College Advice: Study Tips

We recently asked four Edgewood College students what advice they would give to new students as they transition from high school to college. We’re pleased that our sample includes a freshman, sophomore, junior and senior. Here’s their advice.

SENIOR’S ADVICE

All my advice will probably seem very obvious, but there are some easily overlooked basics when it comes to studying. First: get organized. I was fairly disorganized my freshman year. I never used a planner or an assignment notebook back in high school. My homework would be written down on random pages of spirals and all my papers were hanging out somewhere in a backpack or desk drawer.

Since I started using a calendar/planner after freshman year, I’ve been much more organized in general. It seems obvious enough, but I know some who still don’t use one, even as college gets more hectic towards graduation. I can’t imagine balancing readings, papers, exams, work, and events without seeing it written down in front of me. Keep a nice filing system and a folder for each class in your room. You’ll be much less stressed when it’s time to sit down and write a paper. It helps with procrastination, too.

Another basic tip: it’s best to get work done in complete solitude. Maybe some quiet music, but definitely no TV. Take a couple breaks while writing a big exam. Reward yourself after getting a significant portion done, or after tackling some monumental argument in the paper. It helps to step back from your work a little bit and collect the thoughts so you can return to it a little more clear-headed.

-Michael

JUNIOR’S ADVICE

Ask any experienced college student and most will tell you, freshman year can be pretty scary. Here are my top 3 tips to surviving those first few weeks.

1. Time Management – College schedules are a lot different than high school. It may seem like you have a lot more free time during the day, but it’s easy to stretch yourself too thin with things like homework, work, and keeping up with friends and relationships. If you can have a pretty good weekly schedule and stick to it (for the most part), getting things done will be a lot easier.

2. Meet everyone you can – If you start out being friendly and introducing yourself to the people around you, forming friendships will become easier. At move-in, walk around, look at other people’s rooms and get to know your neighbors, as well as people from other dorms. Edgewood is small enough that it’s easy to keep up with the people you meet and it’s more than likely you’ll see them again and again throughout college.

3. Be patient – Things don’t always go the why one would want them to, and college is no exception. It’s challenging trying to adjust to new people, new buildings, new food, and schoolwork on top of regular life. But it’s important to remember everything takes time to get used to, and patience is key.

-Liz

SOPHOMORE’S ADVICE

When it comes to studying, I think every college student faces the same problem: procrastination. I’m guilty of it, and I’ve heard all my friends complain about it, too. With all the free time that comes with college, it’s so easy to opt to do something relaxing and fun rather than study. Every week I see people cramming study time into their Sunday nights after they put it off all weekend, or pulling an all nighter before a big exam. The best way to avoid this is time management. For me, making a schedule and sticking to it is about the only thing that works. I have to keep my schedule pretty tight; otherwise I tend to ignore homework until the last minute.

Study groups help a lot, because if you set aside a time to work on homework with someone, you’re less likely to blow it off. Also, there are tutoring services on campus that are very helpful, too. If you find you need to pull your grade up, or just need help with an assignment, they are there to help. Professors are really good about being available to help as well.

Personally, if I really want to get anything done, I have to go to the library. A quiet environment makes studying much easier. Also, try to stay away from your computer when studying. Facebook is probably the #1 distraction for most people. Always try to stay ahead in your classes, or at least caught up, because catching up is hard to do. Find a time and place that works well for your study habits and stick to it, ask for help when you need it, and all your classes should go pretty smooth.

-Kinsey

FRESHMAN’S ADVICE

Over the past few months of being a college student, it has not taken long to learn important work habits to do well in classes. Although, I will without a doubt admit that I’m not necessarily the key example of all of these, I at least try to somewhat follow them.

So, advice and study tips I give to incoming freshman are as follow:

1. Don’t procrastinate. It’s pretty basic and most definitely easier said than done. In fact, this is probably the one that I personally struggle with the most. Nevertheless, it is definitely true that the sooner you get things done, usually the better quality it is. You have more time to get it checked over, ask any questions about it, make changes and what not. Besides, getting it done ahead of time relieves stress as well which is always a good thing!

