Sobrevivir al Primer Cuatrimestre en la Universidad: 6 consejos

Summary

In this podcast episode, university students share practical advice for surviving the first semester at university. They emphasize the importance of attending all classes, taking thorough notes, staying organized, and managing time effectively. Key tips include avoiding plagiarism, balancing academics with socializing, and seeking help when needed. The students also highlight the need for students to prioritize their studies and maintain a proactive approach to their education. This guidance is invaluable for incoming students to succeed in their academic journey while adapting to university life.

Takeaways

• 😀 Don't skip classes: Attending every class is crucial for staying on top of your studies and avoiding the struggle of catching up later, especially in challenging subjects like mathematics.
• 😀 Take detailed notes: Write down everything the professor says, even if it seems trivial, as important information often comes up on exams.
• 😀 Avoid using phones or taking pictures of the board: Use traditional note-taking methods to ensure better retention and avoid distractions during lectures.
• 😀 Organize your time effectively: Plan your study schedule to include at least three hours of study for every credit hour and balance it with your class hours.
• 😀 Use tools to stay organized: Google Calendar or handwritten planners can help keep track of your schedule and make time management easier.
• 😀 Be cautious about plagiarism: Always properly cite your sources to avoid severe consequences like academic penalties or expulsion.
• 😀 Focus on academics: University is about learning, not about becoming the center of attention. Keep your social life balanced outside of study hours.
• 😀 If you’re struggling, ask for help: Don’t hesitate to reach out to the Department of Orientation for support or guidance if you’re feeling lost or overwhelmed.
• 😀 Develop a study routine: Prioritize time for studying and stick to it, including short breaks to avoid burnout while preparing for exams.
• 😀 Learn time management: For students working while studying, it’s essential to split your time wisely to handle both your job and academic responsibilities effectively.

Q & A

Why is attending every class important for first-year students?

Attending every class is crucial because missing even one session, especially in challenging subjects like mathematics, can create significant gaps in knowledge that are hard to catch up on later.

What advice did José give regarding socializing during class hours?

José advised students to avoid socializing during class hours. He emphasized that while it’s tempting to meet friends and make new connections, the primary focus during class should be on learning and professional growth.

What is the best way to take notes in university classes according to Scarlett?

Scarlett recommended taking handwritten notes during lectures rather than relying on smartphones for note-taking. She explained that writing things down helps retain information better and avoids distractions like texting or losing the content in photos.

Why is it not recommended to take photos of the lecture notes on the board?

Taking photos of the board can lead to forgetting or misplacing the notes. As Scarlett explained, students often forget about the photos or lose them in their phone galleries, which can result in losing important information for exams.

How does organization impact academic performance?

Being organized helps manage study time effectively. As José and Scarlett pointed out, setting a study schedule and sticking to it ensures that you can balance classwork, study sessions, and personal time, preventing burnout and improving performance.

How much study time should be dedicated to each credit hour in university?

For each credit hour of a course, it is advised to dedicate at least three hours of study time per week. This ensures that students stay on top of their coursework and are better prepared for exams.

What are the consequences of plagiarism in university?

Plagiarism is taken very seriously in universities. If students are caught plagiarizing, they can face severe consequences, including expulsion. It's important to always credit original sources and avoid copying others' work without proper citations.

What should a student do if they miss a class and need to catch up?

If a student misses a class, they should contact the professor, ask for the missed material, and possibly schedule a time to catch up. It’s crucial to stay up to date with coursework, even if it means making extra efforts to meet with the professor.

What role does a good relationship with professors play in university success?

Having a good relationship with professors is key to academic success. Professors can offer valuable support, guidance, and advice, helping students through challenging courses and even extending help with missed classes or assignments.

What is the importance of avoiding the temptation to be the center of attention at university?

The podcast emphasized that students should prioritize their academic work over trying to be the center of attention. Success in university comes from being a diligent student, and focusing on your studies rather than social status will yield better results in the long term.