海角社区

I find focusing is a lot easier when I am in a different environment. Putting myself in a room that is not my own like the living room or the kitchen, or sometimes at a friend's house helps me to feel in a better mental state since I am getting out of the house.
Arts 鈥� Undergrad

Something I have found works for me is to set up my station in a way where I won't need to get up for anything. Have a snack, headphones, books, etc. all ready for when you need to sit down. I also set up my station in a way that will make me feel comfortable and more engaged. For example, I light a candle, have inspirational photos on the wall, etc. With the candle specifically, I find if you continuously study to one scent for one topic it helps you get in the mindset for it.
Law 鈥� Undergrad

Setting up my workspace so that it has everything I need for a focused study session before jumping in: tea, snacks, clean and clear surface, notebooks, pens, agenda, etc.. Making sure I've got my background music ready to go as well and sharing with the people I live with that I'm going to be concentrating for the next hour (sticking "Please do not disturb sign" on my door; sharing my Google calendar with them beforehand so they know the times that I've blocked off in my calendar, etc.).
Arts 鈥� Undergrad

I find I study best in coffee shops! My room is not conducive to productive work, especially since I struggle with tiredness, getting started on schoolwork, and staying focused. Going to a coffee shop gets me moving and once I'm settled with a warm drink in hand, I like to put on an indie playlist (with or without lyrics) to block out other sounds and help me focus on a reading.
Arts 鈥� Undergrad

Keep changing your study environment. Sometimes when we spend a long time at a place studying, we get bored and lose attention easily. Changing to a new place or even a new corner, if you are in library, will give you fresh perspective
Engineering 鈥� Doctoral

Studying near a window works very well for me. Every time I get tired, the open landscape always cheers me up and motivates me to continue my work. When the weather is great, having a bit of sunshine is also great to increase productivity and helps me absorb knowledge better.
Science 鈥� Undergrad

Wake up early on a day that you don鈥檛 have morning classes (or a weekend), grab your favorite drink, and go to the library with a to-do list of what you want to accomplish. Make plans with a friend for when you鈥檙e done so you have something to look forward to!
Arts 鈥� Undergrad

I like to use the app "Forest" to soft-lock my phone and track my time on various tasks. This works for me because my phone is my biggest weakness when it comes to staying focused. The Forest app lets you set a timer for how long you want to work without looking at your phone. During that time, a little picture of a tree grows. If you leave the app, your tree dies. The more you use it, the more trees you get in your forest. This is just cute enough to be very motivating for me. Also, you can tag your trees with different labels so you know how long you spent focused on each tag.
Education 鈥� Doctorate

For writing, I set a five-minute timer where I can write about anything and everything, just to warm up and get in the writing headspace. It's effective because it kick starts the writing process without having to worry about writer's block.
Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies 鈥擬aster鈥檚

I find that I am much more likely to pay attention in class and spend more time studying if I change my mindset through repetition to become interested in the subject. For example, I was not very excited to take a class in economics this semester, so for the summer months leading up to it, I wrote down this statement every day: "I am genuinely interested in economics." After 3 months, I usually find that I've learned a lot more and/or feel much more excited about a subject I had previously thought was dry.
Arts 鈥� Undergrad

One study strategy that I stand by is listening to a calm, instrumental music playlist as I study, and if the teacher permits, listen to the same playlist while doing my test! Even if the teacher doesn't allow headphones, while I study for the test, the music puts me in focus mode and every time I hear the songs in the playlist it reminds me of studying. By relating specific songs to studying, it helps me focus and retain information better.
Education 鈥� Undergrad

It may seem a bit weird to do, but even if you don't feel ready you should say the words "I am ready. I can do this." out loud. If you say it with enough confidence you can trick your brain into believing it and feel a bit more steady.
Arts 鈥� Undergrad

Scented candles have really helped by ability to focus. Anonymous To keep motivation up, try making a "done" list. When I'm stuck at home and feel like I'm getting nowhere, making a list of all that I've done in a day helps to remind me that I'm still accomplishing tasks, even when it might not feel like it.
Anonymous

I immediately write a one-page summary of my readings right after I read them. This strategy really helps me remember the general idea of very long readings without having to read all the text again.
Arts 鈥� Undergrad