2. Form study groups. It is very difficult for many, including myself, to sit down and make yourself study. It is even more difficult to do so if you don’t understand what you’re doing. Thus, study groups are key! Several nights of the week, my friends and I will all get together and simply sit and work on homework. By being together, we all make each other do work while also being available to help one another.

3. Ask questions & ask for help. One of the major benefits of going to a smaller school is the willingness of professors to help you and make sure you understand everything. So… take advantage of this! If you ever don’t know exactly what the assignment is, don’t understand a lecture, or just in general need help, be sure to ask. It will help not only your knowledge but your grade as well. Professors are always willing to assist you, but they won’t know to do so unless you ASK!

4. Sleep. College life is busy… school work, jobs, sports, going out with friends… the fun never stops. But amidst this active life, give yourself a little rest! Whether it be a full night of sleep or just naps here and there, make sure you give your brain a break. You’ll wake up feeling ten times better and in the end will get more done!

This is the best advice I can do for anyone now…

-Rebekah

College Advice: Study Tips

SENIOR’S ADVICE

All my advice will probably seem very obvious, but there are some easily overlooked basics when it comes to studying. First: get organized. I was fairly disorganized my freshman year. I never used a planner or an assignment notebook back in high school. My homework would be written down on random pages of spirals and all my papers were hanging out somewhere in a backpack or desk drawer.

Since I started using a calendar/planner after freshman year, I’ve been much more organized in general. It seems obvious enough, but I know some who still don’t use one, even as college gets more hectic towards graduation. I can’t imagine balancing readings, papers, exams, work, and events without seeing it written down in front of me. Keep a nice filing system and a folder for each class in your room. You’ll be much less stressed when it’s time to sit down and write a paper. It helps with procrastination, too.

Another basic tip: it’s best to get work done in complete solitude. Maybe some quiet music, but definitely no TV. Take a couple breaks while writing a big exam. Reward yourself after getting a significant portion done, or after tackling some monumental argument in the paper. It helps to step back from your work a little bit and collect the thoughts so you can return to it a little more clear-headed.

-Michael

For more advice from Edgewood College students, click here.

Housing Debate: Off Campus

Living off campus means you have to budget for travel, either money for gas or time to get the bus. Fortunately, each student at Edgewood College gets a free metro bus pass each semester. But in my opinion the travel is worth it for the experience of being on your own. Whether you live by yourself or split a place with friends, living off campus makes you more independent. Instead of having a meal plan, you have to get groceries and cook. It’s also a learning experience to balance the rent, energy and cable bills. If you start looking for a place early enough, though, you will have no problem finding a good deal or a place with some utilities included.

Mostly I enjoy the freedom of being a commuter student. I still have friends who live on campus, but I get to meet more people in my neighborhood. I also find that students who live off campus get to know the city and directions to places faster than students who live in the residence halls.

The city of Madison has a lot of different aspects to explore. I’ve lived in three different areas so far, and it’s exciting to find out what’s going on in the new neighborhood; where to find food, where the music’s at, or where the nearest park is. Having your own place can give you the benefits of having both a quiet place to study and do homework without being disturbed, and also a place to be free from noise curfews, personal space limitations, and other authoritative bummers.

I think that when one is on their own and must learn how to balance these different things and be successful, it’s much closer to “real life”.

-Michael

Housing Debate: On Campus

There are many advantages to living on campus when you go to college. Some of my favorite things about living on campus include how close I am to my classes and places to eat (Phil’s and Wingra Cafe), the fact that I don’t have to worry about paying monthly rent, and the ease of meeting other people who attend Edgewood. I’m so glad I’ve lived on campus the past two years. Living in the residence halls allowed me to meet and get to know people who have now become my best friends.

It’s especially nice living on campus this year because I’m allowed to have a car as a sophomore. It’s really the best of both worlds. By living on campus, I’m close to everything, but by having my car, I’m free to explore the rest of Madison. Even if you don’t have a car, Edgewood provides a free bus pass–which allows you to get around just fine.

