Tips for new university students

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around advice for new university students, particularly those studying mathematics. Topics include study techniques, time management, maintaining student-teacher relationships, and general university life experiences.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant emphasizes the importance of taking and rewriting notes after class to reinforce learning and identify gaps in understanding.
  • Another suggests that students should stay current with homework to allow time for questions and corrections before submission.
  • Some participants advocate for utilizing professors' office hours effectively to clarify doubts and enhance understanding.
  • One post highlights the necessity of getting enough sleep as a critical factor for success in university.
  • Another participant recommends handwriting notes over typing, citing research that suggests better retention with handwritten material.
  • A different viewpoint includes maintaining two separate notebooks: one for lecture notes and another for homework to keep materials organized.
  • One participant advises reading textbook sections before lectures and working through problems, encouraging persistence even when challenges arise.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of effective study habits and time management, but there are varied approaches to note-taking and preparation for lectures. No consensus on a single best method is reached.

Contextual Notes

Some advice is based on personal experience and may not apply universally. The effectiveness of different study techniques may depend on individual learning styles and preferences.

Who May Find This Useful

New university students, particularly those entering mathematics or similar fields, may find this discussion beneficial for navigating their academic journey.

Matejxx1
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Hi everyone,
I have finally finished high school and have been accepted into a mathematical university.
I'm really excited and also somewhat nervous about this whole thing since It is my dream to one day become a mathematician and I don't want to mess it up.
I'm now wondering if you guys have any tips regarding studying, time management, student/teacher relationship or basically university life in general
I realize that this are pretty personal things and differ from person to person, however I would still like to know so that I can be better prepared
Thanks a bunch in advance
 
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Take notes, review / rewrite your notes after class and stay current with your homework, doing it before its due. This gives you the option to ask questions and fix mistakes before you hand it in. Rewriting your notes is a way to hammer in what you were taught and to find holes in them that you need to research and repair. Doing this on a day to day basis will insure good grades when tests come up.

Leave no stone unturned, ie when you find something you don't understand, talk with other students, talk with the professor and get a reasonable answer because you know it will have stumped others and will be on the upcoming test.

Profs often have weekly office hours write them down at the start of the semester so you can optimize visits and don't waste time going only to find they aren't there or are busy.

As you manage these things, then let your other interests fill in your free time.

Lastly, get a good rest each night, exercise some (eg brisk walks to class) and eat well.
 
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GET ENOUGH SLEEP.
 
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Take the time to hand write your notes there's some research that suggests you will remember it better than if you typed it into a computer.
 
I always had two notebooks. One for lecture notes and notes from reading the textbook. The other for the homework.
 
Read the section, or two, before the next lecture. When I say read, read the actual text and work out problems. Do not loose heart if you cannot solve problems after much attempts. These are questions your brain should focus on during lecture.
 

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