-like pattern so the top layer would be at the top of the lantern.

6. Use the lighting kit that comes with the lantern to create an amazing light fixture!

Note: I tested the lantern using a 60 watt compact florescent lightbulb, and the wax stayed cool and completely intact. I recommend sticking with compact florescent bulbs to keep the heat in check.

Study SPace Guide

    Have a good desk. Find a desk or table with a top that rests somewhere between your waist and ribcage when you sit at it, so that your elbows can rest easily upon it without having to hunch your shoulders forward. You also want to be able to rest your feet flat on the ground. Use a comfortable chair that fits the height of the desk / table. You may want to skip the fancier desk chairs that rotate, roll, recline, lift, etc., if these will only become distractions. If you are using a computer, you want enough space to place it about 1 ½ to 2 ½ feet away from you.

    Kill distractions. Your phone, and TV are not your friends when it comes to studying. Don’t rely on willpower: put obstacles between yourself and the distractions.

Turn your phone off - or at least put it on silent and leave it across the room, where you can’t fiddle with it.

Use browser extensions like LeechBlock and Nanny to block distracting websites. Here’s a more extensive list of blocking extensions and apps (for phones, and laptops). Setting yourself regular breaks can help you avoid temptation during work time because you can use the time to check your phone.

    Tidy up. Clearing away the clutter from your study space should help clear your mind, allowing you to focus on the job at hand. You’ll also avoid losing important notes in piles of disorganized paperwork.

    Light it up. Ensure there’s good lighting in your study space. If it’s too dark to read, you won’t get very far. During the day, working by the window or even outside can give you the best light to work by. Remember that lamps can be bought for just a few pounds if you don’t want to use your light.

     Get settled… A comfortable chair will keep you working more effectively than an uncomfortable one. Avoid sofas, and your bed; those areas should be for relaxing alone or you might find it difficult to drift off at night.

…or get moving. Study doesn’t have to be still. If you are the sort of person who doesn’t like to sit still all the time, get on your feet and pace around while repeating what you’re studying aloud. I enjoy walking around my room, catching a ball while reciting facts, or talking through a theory.

     Find the right background noise. A little bit of backgrounrain noises, cafe sounds or white noise. There’s a list of music options and links here.

d noise can block out distractions and help you concentrate - but the wrong kind can be a distraction in itself. Instrumental music is generally considered the best choice, as lyrics tend to be more distracting. Alternatively, there are lots of websites and apps that play

     Be equipped. Make sure that you have all the books, resources and equipment needed to get the job done when you start - that way, you won’t be constantly stopping and starting to go and fetch things. Try to keep everything that you need within reach of your desk (e.g. a nearby drawer, pencil pots, boxes).

     Consider a clock. This depends on the type of person you are. Will a clock motivate you to keep studying for an hour more, or remind you that your favourite show is on in only 15 minutes.

• Try using a clock to set time-related study goals. You can also use the clock or timer feature on your phone or a watch to help you do this.
• You could also try out a timer for even more precise time-keeping, especially if you are preparing for a timed exam.
• If the tick-tock of a clock bothers you, go digital, or get a sand timer.

     Shut out the outside world. The outside world is a dangerous place, full of noises and people coming to distract you. Shut the door to build yourself a private study cocoon. If anyone needs you, they can knock. If your family are distracting you, explain how important your studying is and ask that they respect that you need privacy.

    Get the temperature right. Try to get the temperature right in your study space. If it’s too hot or cold, you may not be at your most productive. It’s hard to write neatly when you’re shivering.

     Decorate to motivate. Adorning your study space with posters, signs, and photos that are important to you may help give you that boost to keep going. Just make sure they don’t become distractions.

• Figure out what kind of motivation works for you. A picture of your family or a beloved pet? A poster of the car you hope to get after you pass these exams and graduate? Copies of your earlier exams in chemistry with poor scores that you are determined to improve upon? Determine whether you need more of a “push” or a “pull” to keep you motivated.

Don’t go overboard. Remember that the purpose of a study space is to help you study more effectively. If you spend too long trying to set up your space just so and end up significantly reducing your actual study time, you will be doing yourself a disservice. A study space meant to limit distractions can become a distraction itself.

Tips for writing college application essays

Brainstorm. Starting your essay can be the hardest part of the process so brainstorming about your accomplishments and yourself can be a good place to start.

Outline. Once you’ve brainstormed, create an outline, detailing what you want to say where. Write your first draft.

Structure. Make sure that you have an introduction, a body, and a conclusion which brings everything together.

Be concise. You don’t want the admissions officer to be reading your essay for so long that they get bored.

Be honest. Don’t embellish your achievements; you don’t have to be the best at everything. Don’t write what you think the admissions officers want to hear.

Be individual. Ask yourself how you can distinguish yourself from the other applicants.

Be coherent. Don’t try to cover every aspect of your life, and every accomplishment; give snapshots not an entire photo album.

Be cautious in your use of humour. What you find funny, others might not.

Be smart. Show that you’re intelligent.

Write well. Check your grammar and spelling.

Get feedback. Get someone else to proofread your essay if possible, and get your family and friends to give you their opinions.

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Extra Links:

• Tips for writing an effective application essay
• Sample college application essay 1
• Sample college application essay 2
• Examples of awesome personal statements 
• Students speak: How I conquered the application essay
• 3 ways to approach common college essay questions
• Top 6 common application essay tips 
• College prep guides: Writing an A+ admissions essay 
• How to write your college application essay - YouTube
  
  BY : study-well

Dear Baby Studyblrs...

BY: dxmedstudent

I’ve noticed some studyblrs confess that they feel a pressure to have it together and live up to the perfectly organised studyblr aesthetic. This is a new pressure; before instagramming our daily lives became ubiquitous nobody would see your notes but yourself. And whilst it’s nice to feel like your notes are beautiful, they don’t have to be to get the job done. And I speak as someone who has made some pretty gorgeous notes, and also some that are completely incomprehensible to all except myself.

So here goes…

It doesn’t matter if your study space isn’t picture perfect as long as it works for you. It doesn’t matter if your notes are neat, perfectly written in 5968 colours of sparkly pen, or messy biro on loose sheets of paper. As long as it works for you. It doesn’t matter if you buy branded stationery or use whatever you could get your hands on. As long as it serves the purpose of helping you learn.

Pretty spaces and neat notes are lovely, but you do not necessarily need these things to study effectively. There are as many different ways to study as there are people doing said studying. There’s no need to feel pressured to buy stationery you can’t afford. There’s no need to feel bad about  having a less-than-picture-perfect setup. Don’t feel like you have to spend an age crafting perfect- looking notes, if that time would be better spent moving onto the next study topic. You may prefer one approach at one point in the process, and a completely different approach closer to exam time.

The aim of studying is to learn effectively. Preferably whilst enjoying it, of course. Sometimes it is enjoyable and effective to make pretty notes. At other times, making perfect notes is literally the most useless and stressful thing compared to just reading through material at a more reasonable pace.  Like making perfect notes? Awesome. Need your messy chaos? Also awesome.