Keeping Your Academic Stride Strong
Getting through mid-term exams can be challenging. Keeping yourself in a schedule, managing the changing class delivery methods and keeping up with your assignments, amongst other things can be stressful to get straightened out. If you haven’t learned already, the key to success in college is proper time management and staying engaged in your classes. Tennessee Tech has a number of resources to ensure you are successful during your time here. Below are a few resources and tips we highly encourage you to take advantage of.
- Stay engaged in class. Staying engaged in your lectures is important to understanding the material the first
time it’s heard. If you are watching your lectures virtually, set a designated space
with no distractions to ensure you are listening and not getting distracted. Ask your
professor questions on material you don’t understand, it will let your professor know
you are paying attention, and odds are other students in the class may have the same
question!
- Reach out to your Resident Assistant or the Flight Path Program. If you live on campus, your resident assistant is a great resource to utilize. For
commuter students, the FlightPath program was created to support students throughout
their first year and beyond by providing resources and support to ensure you are a
successful student. Reach out to your RA or the FlightPath program at flightpath@tntech.edu
- Setting and Staying in a Routine. If you haven’t already, get yourself in a routine on going to bed and waking up around
the same time every day to set your internal clock, which will benefit you. Do some
self-reflection: are you an early bird or a night owl? Figure out when you can be
the most productive and schedule those times to work on assignments and to study!
- Start your mornings off right. Start your day with a good breakfast, and even a workout in the new “Burn” fitness
center! Starting your day off on a positive note will keep you alert and focused throughout
the day to be the most productive student you can be!
- Visit the Counseling Center. Your mental health as a student is just as important to your success at Tennessee
Tech as your academic achievements. The Counseling Center at Tennessee Tech is a great
asset to students with mental health issues. Students receive 12 free sessions each
academic year, so set up your appointment today at tntech.edu/counsel!
- Find an accountability partner. Find a friend in your class, or your roommate who also may have early classes or the
same exam schedule as you, to ensure you get up in the mornings and encourage you
to academically challenge yourself.
- Get a study schedule in place for exams. Put all of your exams and quizzes in your planner or calendar and set dedicated times to study leading up to them. The night before a big exam should be spent reviewing your material you already know, not learning it for the first time!
How to Spend Spring Break
Spring Break is a fun part of the year, and a time that many college students always
look forward to! Some people will venture out to the beach, some will stay on campus
and others will go home to spend time with family. Although Spring Break is notorious
for beach trips with friends, keep in mind that is not the only way to spend the time
away from classes, and don’t feel embarrassed or ashamed if that isn’t your vibe.
Here are some tips and ideas on how to spend your Spring Break and how to stay safe
while doing it.
Plan a trip. You will have a whole week off from classes, which is perfect for enjoying a little
getaway! Whether you venture to the beach or stay closer to home with a trip to Nashville
or Gatlinburg, be sure to make the most of it. Booking accommodations early and travelling
with a group of friends can help cut costs.
Go home. Going home is an easy way to spend your Spring Break! Head back to your hometown for
the week to catch up with friends and spend quality time with family. Revisiting some
of your favorite restaurants, shops and places in your hometown is a great reset for
the rest of the semester.
Stay on campus. There is no shame in spending time on campus over Spring Break! You can spend the
time catching up, or getting ahead, on assignments, or you can spend the week relaxing
and exploring Cookeville. Keep in mind that dining services on campus may be closed
or have modified hours over Spring Break.
Do something you do not get to do while in class. Classes can be stressful, which means that you do not always get the chance to keep
up with your hobbies. Over Spring Break, take time to read for fun, crochet, see a
movie, go camping or do whatever floats your boat!
Stay safe. No matter how you decide to spend your break, safety is always important! Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind, especially if travelling or going on a trip with friends:
- Never travel alone – If you are travelling, always stay with your group; avoid splitting up from your friends and use the buddy system!
- Spend money wisely – consider costs and expenses, such as gas, hotels, activities, and meals. Discuss with your friends in advance of the trip how expenses will be split so there aren’t any surprises later on.
- Consider boundaries – know your boundaries before heading on a trip with friends; know what you are and aren’t comfortable with and stick to it! No experience is worth breaking the law or endangering someone’s safety (whether your own or a friend’s).
We wish you a safe and fun Spring Break! Make the most of your week of no classes.
