App-tastic ways to study

Technology is all around us, #theresnodoubtaboutit. These days, social media and smart phones (or tablets computers) are a normal part of our day-to-day lives. Despite many using this technology to share funny videos, photos and status updates; used in the right way, technology can be beneficial to uni students in their studies.

I count myself lucky to be able to study in a time where laptop computers and mobile devices make it possible to study on-the-go, no matter where I go. USQ make all study materials accessible online, which allows students the flexibility to view course content, listen to recorded lectures and take notes without the need to carry a pen and paper.

Just like in minority report where Tom Cruise switches between the images on the large computer interface with the slide of a hand, on my iPad I am able to easily switch through my apps. Since buying my iPad mid last year, it has become an essential part of the things I bring to uni for study. Since I’m in avid apple user (owning two iPods, an iPhone and an iPad), I’ll share with you some of the fantastic apps I use to help organise myself and assist with study; some of these apps include:

• Calendar – this app comes built-in with current iPhones and iPads and is a good replacement for a diary/weekly planner. Using calendar, I am able to organise my study time around my lectures, work and social outings. As I use both my iPhone and iPad to organise my calendar, Apple’s iCloud syncs any updates made on one device and shows changes on the other – no matter which one I’m using, it’ll be exactly the same!
• Reminders – similar to the calendar app, reminders serves as a ‘to-do list’ which can synchronize between devices. Alarms and the level of importance can be set for each item listed – handy for prioritising study and assessments.
• iBooks – free for download on the Appstore, iBooks allows PDF files to be opened and read like an ebook. Through iBooks, I am able to store electronic copies of course materials (saved as PDF) and work through modules on-the-go on the iPad.
• Pages – Paralleling the windows program Microsoft Word, this app allows documents to be created and edited with a wide range of format, font and layout options. This app has helped me greatly for taking lecture notes and when editing assignments away from computer access.
• Dropbox (and Evernote) – Dropbox allows internet storage of files which are accessible across devices (iPhone, iPad and computers). This app has been a life-saver where I’ve forgotten to bring a USB stick and have no place to save journal articles or assignment research; once saved to Dropbox all my academic journal articles were accessible from my home computer and iPad.

Additionally, social media can provide motivation to study (as pictured above). Facebook can be used for study through forming ‘groups’ with people you study with – allowing you to share ideas, talk about course content and post up study notes for the group to share. On the other hand, too much social media can become a distraction from study so remember to limit time on social media and use it as a reward for your hard work.

Overall, the use of technology and study go hand-in-hand; however, discipline is required to make sure you don’t get distracted – no matter how tempting it might be to beat a high score in Fruit Ninja or Angry Birds!

Do you use any apps that have helped you with study or work? Comment and share your app-tastic stories

Scholarship Gold at the End of the Rainbow

It’s no myth or legend that there are numerous costs associated with going to university. Whilst course fees, textbooks and other expenses are encountered by students along their academic adventure, you don’t need a lucky horse-shoe or four-leaf clover to make these costs disappear. Besides working a part-time job whilst studying, this year I was able to cover the cost of textbooks and course fees thanks to receiving a scholarship – my pot of gold at the end of the rainbow!

The fable

For many students, both those yet to commence university study and those continuing their academic journey, scholarships are often thought of something mystical, elusive and often out of reach. Unfortunately, this perception could not be further from the truth because scholarships are not as out-of-reach as some may think.

All the colours of the rainbow

Just as there are many colours of the rainbow, there are many different kinds of scholarships available to both students commencing and those continuing university study. Some of these scholarships include:

• Academic – arguably the most traditional form of scholarship, academic scholarships are awarded to a student who has met a certain level of academic achievement based on specific requirements and criteria.
• Community involvement – Whilst most scholarships are awarded on some form of academic achievement, scholarships can also be awarded to reward outstanding community involvement (and can range from a leadership position in high school to being involved in local sporting clubs or even participating in community events).
• Equity – Equity scholarships are awarded to assist students in accessing the necessaries one needs to successfully undertake university study (USQ offers textbook bursaries, relocation assistance and rural scholarships). Commonwealth scholarships might also be available to students who receive welfare support.
• Special – This category embraces the remaining scholarships on offer including sporting scholarships, scholarships for students of genders in non-traditional areas of study, and much more.

Reaching the pot of gold

So now that you know about the kinds of scholarships on offer, the next question is how do we get one? USQ accepts scholarship applications throughout the year until the application closing date usually around mid-October. Applications are not difficult to put together and are a worthwhile investment in your time (considering the fantastic financial reward you may receive).

