Stick to your normal in-person university schedule
Roksana Sheikholmouki: With online learning, it’s easy to perpetually put off doing the actual coursework because you don’t have to (and right now, we’re not able to) physically go to campus for classes. So, to beat the urge to procrastinate, I’ve decided to stick to my original university schedule and commit to studying during my class time blocks. I’ve also substituted my usual travel time to and from campus with exercising and reading books.
Need a boost to start managing your time more effectively? Check out some handy essential time management resources.
Schedule virtual study sessions
Abigail: Just because we can’t be in the same space doesn’t mean we can’t still study together. My best friend and I, who used to get together multiple times a week to study, now plan virtual study sessions over voice or video chat. Having someone else “with” me to keep me accountable helps me stay focused on my work. And being able to chat with a friend makes studying much more fun.
Roksana: Forming virtual study groups, ideally with a few classmates in each of your classes, helps you schedule and stick to your commitment to put in the studying hours.
Similarly, the Student Success Centre’s peer Math Assistants and Writing Assistants are still available for virtual appointments should you wish to take advantage of those services, and ECON Study Groups will be offered online during the summer term, too.
Celebrate your accomplishments
Roksana: I try to make an action plan at the beginning of each day. This allows me to check things off the list as I go and, at the end of day, I review what I have accomplished. Not only is it practical but it gives me a sense of accomplishment and the opportunity to reward myself — even if I only crossed off two tasks. This little ritual helps maintain my well-being and encourages me to keep going, day after day. Also, it’s just plain fun to celebrate my accomplishments, no matter how small.
It can be hard to find motivation and brain space to study when everyone is quarantined at home in the midst of a global crisis. But, rest assured, you are not alone in this. Feel free to reach out to Concordia’s student mentors if you need some more tips or motivation or just to chat.
Find out more about Concordia’s Student Success Centre.
Follow Concordia’s updates and info on COVID-19.