Alumni submission
The fall semester is in full swing, and quite a few emotions come with that. Feelings of excitement for what’s to come. Sadness that summer has ended. Maybe even nervousness as to how you’ll do this year. While I can’t help ward off all those feelings, I’d like to help you feel more prepared with some tips I learned at the Mount. Hopefully, they help!
Textbooks: Wait? Buy now? Digital? Physical?
If you’re anything like me, you are going to the MSVU Bookstore’s website and estimating the damage to your wallet. Buying textbooks is expensive, and you will likely be looking for ways to save some dough. My advice to you is to wait. Don’t pull the trigger right away on books. If you have access, check the Moodle page for each course and review the syllabus. Not only will this put you one step ahead, but it’ll also hint at how important that textbook is for that course. Sometimes, the textbook is mandatory; other times, the professor puts it there because it’s a valuable but unnecessary tool. If it is essential, you’ll usually see assignments like “Textbook Case Study” or a reading schedule for each class. If you see those, you’ll likely need the text. But wait! Don’t proceed to checkout just yet; there is even more to consider.
You can buy your textbooks used, new, or digital. This choice inevitably comes down to personal preference and budget, but here are a few points to consider. Used books are a great way to save money, but be careful. If you need a place to find used books, consider joining MSVU’s Facebook Buy & Sell page. You’ll find many used books going way cheaper than new ones here. The library also occasionally has textbooks for rent that you can use at no cost, so be sure to take a peek at that option by visiting the library’s website or talking with a librarian.
The last option to consider is digital. Digital books are usually cheaper and offer excellent features to help you use text more efficiently. I usually opt for digital textbooks for elective courses.
Features I appreciate about digital books are read-aloud options, which are great for freeing up your mind to take more thoughtful notes without starting and stopping. Another feature I appreciate is the ability to search your text quickly. Are you looking for a keyword or a definition? Nothing can beat searching hundreds of pages in seconds with a digital textbook. Trust me, it’s your open book test’s dream. One major downside of digital texts is they often disappear after a year. This often happens because most digital textbooks are only available for rent.
Note-taking
As a new or returning student, you might not have thought much about how you will take notes over the semester. I challenge you to reflect and ensure you get the most out of your notes. If you find yourself not going back and reviewing your notes, ask why. Are they clear? Are they well organized? Are they easy to pull critical information out of? If not, maybe look towards changing how you write notes. You can learn more about different styles here.
Healthy habits and routine
Finally, we must talk about creating good habits. We always enter semesters with the best intentions to complete all our readings on time, get work on time, go to the gym, and eat well. Does it always pan out that way? No. Consistency, routine, and a little restraint are your best friends in keeping a healthy lifestyle during a semester. You can use a tool like time blocking to help ensure you make time for the work that needs to get done and things you love. School is tough, and adding friends, family, a job, and personal time doesn’t seem like enough hours in the day. Don’t be afraid to change that schedule; nothing is worth declining in your mental or physical health.
Enjoy the semester!
I hope you found a few valuable inputs from this article. Back to school can be fun and exciting, so enjoy and soak up the good that comes from a fresh start. What are your favorite things about back to school?
Written by: Logan Oderkirk, Alumni Content Creator
