know the score 2

Feeling distinctly unprepared for exams this fall? The stress and anxiety that accompanies playing catch-up can be overwhelming. Ontario college students are currently going through an extreme example of this, as they try to make up for five weeks of class cancellations due to a work stoppage. Whether you are one of the affected college students or a first year post-secondary student who is new to this process, cramming is never fun.

The first few weeks of college or university can be a bit of a whirlwind. New people, classes, professors and routines conspire with long line ups and getting lost to completely fill up your days. You don't really have time to process. Transition seems to happen organically: I'm here, I'm at my class, I am chanting weird songs with my floor mates, I am commuting from home like a boss. Everything is great. But what happens when the roar starts to dim and you need to knuckle down, face the daily grind and try your hand at adulting? This is when the overwhelm can kick in. How do people eat healthy meals and work their part time jobs and study and meet new people and actually get to class on time? The great thing about all the campuses we visit is that they have built in resources (online or in person) to help you navigate your first year (and beyond!). And they are free!

Midterm season has arrived, & with said season, comes the inevitable stress that students face. We often times associate stress busting for students with activities that break the bank and leave you tired (i.e. partying or staying up late with friends).

A new school year is a fresh start -- a time to put last year’s questionable behaviours behind. Take some time to reflect on what you want to do differently, then outline how you’re going to accomplish that. Here are some of the most common offenders and helpful strategies for making this school year a healthier and happier one.

There's a lot of information out there about organization when it comes to studying or exam preparation. But what about organization during the rest of the school year?

While the first couple of weeks at school can be dedicated to getting to know your new neighbourhood and the layout of campus, meeting fellow students and making new friends, the 'new' excuse can only be used for so long: It's time to buckle down and get studying!

Creating a schedule, plotting out a realistic plan to manage your workload and setting goals can seem like a luxury when you're in the thick of exams or bogged down by a part-time job, varsity sports or volunteering. That's why the beginning of a new school year—when you're still on the introductory chapter in all your courses and assignments have yet to start pouring in—is the perfect time to set out a time management plan and stop stress in its tracks.