My go-to study strategy is making a table! It helps me compare and contrast different concepts, as well as forcing me to focus on key points. Even though I can have it open next to me while writing an open-note test, most of the time I find just writing everything out has put those concepts into my memory.
Science 鈥� Undergrad

Creating visual mind maps or flow charts is my favourite way to study! Not only is it fun and therefore keeps me interested and on task, but it also is a great way to solidify concepts and understand how different elements of the same topic are connected.
Medicine and Health Sciences 鈥� Undergrad

I make condensed study sheets and mind maps and then try to explain them from memory to my dog. If he gets it then I know I'm well prepared.
Science 鈥� Undergrad

I like to have a scrap notebook on the side when I'm studying so I can write down any keywords, equations, or thoughts while I'm reviewing for my courses. I treat this notebook as a recollection of all the notes, lectures, and slides I've gone through. Before exams, I look back and flip through my notebook and see all the scribbled down items and work I've compiled over the course of the semester which adds to my confidence and acts as a reassurance that I'm ready to go.
Science 鈥� Master鈥檚

After reviewing course material, put away any notes and make a mind map on paper with whatever you can remember. Branch smaller topics from larger ones and develop a network of ideas covering as much material as you can. Presenting the information in this free-form visual way can help add a new level of meaning that will assist in recall. It's also a more powerful approach to contextualizing information and reinforcing connections than simply reviewing notes or preparing flash cards.
Science 鈥� Master鈥檚

After having taken the notes from a class and studied the review material, I write a one page (often double-sided) "review page" (aka cheat sheet) to use for studying and memorization purposes. I make sure the information is extremely clear and laid out in a comprehensible way such that I can try to remember concepts off the sheet when I am in the exam or test. For types of problem solving that I have difficulties with, I write down each step on this sheet so I can practice how it feels to solve a problem of that manner. Using this method, I practice the material when creating the review sheet, then I am able to study it afterwards.
Agriculture and Environmental Sciences 鈥� Undergrad

I use post-its and a whiteboard (it is actually my window because I don't have a whiteboard big enough) to create visual mind-maps. I associate a colour to the type of information I have to remember (e.g., green for definitions, blue for secondary concepts, yellow for equations, etc.) and I organize the post-its so that it becomes a visual mind map.
Arts 鈥� Undergrad

The night before an exam, read through all your notes and condense them into one paper study sheet. It will force you to create overarching themes between lectures and pick up the most important information. Go to bed with the everything still in mind and review your sheet the next morning, day of the exam. This strategy helps organize your thoughts on the most important material and solidifies it in your head over night!
Science 鈥� Undergrad

When I can't explain or don't understand something, I write it down on paper until I can.
Arts 鈥� Undergrad

Q cards are effective for me when it comes to memorizing dates, events, and concepts (especially for history, religion, and geography courses). I do a few at a time until I've mastered them, and then slowly add in more.
Education 鈥� Undergrad

I think rewriting my notes and looking at different resources (textbook, videos, etc.) really helps me solidify my concepts. I think this is because I can look at the same concept from many points of view. Of course, one of the methods that works best for me is using a practical example; actually doing the problems and working out the different solutions, then trying to understand every single step. Sometimes it's easy to get caught up in the complicated theory and it is hard to really conceptualize what is going on, but practice problems help with this.
Science 鈥� Undergrad

Creating Quizlet study sets forces me to properly read through and review my notes and then also allows me to quiz myself once all the review is over.
Arts 鈥� Undergrad

I recommend a two agenda technique that will improve your organizational skills. The first agenda is long-term: for goals, assignments, projects (from one week to one month away). You will review it once every week or so. The second agenda is short-term (one to two days). In this one, you will write down the tasks you need to accomplish for that day, no more than four tasks per day, so you don't get overwhelmed. You can move tasks from one day to another, but the same task cannot be moved twice. You will use your long-term agenda to continuously guide your short-term agenda.
Education 鈥� Master鈥檚

One of the best learning strategies is to link the content of the material to something that I enjoy. Creating a link to your own interests or hobbies definitely helps for long-term retention. The adult learning theory also taught me to link new knowledge to previous experience to help reinforce it.
Medicine and Health Sciences 鈥� Master鈥檚

After I read something, I put it away and then try to write it out without looking. If I'm somewhere where it won't look crazy, I'll say it out loud. When I can explain the topic back to myself, I know I've got it. If I find I can't properly verbalize something, I know where my gaps are and can go back. I feel that engaging that recall shortly after learning something helps reinforce it in my memory. I've been doing this since I was in second grade, and it has never let me down.
Medicine and Health Sciences 鈥� Doctoral

