my top 10 student life hacks

every student needs some form of life hacks to get by and here are the top ten of mine, they are not in any particular order i just like to have them down as everyone is different and depending on the day and what needs to be done is what depends on what order they are in.

1. 
   Take your lecture notes using different coloured pens…

The use of multiple colours helps map your thought pattern, allowing you to think deeper into the topic. The use of colour helps fire up your visual memory, giving you a greater chance of actually being able to remember what you’ve written.

2. Studying incentive: When you reach a gummy bear you get to eat it.

the more you read the more treats you get just don’t cheat and eat them all in one go!

3. Stock up on Vitamin C

Make sure you get lots of it during Freshers’ Week.Fresher’s Flu is also a very real thing – so stock up on the vitamins and don’t be one of those people coughing over the lecturer’s word

4. Roll all your clothes to save space in your small room
   trust me this works especially if you have little storage or want to take a lot of things on a trip away with you

5. Get well acquainted with recipes you can make using a mug and a microwave.

they are very useful and also taste great. it is perfect especially if you want a quick snack without waiting for ages for them

6. Chew gum.

the act of chewing gum is actually a brain booster. And, since there aren’t severe side effects (like there can be with caffeine) chomping on your favourite flavour is a great study aid.

7. Rewrite your notes by hand.

Go old school and rewrite your notes by hand. When you take the time to rewrite them by hand, you actually learn more effectively than when using your computer, tablet or laptop.

8. Make a cheat sheet you’ll never use.

Though you’ll obviously never use a cheat sheet during an actual exam or quiz, it can help to create one because in order to do so, you’ll need to sift through all of your notes and materials to find the key items and rewrite them on your sheet.

taking effective breaks helps you become a lot more productive throughout the day. however there has been some debate as to different methods of work vs break levels some people say 52 mins work 17 min rest i prefer 45 mins work 20 mins rest but you just have to find something that works out to be the best for you

9. Sleep

yes that’s right I’ve said it, it’s a basic human need that, unfortunately, needs to be stated. Get plenty of rest while studying (and before the test or quiz). Your body needs to sleep to think properly.

10. Take Effective Breaks

Taking effective breaks helps you become a lot more productive throughout the day. however there has been some debate as to different methods of work vs break levels some people say 52 mins work 17 min rest i prefer 45 mins work 20 mins rest but you just have to find something that works out to be the best for you

hope this helps you out if you have any hacks you’d like to add feel free to leave them in the comments.

How to write a literature review

as a last year student it may seem daunting having to write a literature review and it may cause stress panic and anxiety but follow this and hopefully it makes it so much easier for you

 

a literature review shows you are fully aware of the background and the topic in which you are writing your dissertation or writing piece for. it is there for you to describe and inform the reader of the current state of the research in the specific area you have chosen. here are a few pointers as to how to write the best dissertation piece you possibly could.

always ensure that you consider whether there are any closely related areas that will need to be referred to throughout the literature review and from this you can see if there is an identifiable a gap in the research where you can say there is a need for more in-depth research in that area.

you must ensure you explain how in your dissertation you are able to attend the issues and fore fill that gap.

don’t forget to add in some of the following; theoretical content, methological context, practical context and political context

in saying the previous this may be a better lay out to understand it more clearly

general literature;

theoretical approach

empiricalw approach

central literature;

detailed analysis of theoretical and conceptual debates

discuss the main findings of important empirical structures

focused analysis of policy implication

Introduction to the literature review;

-outline the wider context of your literature review (where/how does your dissertation topic fits into wider subjects)

– outlining the scope of your literature review including sources and areas to be discussions.

-outlining how and why you have been selecting in the literature you are reviewing.

-providing a rationale reason and aims for reviewing the literature on the specific topic you are doing.

Main discussion of the literature review;

-analysing and evaluating the themes, issues, provisions (suggest, conclusion and opinions of authors) found in the litriture

-synthesising (= drawing together/ combing) common themes, issues and propositions to enable you to draw and respond to a conclusion

-comparing and contrasting themes, issues, propositions and research outcomes

Conclude your literature review;

-conclude how your literature review has met the aims outlined in your introduction

-summarising and synthesising the main issues and themes related to your topic area and research question as identified in the literature you’ve reviewed

-suggesting areas of further development and study

-outlining implications and significant of the identified themes and issues for your dissertation

-identify why and how your own research will aim to address the gaps identified (providing a rationale for your topic)