Studying overseas is a key to the door that allows you to gain valuable international experience. You will have the chance to bring out your own identity with an entirely new experience. It also plays a vital role in providing an all-rounded education. which includes a blend of valuable and holistic international experience, a different perspective towards life, and a new culture. By giving you a way to enhance your career prospects, it surely suits up the best of your needs.
But being in a different country, with a slightly different method of how things are done while studying, you may tend to overlook the importance of effectively managing your time. Time management, wherever you are, is one of the most important ethics to keep up with. No more Malaysians timing when you are studying overseas please!
Here are the Top 7 Tips (You're welcome)
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Make a Plan to Work Your Study Overseas Plans
Planning ahead is always a good attribute to possess. So, it’s never too early to start thinking about how you’ll do all the work in each of your five classes. The first day of your class is the right time to start planning your schedules. Whether it’s a pin-board planner, a timetable or a calendar on your phone, it’s always fun to use an organizing tool that works well for you and add your list of priorities to that planner.
Try to jot down all the assignments—including weekly assignments, quizzes or short papers—in your mobile or print calendar. Then develop a proper plan for both your run-of-the-mill weekly studying and for the research paper. There are also a range of time management apps that can help you through this process. By doing this can also help you plan the time frame for future course assignments.
ProTip! Adjust your study plan dynamically as the semester proceeds. Initially, you’ll find that some courses get harder as they go, as some projects take longer than you planned. The more flexible and open-minded you are about time management, the more successful you will do it.
Prepared and Prioriti$ed
It can be easy to blow your budget early on in your study overseas journey. Eating out, taxi rides, and other incidentals certainly adds up to your overall cost.
Hence, it is extremely important to plan and prepare your expenditure as well. While abroad, prioritise your expenditure and do not try to mentally convert the currency to calculate your expenses. Use instruments or applications that help you keep a track of your spending.
Figure out the cost of the things that you wanted to buy, then how much cash you have, and spend your financial resources wisely. Education abroad may be expensive, but, as long as you have prepared, you are set. Just remember, to try to avoid unnecessary expenditure. Take the time to draw up a budget. (unless your father prints money then different story la...)
Knowledge for Assignments is at the L.I.B.R.A.R.Y.
With the resources you own, it’ll be great to make the best use of them right? One of the resources at your disposal is the library. It’s the best place to go to learn more and be on your toes. Any information, anything you want to learn or explore, the library has it all. Especially, if you need help with your assignments or studies, you can drop in completely online to get expert advice from a learning skills instructor or librarian.
If you’re rushing to meet a deadline, the last thing you want is to find out that your library card doesn’t work, or that you don’t know how to find the books or resources that you need. Plan ahead to avoid such occurrences.Take some time before you are given assignments and make it a habit to use the library and IT systems at your college. It won’t take long, and you’ll be glad you did it when it comes to crunch time.
PS: Don't be too kiasu and stay in the library 24/7. Go back to your room and sleep! You'd still need proper rest.
Save the Easiest Task for the End!
When you have too many tasks to complete, you will have the urge to do the small tasks before larger ones. But most of the time, it is better to work in the opposite way. Like, starting off with the hardest assignment and then completing the smaller and easier ones afterwards, when you find yourself time to ease down with a sense of satisfaction. Try this way once and you will surely feel the difference.
Initially, your universities professors will probably give you a full week to just settle in and get used to the workflow. Use this time efficiently to study, write and get ahead early in the semester, and to make a good initial impression, which will save you from the stress of worrying about these things later. Plus, use the time you have presently to get your work done instead of dedicating full weekends to studying and catch up later.
Don’t Stress Out
Want a stress free study overseas journey? That is the result of working ahead, staying organized. Moreover, do not hesitate to ask for help, to not overwhelm yourself with all the work of a new semester, at a new university, in a country you don’t understand yet.
Remember, this is a journey that you have to take step by step. We know you are at your university to first learn and then have fun, but those two things don’t have to be exclusive. So, prepare yourself for some hard work, but don’t worry about getting through with it. Be spontaneous, adapt, and take things as they come. You’ll find yourself fitting right in, just fine. In short, chill lah! Rilek bro!
Hit the Refresh Button from Time to Time
Ever heard of 'study smart, play hard'? Even a machine needs to rest after a long day of working. All work and no play will definitely make you dull. Plan for short breaks throughout the week, and take some major time off during the weekends.
When the holidays are nearing, you can look forward to relaxing for a longer time. You can probably even hang out in the city, travel and experience the culture of the country. Save time for your friends, family, and hobbies in order to function smoothly and maintain a balance. It will sometimes be hard to connect with people at home the way you used to, so, make sure to regularly find some time and dedicate it to the people who are important to you.
Review, Reassess and Reiterate
As a part of progressing in your career, you need to make sure that you are up to date on what’s happening. This calls for a review, reassessment and a reiteration of your schedule. This way, you will be able to recognize any gaps in your plans and even find out what’s working. You will also be aware of your priorities, in case you need to change them. This can also help in reminding you of your short-term goals such as reviewing lectures and studying for upcoming exams.
But it’s not just academics, this review will help you even with the non-academic tasks that you need to accomplish. Over a week, you can obtain a clear picture of what it’s going to be like and balance your work and ‘fun-time’. Over a semester, it prepares you months ahead for important deadlines and upcoming events.
Now that you have the key points to manage our time. Doesn’t seem so hard right? So, plan out a schedule which will make you feel comfortable and most importantly, take a deep breath and relax. You got this and we got your back!