I like to prepare power point presentations (or cue cards) as if I am about to give an actual presentation to someone else to force myself to re-formulate in my own words. Since I am also bilingual, I also find it very helpful to think about the topic or discuss it in another language. It's a helpful way to check that I actually understand the concepts rather than being too entangled in specific terms and simply repeating by heart.
Law 鈥� Master鈥檚

Read and watch YouTube videos all about the topic! Sometimes, seeing the topic being approached under different angles might make more sense to you and might help you remember something more easily.
Arts 鈥� Undergrad

After I've reviewed about a page or so of notes, I close my notebook and try to talk myself through the concepts contained on that page, in order to gauge what I've retained and what I still need to practice. Doing a funny voice can help here.
Science 鈥� Undergrad

My go-to study strategy is focused on spaced repetition, in which you quiz yourself with flashcards at spaced intervals in order to repeat the concepts you study multiple times. Examples of programs that incorporate this strategy are Anki, Quizlet, and Brainscape. You can create your own cards and even add images of your lectures, but there may also be some pre-set decks from the internet or from your friends! Dentistry 鈥� Undergrad Incorporate something you love into what you're studying. If you love singing, sing through your material. If you love art, try drawing out something related to what you're studying. If you're a fan of a certain type of movie or tv show, find examples of what you're learning within those movies or tv shows.
Arts 鈥� Undergrad

Put your phone away and turn your notifications off not to be disturbed. A warm cup of hot chocolate for watching pre-recorded lectures is the best way to concentrate.
Management 鈥� Undergrad

Start! Commence! Begin! This is the most difficult step and often where most procrastination is done. Starting work on an assignment, reading or project, and working on it for at least fifteen minutes initially allows one to overcome the fear of the effort that lies ahead. Switching off the phone and putting it away helps eliminate our most common distraction and allows us to not take long breaks where we are merely wasting our time on the phone screen.
Science 鈥� Doctoral

I like to set a goal for how much work I should get done in a certain amount of time, and then set a timer to keep myself on track. Having a short-term deadline like that really helps me stay focused and motivated.
Arts 鈥� Undergrad

If you can鈥檛 focus and are not in the right mindset to study, don鈥檛! Take the time to relax, go for a walk, bake some cookies, talk to a friend. Do something that will get your mind off of what you鈥檙e studying so that you can later get back to it with a fresher outlook instead of wasting your time trying to focus when you know you won鈥檛 be able to.
Dentistry 鈥� Undergrad

If your phone allows it, set a time limit on the apps you tend to waste the most time on (e.g., Instagram, Facebook, TikTok).
Anonymous

I suggest downloading an app to remind you of your schoolwork. The one I use is Notion. The notifications remind you to stay on track. I also suggest blocking websites that are distractions and (if you're a restless person like me) taking a small break rewarding yourself with something you like every thirty minutes or so. This helps you manage time as well as make sure you're not burning out.
Anonymous

Put your phone out of arm's reach when in class or doing homework! It is so hard to avoid looking at messages if you can easily grab your cellphone while in class or working. Anonymous Put on your earphones and play whatever creates a concentration effect. It really depends individually. Some people find instrumental or rock music helpful, or simply staying on a call with a study buddy.
Anonymous

Whenever possible, either put your device on airplane mode, turn off the wifi setting, or set your device to Do Not Disturb when completing tasks in order to prevent you from any distractions (whether these are notifications, to check the score on the game, or for online shopping).
Anonymous

I use a pomodoro technique timer on my computer! I've learned that I can't sit still for more than twenty minutes so after each twenty-minute interval I do a quick stretch. After three intervals, I take a fifteen-minute break. It's hard to stick to it, but when I do, I always notice my productivity increases.
Science 鈥� Undergrad

I use the Pomodoro technique to study and work on projects. Essentially, I set a timer for focused and undisturbed study. I work best with twenty minutes on and five minutes off. During the twenty minutes, I am either reading or writing without letting my phone, emails, or other notifications distract me. Then I can have a five-minute guiltless break to surf the web, get up and walk around, get a drink of water, or go to the bathroom. Every hour, I take a longer break of fifteen minutes and I can take a walk, run an errand, or prepare food.
Engineering 鈥� Master鈥檚

