By Anabelle Bergstrom, Peer Research Ambassador

Navigating research, academics, and extracurriculars can be daunting. Luckily, time management doesn’t need to be scary! At the beginning of every semester, I take some time to reflect on my study and schedule habits. That way, I am in tune with what works for me and what doesn’t. Every semester offers new experiences that change how I approach my responsibilities. I thought I would share some advice on what makes me successful, though it is important to note that just because these tips work for me, doesn’t mean they will work for you. Here are my top five study and schedule hacks to help you succeed this semester.

1. Dedicated blocks of time– This tip helped me during one of my toughest semesters. Just like you would put a class or club into your schedule, put a block of time that is dedicated for studying. Do not schedule anything else during these times. This will allow your mind to become used to dedicated time to focus. Also, it will assist you in becoming more disciplined with your study habits.
2. Disconnect – Turn off your phone and computer notifications. You may have heard this a million times, but I promise it makes a difference. Staying focused and present during your study time is a valuable skill to have. Having a distraction free environment will also help prepare you for exams.
3. Take breaks – Remember to take a few moments when you are studying, and throughout the day, to ground yourself. Take a few deep breaths or drink water. It can even be helpful to set a timer for when to take a break while you are studying. As I mentioned, staying focused is key but remember that you are human. Studying for 4 hours straight can do more harm than good, so setting few minutes of time to go for a walk or grab a snack is beneficial.
4. Surround yourself with people who understand – Part of surviving the semester is knowing when to throttle up and when to throttle down. You won’t be able to go to every girls night, party, or sporting event. Surrounding yourself with people who understand that you may need some nights to catch up on work or self-care will help immensely. Having a strong support system is key to surviving the semester.
5. Listen to your body and mind – If you do not get anything else out of this blog post, at least take this piece of advice. Listen to yourself. You know yourself better than anyone. So, if you are feeling overwhelmed, allow yourself to set back and reset. This might look like a hike, a walk around town, or a long gym session. There is nothing more important, even academics, than making sure you are healthy and happy.

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By Ayushi Patel, Peer Research Ambassador

As a senior pre-medical student, I have definitely experienced feeling “behind” compared to my peers. We are put into a competitive environment, and it’s only made worse when we realize there’s extremely limited spots for what we are all trying to achieve. This certainly isn’t any better when you feel like other students are “ahead” of you—maybe that means they’re in a research lab already, maybe they have a publication in progress.

Before beginning research, it might seem like the search is overwhelming and getting into a lab is impossible, but this is a process in which you should be selective. There are plenty of steps to follow to help the process. Continue reading →

By Stephanie Schofield, Peer Research Ambassador

One of the most beautiful things about UConn is the endless opportunities that await you. Whether it’s research, the astronomy club, a dance team, a club sport, or perhaps learning a language on your own time, there are a million different ways to fill your time when you’re not in the classroom. With so many avenues for your extracurricular interests, why not indulge in every single one?

Well, unfortunately, there isn’t enough time in the world to do everything your heart desires in college, if only there was! My biggest word of caution: you DO NOT want to learn the art of time-management the hard way! Continue reading →

By Alexandra Bettencourt, Peer Research Ambassador

I will never forget my first academic advising appointment as a freshman at UConn, because it was there that I met a mentor who would help to shape the entirety of my academic career. Prior to meeting Dr. Sarah Reed for the first time, I had read her faculty biography to learn more about her. After skimming her qualifications and publications, my eighteen-year-old self, that had just begun taking BIO 1107, was a bit intimidated by her scientific accomplishments. These feelings melted away within minutes of meeting her, as she welcomed me with a smile and genuine enthusiasm for helping guide me through my academic career and accomplish my lifelong dream of becoming a veterinarian. Continue reading →

By Kerry Morgan, OUR Peer Research Ambassador

In my years at UConn, I have been involved in many different types of activities. Whether it be sports, academics, volunteering, hobbies, there is certainly something for everyone at UConn. As I am beginning my senior year at UConn, I look back and reflect on the time I have had here, and most importantly the things I’ve learned and enjoyed. Now, I can say with clarity that research shaped me into the person I am today, and it has been one of my most cherished experiences from my undergraduate education. Continue reading →

By Shreya Murthy, OUR Peer Research Ambassador

There’s no question that if you are interested in research for any reason, it is a valuable experience. However, one the most important parts of the research process is finding a research mentor. The information below will help you navigate this step. Continue reading →