Fall 2019 Tips for Academic Success

Start your year off on the right foot! Whether you are a seasoned student at the Faculty of Nursing, or joining us for your first semester, we've got you. These tips for success-courtesy of our Vice Dean, Dr. Olive Yonge-will help you not just survive, but thrive.

29 August 2019

Our Vice Dean, Dr. Olive Yonge, RN PhD, shares seven tips for academic success.

  1. Establish Academic Goals: Start each semester with a clean slate by re-writing your academic goals, such as a certain grade point average or tackling that job you've been avoiding. Setting goals not only keeps you accountable with your studies, it encourages you to dream big and celebrate those accomplishments when you achieve them.

  2. Balance is Key: University is meant to be a well-rounded experience. Go to your classes, complete your assignments, study hard, but remember to reward yourself for all of your hard work. Find a balance that helps you grow as a person while still achieving the academic goals you've established.

  3. Develop a Time Management System: Time management is one of the most important life skills you can acquire, and university is the perfect place to hone this skill. Google Calendar, or an old-fashioned planner allows you to keep track of important dates and deadlines so you can stay on track with your academic goals.

  4. Make Connections: Building community is important. Get curious and involved in campus life through various student organizations and volunteer opportunities . You will make deep long lasting friendships in our program that you will keep until you die.

  5. Devise a Study Routine:One of the best ways to improve your academic performance is to establish a study routine-a time everyday that you set aside to read your textbooks, review your notes, and work on homework assignments. Remember to not only schedule time to study, but time to take study breaks, too.

  6. Get to Know Your Teachers:They want you to succeed and they are a powerful resource students tend to overlook. They can become mentors for you with their wealth of knowledge in both a practical and academic setting, which can set you well on your way to crushing all of your academic goals.

  7. Take Advantage of Campus Resources: The University of Alberta has a plethora of resources to help students succeed, such as the library. If you're feeling mentally overwhelmed or just need someone to talk to, reach out to the numerous student mental health resources and counselling and clinical services available.