Spaced practice works best for me. For example, it鈥檚 effective to space out five hours of study for over two weeks. You learn more by spacing out your study. When you sit down to do spaced practice, keep in mind you only need to do fifteen or twenty minutes of study before taking a break (rather than long hours). The spaced practice approach usually makes me less stressed and helps me get more sleep because I don鈥檛 need to stay up late or pull an all-nighter to study for a test or exam.
Medicine and Health Sciences - Master's

My best study strategy is time blocking. I have learned that I can only work for three hours at a time so breaking up my day into three-hour study periods with one hour breaks in between has transformed my workflow. I am able to be present and focused while I study and then have time built into my day to recharge, workout, meet with friends, etc. I also find it beneficial to plan what I am going to do during the three-hour blocks so I am efficient and can prioritize what needs to be done. This has helped to eliminate transition time between finishing one thing and starting something new.
Education 鈥� Master鈥檚

I've recently started doing the Pomodoro Method and it's being going very well. I've been able to focus on work and be more productive. Sometimes I feel the urge to look at my phone but then I look at my timer and know that in 'x' minutes I will be able to look at it and take a break. This method is effective for alone work, where you sit at your desk and fully focus on one task.聽
Science 鈥� Master鈥檚

Making sure you take breaks, stretch, exercise, eat, get out of the house is so important. It is so easy to make excuses to be glued to your computer and to never stop doing work, but this will only harm you in the end. Also, try your best to have a special place only for studying, it really helps productivity. Anonymous Follow the 20-20-20 rule for eye health. Every twenty minutes of screen time, look at least twenty feet away for at least twenty seconds.
Anonymous

Figure out the time periods when you focus best and try to optimize your time by scheduling the most important tasks for those periods. Remember to take breaks, change up your study set-up, and stretch after sitting for long periods.
Anonymous

On the wall beside my desk, I have three columns filled with post-its. The first column is my "To-Do" list, the second is "In Progress" and the third is "Done!". This helps me keep track of everything I have to do. All the post-its are colour coded in order of priority and degree of difficulty.
Engineering 鈥� Undergrad

I organise writing assignments into high, medium, and low order tasks so that I always have a go-to task even if I am tired or lacking in concentration. For example, doing literature searches in on-line databases is a fairly low-order concentration task so can be done later in the evening, or even with music on in the background. Checking the accuracy of a reference list is also fairly low-order. High order tasks like writing an abstract or introduction, or reading technical papers, are allocated to my freshest part of the day (usually the morning). Medium order tasks like writing a rough first draft or outline go to post-lunch! By parcelling up the work, I always have something to do, and don't need to feel guilty if I'm tired or not concentrating well since I am still moving forward with my work!
Arts 鈥� Master鈥檚

I downloaded Microsoft To-Do on my laptop, and it has been very helpful for me throughout this semester! I made six categories on the app: five for my classes, and one for my daily life. Whenever I get an assignment deadline, exam date, or lectures that I need to watch, I put it down on the app, set a due date, and a reminder for myself. By putting the tasks I need to do on the app, I become less stressed-out because now the app is remembering everything for me! It relieves some mental burden and helps me to stay on track in classes.
Arts 鈥� Undergrad

I recommend a two agenda technique that will improve your organizational skills. The first agenda is long-term: for goals, assignments, projects (from one week to one month away). You will review it once every week or so. The second agenda is short-term (one to two days). In this one, you will write down the tasks you need to accomplish for that day, no more than four tasks per day, so you don't get overwhelmed. You can move tasks from one day to another, but the same task cannot be moved twice. You will use your long-term agenda to continuously guide your short-term agenda.
Education 鈥� Master鈥檚

I find it can be hard to keep track of deadlines when I have multiple courses, projects, and work on the go. I like to make a big checklist of all my assignments and the dates they are due. For large projects, I will break them down into chunks that can be completed in a single day. Even reviewing a certain tough concept or watching lectures can be one item. That way, I am able to plan my work for the day around what checklist items need to get done immediately, then with any extra time I can work ahead for the next most important tasks. This really helps me with not losing track of assignments because I forgot the due date.
Science 鈥� Master鈥檚

