I. Study Habits
I spend about 2-3 hours studying for each class each week, sometimes I spend less time on the classes that I find easier and spend more time studying for harder classes. For example, I study less for my music class and chemistry class, since I already know most of the things taught in class, but I study more for Sociology since it is harder for me. I often study at my desk and make sure my phone and TV are off so that I can focus. I try to take breaks in between studying that way I do not get a headache and my mind can relax. I like to study in the morning and at night because I find that I can focus better during these times and there are fewer distractions.
II. Learning Style
The specific study techniques that work best for me include taking notes for each class, reading the textbook when needed, and making connections outside of class. These vary from class to class because sometimes it’s hard to make connections to the outside world that can help me remember things for quizzes and exams. Also, reading the textbook can be a tedious job and I forget at times to do so or I am too lazy to read the textbook that day. If I do read, I like to take notes and make flashcards or use Quizlet to make flashcards of key terms that I should remember. I take notes for every class and studying those has helped me with exams and quizzes.
III. Transition to college
The college experience has not been at all how I expected it to be. I have heard stories of people failing their classes or professors being hard on work and grading, but thankfully everything so far has been smooth, and I am doing very well in my classes. I am also living at home, which I think changes the college experiences since most people live on campus for college and I am not around the same atmosphere as them. Also, all my classes are online which changes the college experience completely of what in-person classes would be, but what has surprised me is how well our professors had adjusted to the shift and how they have helped us become efficient in using the online platform. The toughest challenge with commuting would be getting to class on time. I live about 30 minutes away from campus and I have to leave my house early just in case if there is traffic or an accident of some sort, I can be prepared to get to class on time. Other than that, everything else has been good, I have been able to find sufficient parking and although I hate walking, that has been the easiest challenge to overcome.
IV. Connecting to Campus
The one problem I have encountered would be struggling in some classes, like sociology and history. In these classes, I sometimes have a hard time grasping certain topics, and no matter how much I study it just does not stick. I think I could use the ODU tutor system and get some extra help and hopefully a new perspective will allow me to understand the topic better. For chemistry and sociology, the class has a group chat in which we help each other by explaining certain materials or questions. This group has helped me since they explain a problem that I could have so that I can understand it better and I can know how to solve it. The group has also set up times to study together when big exams are coming up and that has been very refreshing and helpful. I have not attended interest meetings for clubs, but I think once I get adjusted to college better, I will try to look for clubs to join next semester.