This year I was awarded the City of Ipswich Scholarship which is donated by the Ipswich City Council to reward a continuing student with a consistent level of academic achievement in addition to community involvement within the city of Ipswich. Not only did this provide financial support for myself, I was able to attend the council meeting and was introduced to the local councillors and the Mayor of Ipswich. Another benefit of receiving this scholarship was being able to attend an awards ceremony where I was able to meet some of the other talented scholarship recipients.

Overall, I strongly encourage all students currently in university or considering university study to apply for scholarships. Hopefully this post has shown the financial benefits of scholarships, quashed the myths surrounding scholarships and demonstrated the array of scholarships available to students for a variety of achievements – scholarships aren’t just for the A+ students anymore.

What scholarships are you eligible for? To find out what scholarships USQ have available, check out www.usq.edu.au/scholarships.

The A to Z of Inspirational Study

So Semester 1, has turned out quite busier than I expected.  For those of you that have not had a chance to read my previous blogs, I have now added working part time into my lifestyle equation. Which now means I have to figure out a way to balance my university studies, raising 3 children, being a good wife, running a house and working part time. In an effort to stay motivated to stick to my priorities, I have decided follow the trend of filling my home with motivational signs, reminders and sayings.  You know, those ones you can find with cute little sayings on them, or a list of words that work together to remind you of what’s important. I figure, that if something can help to keep you on track and focused, can’t be a bad thing. I enjoy the way a message can be summed up neatly (and memorably) in a sentence or two. Often, these signs are shared with my friends as they walk around my house, leading to a powerful insight of my ideals or create thought provoking conversations.

I want to share some quotes with you. ‘Study/Work/Life Balance’ is an overused term, and can be challenging for so many of us. Of course, the ideal balance between these important elements in our lives is different for everybody – it depends on what is important to us, and this shifts over time.  But the starting point must be deciding what we want it to be, for us, now. Then we can begin taking positive steps towards making it happen. For some of us, that is to study at university, for others, it may be getting that graduate position you want next year, or it could be as simple as wanting to spend more time with the kids.

Some of these quotes are profound, others just make me smile – I hope you enjoy these too. And do let me know your own favourite ‘Study/Work/life Balance’ quotes – to the comments below, so they’re visible for all to enjoy.  If one of these quotes really helps you, then post it in a place where you can see it every day as a reminder.

• “You can have it all. You just can’t have it all at once.” – Oprah Winfrey
• “Action expresses priorities.” – Mahatma Gandhi
• “The most important thing in life is knowing the most important things in life.” – David F. Jakielo              
• “Decide what you want, decide what you are willing to exchange for it.  Establish your priorities and go   to work.” –  H . L. Hunt
• “Having children really changes your priorities.”  – Cindy Crawford
• “Good things happen when you get your priorities straight.”   -  Scott Caan
• “Nobody can go back  & start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.” – Maria Robinson

And my favourite!

• “For fast-acting relief, try slowing down.” – Lily Tomlin

Remember to check out USQ on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest) as motivational pictures and quotes are posted on a regular basis. They always help to keep me focused, and give me a laugh.

Can’t wait to hear your inspirational quotes!

O-Week: A week to remember.

So it’s here, the return of Semester – and what a way to kick it off! O-Week, as always, saw the university come alive with energy and excitement. Thousands of students came on campus to experience university life (many for the first time). With information sessions, live music, movie nights, party nights and Phoenix Carnival, this was a jam-packed week for our students.

The week kicked off at Alison Dickson Lecture Theatre with the VC, Mrs Jan Thomas, giving an inspiring welcome speech. Students then broke into faculty sessions and had the opportunity to attend workshops such as time management, university services, library tours and many more. And of course, where would O-Week be without some live music, Red Froggers and Free Stuff?

Throughout the week students could take part in Bush Dances, a movie night, an under 18’s Café Crawl and of course – a themed Party Night at The Spotted Cow. The week ended with the first annual Phoenix Carnival – which included live music, market, food stalls and lots of games and activities.
However, I wasn’t sure if words could really re-create the vibe of this week, so I have created a video which showcases the O-Week Journey for our students and staff. Enjoy!

- Amanda

What to expect when you are expecting to start uni.

Brace yourself – semester one is about to begin! Right now is the time to finish enrolling in those upcoming courses, choose class times and find cute stationary. The USQ campus will begin buzzing again with students checking where rooms are, rushing in to print study materials and buy textbooks. And, if you are anything like me, you will also be promising yourself that you will be extra prepared by beginning to read these before the start of classes…this time.