At the beginning of the week, I organize my entire week in my agenda, with all my homework goals written out, so when I wake up each day I don't need to stress or figure out what I need to do. I try to make this as realistic as possible; so I think about if I am working that day, if I'll be tired, if I should throw a workout in there, or if I will want to have more leisure time. When I am studying, I do it in smaller intervals, especially when I am not in the mood for it. I tell myself to work for thirty minutes, for example, or for the length of the album I am listening to.
Arts 鈥� Undergrad

So my strategy is: do what must be done, then what can be done, then what you want to get done. Some days I accept that I'm not going to be able to get things done. Some days the bare minimum is too hard to do, and (while I make sure to get what must be done, done,) some days taking a break is okay. The world is overwhelming and respecting that mental health is a struggle and that some days are just more than one can deal with is important to being able to pick up the pen and do better the next day.
Arts 鈥� Undergrad

I keep several calendars, which helps me to know what is due when, what extracurricular activities I have, and how to manage my studies. My calendars are Outlook (synced to my cell phone too), a large paper office calendar I buy at the beginning of the year (I rip out the months for each semester and tape them to the wall), and third I write (on paper) what I need to get done each day of the particular week and tape that next to my desk and cross things off when I get them done. This way I am surrounded by all the things that need attention on a daily, weekly and monthly basis, which helps me with time management.
Art鈥檚 鈥� Master鈥檚

I really thrive on making to-do lists, sometimes indicating when due dates but not always. I have learned over time, rather than to feel overwhelmed by all I have left to do, to instead feel catharsis and relaxation when I cross out the item on the list. I also make sure to always have some personal or "downtime" items on the to-do list, and although I write them at the bottom, I usually award myself 15%-20% minimum of my entire day (besides eating, exercising, some socialising, necessary errand-running, etc.) to do something that is NOT school-productive. I really thrive on "grey time" that suits my personal life and growth, so I'll paint, sew, exercise, watch a movie, cook or bake, or call some friends.
Science 鈥� Undergrad

Including "buffer" times (extra times) in my schedule makes my day less tight and more flexible, which helps me to be less stressed and rushed to have everything completed at the same time.
Medicine and Health Sciences 鈥� Undergrad

I organise my schedule using to-do lists that I highlight to identify high-priority tasks and relaxing tasks. I try to balance out high-priority work (e.g., essay-writing) with smaller-stakes relaxing chores (e.g., clean room, fill out forms). I remake my to-do list every day so that I can re-evaluate my high-priority tasks and stay up to date on everything that's going on. It also feels great to strike a completed task off the list!
Science 鈥� Undergrad

I always like to write my notes down by hand because I feel like I retain the information more easily than by typing them on a computer. It takes additional time, but as I write my notes by hand, I take the time to reformulate things in my own words. I also have the chance to add additional information to help give me context if I do not understand anything.
Arts 鈥� Undergrad

I like to add photos and drawings to my online notes, including memes if I can find them. It鈥檚 especially helpful if I can add a photo that I鈥檝e taken myself. Tying new knowledge back to old memories makes forgetting a concept almost impossible! Pasting in memes that I鈥檝e found on Google Images is also a lighthearted way to add some humour to these difficult days.
Science 鈥� Undergrad

I keep revision sheets for all of my courses where I put important formulas and need to know information in bullet point form as well as things I struggle with. In order to stay up to date with these revision sheets, I update them at the end of each week so that I do not fall behind on revision when exam period arrives.
Engineering 鈥� Undergrad

I take down notes from the slides before I attend lectures so I can focus on absorbing the material rather than stressing about writing everything down. It makes reviewing the slides later a lot quicker and I remember more information.
Science 鈥� Undergrad

I always have two notebooks for notetaking: I leave one at home (at home notebook = AHN), and I bring the other to classes (in class notebook = ICN). I take notes in my ICN during classes; the handwriting can be very untidy and sprawl across the pages because I have to write down important points and follow the professors at the same time. When I go back home, I rewrite whatever's in my ICN into my AHN very clearly, and sometimes add in more information I get from the internet. This way, I review the course materials regularly and I can keep it for further midterm or final exam review. I have used this strategy through my Undergrad studies and benefited a lot from it.
Science 鈥� Doctoral

Prepare for the lecture before going to class. You will learn much more and it will be much easier to follow if you are familiar with the material. Reading the slides ahead of time is usually sufficient.
Science 鈥� Undergrad

