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24 July 2024

Back-to-school: how to prepare

The start of the academic year marks the beginning of a new educational adventure. In this article, find practical tips to approach this period with serenity and confidence, maximizing your chances of success throughout the year.
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Organization and preparation for the Back-to-School

Organization and preparation for the student start are essential elements that will allow you to begin the school year smoothly. Start by creating a calendar to note important dates: the start of classes, exams, and other deadlines. Prepare your school supplies: notebooks, pens, laptop. Organize your workspace to maximize concentration. Get informed about your courses and teachers, and anticipate upcoming readings and assignments. Create a student budget to manage your expenses and plan a balanced schedule between studies, social activities, and rest. Student unions and associations will also help you organize your start. If you’re studying in the capital, they will particularly help you discover all the student deals in Paris.

Good organization is the key to a successful and stress-free academic year.

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Year planning

To effectively manage your time and responsibilities after the start, it’s important to note your institution’s academic calendar, including key dates: the beginning and end of semesters, holidays, and exam periods. Use a planner or time management app to organize your days.

Plan your courses and create a weekly schedule that includes revision and personal study periods. Allocate time slots for group work, readings, and research. Don’t forget to schedule time for extracurricular activities, sports, and rest to maintain a good balance between academic and personal life.

Anticipate heavy workload periods by spreading them over several weeks to avoid stress and sleepless nights. Good planning will help you stay organized, maximize productivity, and fully enjoy your university experience.

Tips for succeeding in your first year

Succeeding in your first year of university requires good organization and effective strategies. Start by planning your schedule using a planner to note important dates and organize your studies. Attend all classes and participate actively to understand the subjects well. Regularly review your notes to consolidate your knowledge. Build connections with your classmates and professors for support and advice exchange. Finally, take care of your mental and physical health by adopting a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and taking breaks to avoid stress.

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Time management

Time management is essential for students after the start. To begin the year well, we advise you to establish a detailed schedule. Note all class hours, revision sessions, and extracurricular activities or the time you will allocate to a student job, if you have one. Using a planner or time management app can help visualize and organize your days.

An effective method is the Pomodoro technique, which involves working for 25 minutes and then taking a 5-minute break. This helps maintain concentration and avoid procrastination. Prioritize tasks based on their importance and deadline. Daily or weekly to-do lists can be very useful.

Don’t underestimate the importance of breaks. Taking moments to relax is crucial to avoid burnout. Also, plan time for social activities and leisure to maintain a good balance between academic and personal life.

Avoid distractions during study periods. Create a dedicated workspace and stay away from distractions like social media. Finally, don’t hesitate to ask for help if needed, whether from your professors, classmates, or your institution’s support services. Good time management is the key to academic success and overall well-being.

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Study strategies

When it comes to higher education, think strategically! Here are some tips to optimize your learning:

  • Plan Your Study Time: Organize your schedule by reserving regular study slots. Use a planner or time management app to note deadlines and revision periods.
  • Apply Active Learning: Whether in lectures or seminars, actively engage in your learning by asking questions, participating in discussions, and explaining the material to other students. Use techniques like effective note-taking and mind maps to better organize incoming information.
  • Space Out Revision Sessions: Adopt the spacing technique, which involves studying in small sessions spread over several days. This promotes better long-term retention of information.
  • Vary Study Methods: Diversify your study methods to maintain interest and strengthen different aspects of your understanding. For example, read books, watch educational videos, and join study groups.
  • Repetition: Repetition is key. Regularly review your notes and use tools like flashcards to memorize important information.
  • Practical Application: Apply theoretical knowledge to practical exercises or case studies. This helps better understand and retain concepts.
  • Wellness Breaks: Ensure you take care of your mental and physical health. Good sleep, a balanced diet, and regular exercise are essential for maintaining concentration and optimal performance.

Well-being and balance during the student start

During the student start, it’s important to allow time for well-being to avoid being overwhelmed by stress. To maintain good mental and physical health, establish a routine that includes sufficient sleep, a balanced diet, and regular exercise. Take breaks to relax and engage in activities you enjoy. Stress management is essential; use relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga. In our student residences in Paris, you can easily access common areas within the residences, such as gyms, yoga rooms, relaxation areas, and even digital detox zones.

Maintain social relationships by participating in activities and spending time with friends. A good balance between studies, leisure, and rest is the key to a successful and fulfilling start.

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Social life and leisure

During the start, students are particularly encouraged to get involved in group activities to build a social life and make time for leisure. This contributes to establishing a healthy balance between studies and relaxation.

From the beginning of the year, participate in welcome events and activities organized by your institution to meet new people and build connections. Joining clubs or associations is an excellent way to share your interests with others and develop new skills.

Maintaining an active social life helps reduce stress and promotes mental well-being. Plan moments to go out with friends, whether for parties, cultural outings, or sports activities. These moments of relaxation are essential for recharging and avoiding academic burnout.

Leisure activities are equally important. Regularly engage in activities you enjoy, whether reading, sports, music, or arts. This fosters creativity and provides moments of pleasure and relaxation.

Finally, learn to balance your schedule. Avoid overloading your days with social activities at the expense of your studies. Finding a balance between work and leisure is the key to fully enjoying your university experience while achieving academic success.

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Stress management

Stress management is essential for maintaining a healthy balance and succeeding during student life. Stress can come from various sources: exam pressure, project deadlines, and personal responsibilities. Here are some strategies to manage it effectively:

  • Organization: Plan your schedule realistically. Use planners or apps to note deadlines and organize tasks. Good time management reduces stress related to last-minute deadlines.
  • Practice Relaxation: Incorporate relaxation techniques into your daily routine, such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises. These methods help calm the mind and reduce anxiety.
  • Physical Activity: Exercise regularly. Physical activity releases endorphins, the well-being hormones, which help reduce stress and improve mood.
  • Diet and Sleep: Maintain a balanced diet and ensure you get enough sleep. A well-nourished and rested body is better equipped to handle stress.
  • Social Support: Share your concerns with friends, family members, or counselors. Social support is crucial for sharing burdens and finding solutions together.
  • Leisure and Breaks: Take regular breaks to engage in activities you enjoy. Leisure activities allow you to relax and recharge.

By adopting these strategies, you will better manage your stress, improve your overall well-being, and maximize your academic success.

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