How to CATCH UP ON SCHOOL WORK when you've fallen behind

Summary

In this video, Karma Medic offers practical advice for university students feeling overwhelmed by falling behind in their coursework. He emphasizes the importance of assessing the damage, prioritizing tasks, and managing time realistically. The key to getting back on track is breaking tasks down, staying consistent with current content, and utilizing resources like friends, tutors, and office hours. Karma also stresses future-proofing through effective scheduling and balancing work with relaxation. Overall, the video provides a comprehensive guide to regaining control, reducing stress, and maintaining a sustainable study routine.

Takeaways

• 😀 Don't be too hard on yourself if you fall behind; various factors, such as personal issues or poor time management, can contribute to it.
• 📝 The first step to catching up is to assess the damage—understand how far behind you are, what you need to do, and how long it will take.
• ⏳ Break down big tasks into smaller, more manageable steps with estimated time for each task to see the work ahead more clearly.
• ⚖️ Prioritize tasks based on urgency—focus on important work first rather than trying to complete everything at once.
• 📅 Be realistic with your time—don't set goals that are unattainable, and avoid trying to catch up in a short period to prevent burnout.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Don’t hesitate to talk to your friends—they can be a valuable resource in terms of sharing materials and helping with difficult concepts.
• 🏫 Make use of office hours with tutors or professors to get help with difficult topics; don't be afraid to reach out for clarification.
• 📖 Organize a group study session with friends for mutual support and understanding of challenging topics before exams.
• 🎯 Create a realistic study plan—spread out tasks over time and stick to a manageable calendar that you can actually follow.
• 💡 Future-proof your study habits by maintaining a system to keep track of any overdue work and manage it regularly to avoid falling behind in the future.

Q & A

What is the first step to getting back on track with university work if you're falling behind?

The first step is to assess the damage. You need to determine exactly how far behind you are, what tasks need to be completed, and how long it will take to catch up. Writing down a detailed list of tasks and estimating how much time each will take can help clarify the situation.

Why is it important to break down tasks into smaller steps?

Breaking tasks down into smaller steps, such as watching specific lectures or reviewing certain notes, gives you a clearer understanding of what needs to be done and how much time it will take, making it easier to tackle and stay on track.

How does prioritizing tasks help when you're behind on university work?

Prioritizing tasks ensures that you're focusing on the most important tasks first. This might include preparing for an upcoming exam or reviewing essential topics that will help you in the long run, rather than getting caught up in less urgent tasks.

Why is it not recommended to split time evenly across all tasks when catching up?

Splitting time evenly between tasks is not efficient. It's better to prioritize tasks that will yield the highest return on your time investment, such as understanding key concepts that underpin the module, rather than spending time on things you already know.

What should you do if you have smaller tasks that can be completed quickly?

It can be motivating to complete smaller tasks quickly, as it provides a sense of accomplishment. This can help you gain momentum and feel more confident in tackling the bigger tasks still ahead.

How can you balance catching up on missed work while staying on top of current university content?

You should stick to the schedule set by your university for current content, and carve out additional time in the evenings or weekends to catch up on missed work. This prevents falling behind even further and reduces anxiety about the workload.

Why is it important to set a realistic calendar when planning to catch up on university work?

A realistic calendar helps you avoid overloading yourself with unattainable goals, which can lead to burnout. By planning manageable tasks and spreading them over time, you're more likely to stay on track and avoid overwhelming yourself.

What advice is given for handling free time while catching up on work?

You can reallocate some of your free time, such as reducing your Netflix hours, to catch up on work. However, it's also important to preserve time for relaxation, enjoying life, and socializing, as this balance helps prevent burnout.

How can talking to friends help when you're falling behind in university?

Talking to friends can provide emotional support and help you realize you're not alone. Additionally, friends can share resources such as flashcards or helpful videos, and collaborating on study sessions can enhance understanding of difficult topics.

What role do office hours play in catching up with university work?

Office hours offer the opportunity to ask professors or tutors questions and clarify concepts you're struggling with. Even if you don't have specific questions, attending can provide insights from other students' questions that might help you too.