Do things offline and not by computer or on a screen as much as possible. For example: taking notes by hand, printing readings and writing comments in the margins or underlining directly on the page, discussing ideas with classmates by talking on the phone instead of online, etc. This makes it easier to focus and think about each thing one is doing, and (maybe paradoxically) ends up being a more efficient use of time overall.
Anonymous

Take notes during lectures, even if the notes are posted beforehand. To stay motivated while taking notes, pretend you're preparing notes for a friend who wasn't able to make it to the lecture. This will force you to stay focused during the lecture and take detailed notes.
Anonymous

I take notes while doing readings and write down pertinent questions, then I review the notes before class so the materials are fresh in my mind.
Law 鈥� Undergrad

When I have articles to read for seminars, I try to make sure I have time to read each one twice so that I remember the most important points. For the first time through, I read closely and take notes on the authors' individual points. Then, closer to the time of the seminar, I read more broadly and focus on the main points of the article. I add some of my thoughts on these main points to my more detailed notes after I've had time to digest the content. Reading the article multiple times (even if the second time is a more cursory read) helps me think more critically about the author's ideas and have more interesting points for discussion in seminars.
Arts 鈥� Doctoral

When I read, I don't read articles online or from my computer. If I do, I get distracted by looking things up or going on social media. Instead, I print all my reading material, put away my phone and computer, and study old fashioned just with a pencil in hand to take notes and a highlighter to highlight important sections. I have found this strategy extremely helpful for me as I have a very small attention span and get distracted quite easily. I can read much more and understand better when my electronics are out of sight.
Education 鈥� Doctoral

Do things offline and not by computer or on a screen as much as possible. For example: taking notes by hand, printing readings and writing comments in the margins or underlining directly on the page, discussing ideas with classmates by talking on the phone instead of online, etc. This makes it easier to focus and think about each thing one is doing, and (maybe paradoxically) ends up being a more efficient use of time overall.
Anonymous

In order for me to feel mentally and physically prepared to tackle my notes and textbooks, I make sure to exercise beforehand. I like to go for a run outside, or relieve any tension or stress by doing yin yoga. Either way, I can confidently say that moving your body will give you energy and that "oomph" to have an effective study session.
Management 鈥� Diploma

Know when to quit. If you're not getting anything done, stop. It's much better to recognize that you're not being productive and stop for the day, then to stare at a blank page or re-read the same sentence over and over, making yourself anxious for not being productive. Quit and come back to it the next day.
Arts 鈥� Master鈥檚

You got this! Find time in your day to do things away from your study location. Whether that be a home workout, cooking a healthy meal, or taking your dog for a walk. It鈥檚 important to have some me time. Anonymous Get out of the house. Go for a walk or go find somewhere new to do your work. Staying at home all day can feel depressing and not very conducive to work. Anonymous Make sure to stay active! I find that if I don't exercise a little bit it makes it harder to focus, so even if I go for a short run or do some yoga/stretches it helps me for the rest of the day.
Anonymous

Work when it鈥檚 time to work, and rest when it鈥檚 time to rest. Don't catch yourself sitting at your desk in front of your laptop scrolling through Instagram. You are not giving yourself a real break in that situation, and you are still near your schoolwork. Take appropriate amounts of time away, to rest and reset. When it鈥檚 time to study, go all in.
Anonymous

Exercise is very important for my mood level! My tip is to make sure to move every day; go for a walk or do some bodyweight workouts. I find it only takes about fifteen minutes of exercise per day to lift my mood and help me sleep well.
Anonymous

Do something productive that makes you happy, for at least twenty minutes a day (this could be cooking, baking, singing, dancing, drawing, painting, etc.).
Anonymous

I think the best way to study is not being afraid to ask for help and to be criticized. Getting out of your comfort zone is the only way to grow, so make friends to study with, improve and reach out to your TAs to study to make sure you understand everything completely. I like to start my day by taking a walk with someone, writing a to-do list a day in advance to make sure I know what to do first, and if possible, I also study outside my apartment. I sometimes bring my laptop to the park to do my reading if possible, and I use my phone's data for tasks that require internet.
Medicine and Health Sciences 鈥� Master鈥檚

I call up a friend in the morning and we discuss what tasks we need to get done for the day. By the end of the day, we call again and discuss how we did. It's socialization and productivity at once!
Agriculture and Environmental Sciences 鈥� Undergrad