This has always been my favourite time of the year. The smell and feel of new textbooks, bumping into friends on campus, enjoying a carefree coffee with friends at the hub and long chats in the quad are some of the joys experienced just before semester kick-off. Exams feel as though they are a long way, distant into the future.

After four years of study, I feel that I have perfected the art of preparing before a semester. I am able to confidently do what I thought I would never be able to do four years ago – find what I need, know where to go, who to see and juggle my really diverse study schedule which has included visual arts, mathematics and education courses. I have found that once you are into the uni ‘jive’ this becomes second-nature and a lot of fun.

This year however is a lot different for me. It is strange.

See, I finished my Education degree with USQ at the end of last year. I was so excited to be able to say ‘I am a TEACHER’. However, I am beginning to realise that this means that I no longer have pre-semester university preparations. I don’t have courses to enrol in, there are no new textbooks on my shelf and my friends have begun their new careers in various places throughout Queensland. Though post-university is exciting (I will also soon be moving to begin my career, a teaching position in Thailand), it is hard not to reflect on, and become nostalgic for, the life and routine of a university student.

So perhaps I can share with you what I have learnt. Provide some advice to those who are starting out for the first time. I always use ‘to do’ lists, so here is one for you –

UNIVERSITY TO DO LIST

Become a ‘yes-person’ (think back to Jim Carey’s character in Yes Man).

By remaining open to new experiences, you will surprise yourself and create some fantastic memories. I adopted this mentality early-on in my university career and as a result have met some wonderful people through volunteering, participated in an overseas professional placement in Thailand (as part of my Bachelor of Education) which resulted in the school offering me a position, have volunteered at a school in Cambodia, met a NASA astronaut, co-founded a charity, introduced Red Thread Bracelets to Australia, exhibited an artwork, regularly assisted at a local school, completed a number of additional vocational qualifications, became a guest education panel chair member and won a scholarship. I try to say ‘yes’ to every new experience and have really benefited from this. 

 [You never know where ‘yes’ can lead you..in this case, into a tiger enclosure in Thailand during an overseas professional experience]

 Buy your textbooks early.

It doesn’t happen too often, but sometimes the bookshop will run out of particular books. It can be difficult to catch-up with readings a few weeks into the semester.

Start your assignments early.

I always put my assignments onto my calendar, a week BEFORE they are actually due. This means that I always had the assignment completed a week before it was actually due. I cannot tell you how much stress was saved through adopting this strategy! An added benefit (from my experience) – if you realise last-minute that you have misinterpreted the assignment, you still have a week to fix it! This was my number one strategy and really helped me get through uni.

Do a library tour in O-Week.

These are free and so worthwhile. Pay particular attention to where resources and references can be found through the library database. The library has access to online versions of journals and other publications which you WILL NEED throughout your study. Knowing how to use these properly will save so much valuable time.

Read, post in and follow all of the forums for your courses.

There have been times when I have realised that I was really not on the right track with assignments or course content. These are sometimes a lifesaver! Usually, questions that you have will already be posted and answered.

Go to EVERY lecture and tutorial (on-campus or online).

This will help you stay on track, find study-buddies and assist you with assessment.

ENJOY UNI LIFE! It doesn’t feel like it at times (particularly when assessment is beginning to pile up), but your university career will fly by! Enjoy it and do your best!

[Taken on my very last day of uni, with our amazing lecturer, Warren]

Good luck to everyone who are about to start their study! Feel free to leave a comment, especially if you have any questions about being a student and preparing for your university life.

Tips, Tricks and the Turtle Man

A new year, a new semester, a new outlook…time for a new blog. (Well, I have missed the boat on it being a new year – somehow it is already a month into 2013 – I had better start my Christmas shopping). Nevertheless, 2013 has brought with it a gust of excitement. I am entering into my second year of uni and I cannot wait to start!

Crazy, some would say. What’s so great about going back to study after such a great holiday? Let me make the answer clear by re-phrasing the question. “What can university offer me that I can’t get from watching the Turtle Man and Operation Repo all holidays?” Umm…perhaps a degree/career/great life/fulfilment/well-paying job?

Yep, pretty keen to start uni again…

However, this time 12 months ago I would not have only used the wording ‘excited’ to describe my feelings about starting uni. Perhaps add nervous, scared, unsure…and…stressed. So, I would like to dedicate this blog to all of the students starting university for the first time (yippee!). As an experienced uni-goer, I feel I should share with you the tips and tricks I have picked up along the way. Enjoy!

