The Rules of a Successful Student

Stella Cottrell, who has worked for over 20 years with students at the University of Leeds, has created a universal cheat sheet for all university students. The publication, which is used by more than 250,000 students and teachers all over the world, simply and easily explains how yesterday’s schoolchildren switch to university methods of study and make it so that in five years to get not only a degree but also the necessary knowledge. All the author’s advice in the book is accompanied by practical knowledge and exercises.

1. Table of Contents

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   K-R-E-M-I – the ideal strategy of a student 

K – creativity: confidently use one’s strategies and styles, and use imagination in learning.

R – reflection: use own experience, analyze and evaluate one’s work and achievements, and learn from actions.

E – efficiency: organize and prioritize one’s space and time, thoughts, and resources (including information technology) to the best of one’s ability.

M – motivation: fully aware of the result to be obtained; keep oneself energized with short-term and long-term “tasks”.

I – initiative: personally participate in the learning process, physically and mentally, to understand what you are learning.

2. The best expert in the world is you

When you don’t know how to handle a particular job, imagine yourself as a professor or an inventor facing a problem of world importance. Experts think the problem is complex, but they are better at solving exactly the complex problems. Many students fear that they don’t have enough ability to study their chosen course. Some did not do well in school and worry that they are “destined” to be bad students. Such panicked thoughts can make it very difficult to study. Certain exercises can help you cope with panic attacks and become less critical of yourself.

3. Use all your senses

The more you use your sight, hearing, and touch-and the more fully you use your body muscles to look, talk, write, type on a computer, draw, or just move-the more ways you offer your brain to receive information. The brain will receive information from a variety of sources.

4. Find out what you’re interested in

It is almost impossible to study if you are anxious or bored. It’s much easier to study with the result you want to achieve in your mind than to study out of a sense of obligation. Some things will seem less interesting to you-such as writing coursework, exams, and tight deadlines. But these things are usually the most satisfying when done well. It’s up to you to discover the grains of gold in the sand.

5. Learn to Rest

Your learning is probably ineffective if you: keep working even though you are too tired to concentrate; just listen or read instead of questioning and raising doubts about what you have heard or read; sit and study while your thoughts wander elsewhere; memorize material without understanding what you are learning; don’t ask for help when you really need it; don’t relate the knowledge you have gained in various subjects; don’t relate the material you have learned to real life. Do the opposite and your learning will be effective. Moreover, during a busy period, it can be useful to buy scholarship essay, because the body needs rest, as it is affecting your health.

6. Learn proactively

Learning is most beneficial when you are active and personally interested. This means: analyzing the information you receive from different angles; straining your attention; taking advantage of different opportunities; making decisions; and finding connections between the facts you receive. Even the smallest assignment will get you actively involved in learning the material. Universities usually expect you to be a certain type of preparation. And, of course, you as a student are expected to take your studies seriously. You can act responsibly only if you feel confident if you are ready to study at the level you have chosen. Make sure you are ready.

7. Find your way to learn

Although all people have a lot in common, everyone learns in their way. You need to experiment with learning strategies and skills that you are not yet confident in. The human brain is a system that is great at adapting. When doing different assignments, you can use and combine several learning strategies and styles. If your course of study is structured in such a way that it doesn’t always meet your learning preferences, you can “adapt.” For example, if you prefer to work with other students, organize study groups, and share your studies with friends, work in the library and participate in student life. If you like to work on your schedule, organize your time so that you feel like it belongs to you alone. If you prefer to work by ear, record lectures and textbook excerpts. Look for study materials that can be downloaded to audio media.

8. Think about your future career from the first days of school

Studying doesn’t have to be abstract. Your goal is to become a professional and get a good job. You will get it if you show the skills and experience that employers need. As an undergraduate student, try to acquire: teamwork skills; problem-solving skills; creative thinking skills; and self-organization skills. Take advantage of all opportunities to do so, including group assignments, internships, and work placements. 

9. Track your progress and evaluate yourself objectively

Write down what steps you have taken to develop a particular skill. Determine what your progress means to you. It could be solving a personal problem (e.g., getting a certain grade on an assignment), or a small step toward solving a problem (e.g., asking a teacher a question for the first time, learning to show up on time if you have a time management problem). It is important to recognize the qualities and skills you already possess. You can fill out a questionnaire, assess yourself, prioritize, and gather information about yourself. Gradually the process of awareness will become more profound. Self-awareness and personal development will help you in all areas of life, including your studies.

10. Learn how to use the information correctly

Most colleges do not assess the number of facts you give in your answer, but how you use the data. It is not enough to simply memorize selected paragraphs for the exam. You are expected to demonstrate the ability to evaluate and select what is significant, and to omit information that is not important. You will effortlessly connect different ideas and thoughts, understand what you are learning in your course, and structure your thoughts and knowledge in a way that makes a persuasive argument.