Form study groups. I have not been able to form any myself, but I study with my friends from high school online. This helps in not feeling so isolated and detached. Anonymous Make sure you get out every day! Go for a short walk and breathe some fresh air. Go alone or organize walks with one or two friends and explore new parts of Montreal or wherever you are studying. You can also talk to friends via Zoom, MS Teams or WhatsApp.
Anonymous

Make sure you actually need to see your professor. In most cases, the professor will oversee every aspect of the course and is the person you should go to. However, in some cases, they are not the right people to be consulting. For example, if the teaching assistant (TAs) are the only ones grading tests or assignments - you should go see the TAs. If you need to discuss student accommodations - you may want to go to the 海角社区 Student Accessibility and Achievement office. If you want to know whether the course is a program prerequisite, you may want to speak to your academic advisor.
Arts 鈥� Undergrad

If office hours are in limited time-slots, list questions from the most important at the top that you absolutely need to ask and end with those that you would like to ask but are not essential for the moment.
Arts 鈥� Undergrad

Let your professor know early why you are there: clarification question on lecture/reading material, accommodations, grade reconsideration, career advice, assignment questions et cetera. Introduce yourself if the professor does not know you by name and start by telling the professor what you have done up to now and what you understand about the class/topic/project/ assignment. This shows that you have put effort into your learning, that you take the class seriously and just need a little 鈥減ush鈥� from the professor to keep advancing.
Arts 鈥� Undergrad

If I鈥檓 hesitant to ask a question during class, I often approach the professor at the end of class and ask my question then. Some professors are also very open to receiving emails, in which case I鈥檒l email them directly with my question. Another method that many professors appreciate is using the discussion board on My Courses. If this format seems too intimidating, one option is to use the anonymous feature. This feature ensures that your name remains anonymous but allows your classmates to benefit from reading the professor鈥檚 response. I also try to keep in mind that it鈥檚 almost always better to ask the question than to remain confused, and it鈥檚 likely that others in my classes have the same question. Anonymous

If you're feeling intimidated, it is important to remember that teachers are people too. I have found that respect goes a long way. This includes conducting your emails and communicating with instructors formally, expressing gratitude, and being considerate of their time and energy. If you're looking to connect for research, mentorship, or job opportunities, be genuine with your approach and demonstrate to them your eagerness and passion for the topic. This can often look like reading journals they've published, tying your experience to the position, and expressing your vision of where you would like to go with this topic.
Science - Undergrad

For any sort of rapport to be built, the professor needs to know your name. This can be sourced in many ways. Introduce yourself to the professor in one of the first classes of the year. Go up at the end or beginning of class, introduce yourself, tell them that you're excited for the semester. Professors (to no surprise) appreciate this interaction where they get to place faces to names and our student numbers, and appreciate the genuine human interaction. Attend office hours and introduce yourself! (May as well come with a question about a key topic to get a crystal clear explanation) Meaningfully contribute in all class activities Email interactions with them whether its a question, or meaningful communication, with your name clearly signed on Now that you have developed an introduction, meaningfully interact with the professor. This could be asking questions in class, attending office hours, going to review midterms with them, anything that you require of them. You'll be surprised as to how when they call on you, they will call your name while they don't know others and whatnot. Establishing this sort of connection/professional partnership with the professor will leave all possibilities open for where this develops. Having a basic rapport built will let you guide as to how you want to leverage this new connection.
Undergrad 鈥� Management

Always check the syllabus for contact information for both your professor and TAs. They may also mention their preferred methods of contact here (e.g., email, office hours). If you鈥檙e in a large class that has multiple TAs, your best bet is probably to contact the TAs before reaching out to the professor. Don鈥檛 be afraid to write an email with all the TAs bcc鈥檇 to maximize your chances of getting a response. Try not to be discouraged if you don鈥檛 get a response right away 鈥� teaching staff can run into extremely busy periods in their semesters too. Sending a friendly follow up email if you don鈥檛 hear back from teaching staff is more than okay. Their inboxes can get bombarded with emails. Posting on your MyCourses discussion board can seem intimidating 鈥� but this can be a perfect place to get feedback from both your peers and the teaching staff. Remember to ask questions about assignments/exams well in advance of the deadline to allow teaching staff time to respond!
Masters 鈥� Engineering