Preparation is first step in a great recipe.

Yep, it’s pretty straight forward – you can never be too prepared. However there are a few key things that I would recommend you plan ahead for.

• Car parking – take notice of the key traffic times and the car parks that generally don’t fill up as quickly. Leave enough time so you can get a park and not have to run to class (I have experienced running with textbooks and a laptop and it’s not easy).

• Lecture slides – most lecturers will upload slides and information before class. If you can, print these off or save them to your laptop in advance. Lecturers will often give important notices or address discussion topics at the beginning of class, so you don’t want to waste this time fumbling for slides.

• A calendar – when you receive your USQ Wall Calender, mark in all assessment dates (including any online quizzes). This way you will be able to see if any courses cross over for assessment, and you can plan your study time accordingly.

• Stationery – it’s a necessity. Sticky notes, highlighters, pens, sticky notes, staples, folders, sticky notes and sticky notes. Don’t forget stick notes.

THE APPROX NUMBER OF STICKY NOTES REQUIRED TO START UNI

Become part of the online community.

Well, you are reading a blog, so I am guessing you devote some time in your life to being part of an online community. So take advantage of USQ’s online spaces and use them to find help, find friends, learn about events and competitions and really become involved in the whole university experience. My personal favourites are Facebook’s Wednesday Motivation, and the Study Spaces board in Pinterest. (And USQ Blogs of course!). Here’s last week’s Wednesday Motivational:

Don’t be afraid to ask.

Okay, so lecturers can be pretty daunting, especially when they are called ‘Professor’ or ‘Doctor’. But you also have to remember that they are teachers. They have chosen to teach you! So don’t be afraid to stay after class and ask them a question (even if you think it’s a dumb question). Also, don’t be afraid to post a question to the online forum (this is a lifesaver the night before an assignment is due and 90% of the class are also wondering the same thing).

Well, I hope this advice has been helpful to anybody starting university for the first time. I wish all returning students the best for the year ahead, and when times are tough – just remember where your hard work is taking you.

PS. If you have any more questions or tips about uni please comment on this post!!!

Holidays, where are you?

This is it. This is the last holidays I have to relax before I enter into my final year of uni – officially received my results and passed everything. YAY! While I love living on College, it feels so good to come home and not have to worry about uni work or being woken at 3am when someone comes home from the club. There are some days though where I don’t feel as though I’m on holidays. With work, my little brother graduating grade 12, trying to keep my boyfriend occupied and Christmas just around the corner, these holidays feel jam-packed– and it’s only just beginning!

My Parents, Alex, and his lovely grad partner, Kathrine, ready for graduation!

The day after I arrived in Townsville I began work as a Christmas Casual in Townsville’s newly renovated shopping centre; which seems to steal all my money. I traded in my study brain for a… working one? With the shopping centre already so packed a month away from Christmas, I have decided I should attempt to start my Christmas shopping early. Hopefully I can avoid the pre-Christmas freak-out and the dreaded car-park hunt.

With my parents living it up in New Zealand, I have been elected the official Christmas interior decorator while they’re away and I take this role very seriously. I love Christmas. I think my family is feeling the festive season early this year with Mum making an army of Christmas Snowmen and my brother’s also getting a jump on Christmas presents. It’s great to have everyone together to celebrate over a lunch filled with seafood and tropical fruits. I love receiving presents, and more importantly (cough cough) giving presents. I think there’s something about Christmas that brings peace of mind after several months of going crazy trying to find the perfect present.

Christmas shopping is going well and Mum’s little army of Snowmen gather around the Concannon Snowman, ready for a busy month ahead

So in-between helping my little brother organise himself for his graduation, working, Christmas shopping, watching the cricket and occasionally having a quiet day on my days off work,  I ventured out and went to watch a Crocs game. Unfortunately, this became their TENTH loss this season… out of 10 games! Being so busy, I have slowly gotten around to catching up with friends. With some friends still finishing exams and others working, it’s sometimes hard to find a time that suits everyone. Thankfully I’m home for three months.

When will the Crocs get their first win?!

Overall, being at home is a time to relax. It’s important to take time out to recharge before tackling the study workload again. Family are the most important thing and I think now that I live so far away that’s become more evident. It’s important to spend as much time as you can together because you never know when they’ll ditch you for New Zealand.

Merry Christmas!