Online tool for managing study and other commitments
Thinking of coming to Macquarie University for postgraduate study but don't know how you can fit it in? An online support tool has been devised to assist students accommodate study and the demands of life.
"It is important that a student looks at all of the demands on their time," says Trish Campbell, Learning Skills Counsellor at Macquarie University. "Often the first mistake people make is to plan only for their study, and that is just a small part of life."
Taking Charge
'Taking Charge' is the online study support tool that has been devised by Campbell and provides advice, student feedback and forms to help program study, work, exercise and life in general.
"Taking charge is a conscious decision," says Campbell. "You can decide to take charge of your studies or let your studies take charge of you. A good first step is to carefully consider all the demands that are made of you outside study and make a list of your tasks. You might be surprised at how much time general life activities take."
Managing your priorities
Campbell has created four forms (Life Tasks, Student Responsibilities, Semester Planner, and Weekly Planner) that students can download and use to help prioritise.
Life Tasks - the first step a student is advised to take is to make a list of the tasks of everyday life. These include relationships, community interests, household tasks, relaxation and employment.
Student Responsibilities - the second step is to make a list of their responsibilities as a student, which includes lectures, tutorials, practicals, preparation and private study.
Semester Planner - the third step is to create a planner including all readings, assignments, tutorial presentations and exams. A semester planner is a good way of getting an overview of your study load.
Weekly Planner - the fourth step is to create a planner which looks at 24 hours in each day. A weekly planner allows you to combine all that you have to do eg travel, study, work, family time, and even sleep!
"Devising a weekly planner helps to get that important balance between general life and student life," says Campbell. "It also allows you to be flexible so that you can adjust to the varying demands of study."
Macquarie University Counselling Services
The Counselling Service at Macquarie University aims to assist students with matters which may prevent successful completion of their studies.
The Counselling Service provides general counselling to undergraduate, postgraduate, local and international students enrolled at Macquarie.
Professionally qualified counsellors offer support for a range of issues including anxiety, depression, mental health and relationship problems - anything that is getting in the way of study. The service is free of charge.
For further information contact Trish Campbell patricia.campbell@mq.edu.au or julie.campbell@mq.edu.au or visit http://online.mq.edu.au/pub/UCHSTIME/index.htm