10 Steps to Academic Success

1. Develop good study skills by creating a space and a time for study. Don’t deviate unless absolutely necessary and if by chance you have finished your work, use study time for revision.  Eliminate distractions and let others know that between such and such a time you would appreciated being left undisturbed.
2. Eat healthy brain food like the omegas in nuts and fish, proteins in eggs and meats and a good variety of fruit and vegetables to keep you resistant to illness and energetic. Try and keep meal times regular and avoid snacking on junk food. Eliminate soft drinks completely if you can, otherwise at least cut down.
3. Exercise regularly. Exercise will keep you physically and mentally fit. It will also help you maintain energy levels.
4. Begin projects early. As soon as the specifications of an essay, term paper or thesis are available begin thinking about ideas. Once you have the idea don’t delay, get started with your research and writing. Last minute cramming increases stress and generally produces inferior work.
5. Develop relationships outside of school or within school but in groups or clubs that are separate from your daily routine. Social fulfilment is an important aspect of overall emotional/mental well-being.
6. Eliminate stress by exercising, eating right and enjoying the social aspects of life. If you still have too much stress around exams or study take relaxation a step further and find a good masseuse or a yoga class.
7. Get to know professors, tutors and instructors. Establishing a relationship with these people before you have an issue makes it much easier to approach them to extend a deadline or make a change.
8. Familiarize yourself with school resources, they are designed to make your life easier and help you to achieve.
9. Maintain a work-life balance that doesn’t exhaust you or find you spending too much time working with no time to complete school projects or for relaxation.
10. Budget. Finances are a huge stress for most students and budgeting within your means, and sticking to it, will alleviate some of that pressure.