Another thing about living on campus that I currently enjoy is the meal plan. It’s prepaid, so every day I can just swipe my card when I need something to eat. I don’t have to worry about the hassle of making sure I have enough money to get through the day.

Also, the RA’s I’ve had are great. They put on awesome programs and are just great people.

Even though I will be a junior next year and will be allowed to live off campus, I plan to stay on campus in the Edgewood apartments. It’s great that I’ll be able to have a more independent living situation, yet still have the convenience of living on campus. All in all, living on campus at Edgewood has been a great experience and has provided me with new perspectives and great friends.

-Kinsey

Housing Debate: On Campus v. Off Campus

If you’re a high school student thinking about college, or if you’re currently in college, or if you’re a parent of a prospective college student, you’ve probably thought about on-campus housing. Why do colleges require students to live on campus? How much does it cost? What are the advantages? What are the disadvantages? Do students really save money by living off campus?

Over the course of the next few weeks, we’ll hear students at Edgewood College argue their point of view and settle the debate: Is it better to live on campus or off campus?

And perhaps when we’re done analyzing “on v. off”, we’ll determine which is grammatically correct: “on campus” v. “on-campus”.

-RG

What I Like About Edgewood College – Part II

APPROACHABLE PROFESSORS & A SUSTAINABLE CAMPUS

My three favorite things about Edgewood are the professors, the English Department, and the campus.

Obviously, as in high school, there will be instructors throughout college that you like and ones you disagree with. But all the professors I’ve had at Edgewood have earned my respect and are clearly experts in their field. I am in the English Department, in both writing and literature, and I’ve had professors who’ve worked for Rolling Stone, graduated from renowned writers workshops, or have been studying literature well before I was even born. Since class sizes are small and there is an emphasis on discussion, students at Edgewood can take full advantage of their professors’ knowledge, and they are all very approachable if students need help. My professors specifically also hold yearly writing contests, run the campus newspaper, and the campus fiction and art magazine.

Besides having the many benefits of being in Madison, Edgewood’s campus has some cool aspects of its own. Since this is my fourth year at Edgewood, I’ve seen the progress of the campus sustainability program. It started with the boardwalk and paths around Lake Wingra (built by students). Now there is a community garden and compost area (also run by students) and efforts to restore some of Wisconsin’s original habitat and the Native American mounds found on campus.

-Michael

THE ADVANTAGES OF A SMALL CAMPUS

As a freshman at Edgewood, I have just began my college experience. It has not taken long; however, for me to pick up on the many things that I enjoy most about being a student here. For me, what it all comes down to is the small campus. I have discovered three major benefits to this:

The most obvious perk when coming to campus is how close and convenient everything is. There is no need to worry about long walks to classes, you can go back to the residence halls at any time if you reside on campus, and anything you need is always nearby (whether it be the library, professors, food, etc.).

The small campus also is helpful when it comes to meeting people. It’s amazing how quick everyone gets to know one another. I’ve only been here for about four weeks and already feel like I know so many people. It’s impossible to walk through campus without stopping to talk or say hi to someone along the way, and it’s a great feeling.

The best advantage to Edgewood’s size though is, in my opinion, the small class sizes. In fact, on my first day of Spanish class, my professor walked in and was excited about having a “big” class…I counted only 22 people. These small class sizes are so convenient for several reasons. For one thing, you’re able to have more one-on-one time with the instructors. If you ever need help it is easy to get in touch with them and get everything figured out. Furthermore, it is easy to connect on a more personal level with each instructor. Each one of mine has us refer to them by their first name. This makes it feel that my education is really important to not just me, but many others here at Edgewood.

As my first semester of college continues, I notice these things everyday and am happy here at Edgewood.

-Rebekah

What I Like About Edgewood College

IT’S HARD TO CHOOSE

My favorite things about Edgewood…it’s hard to choose. I’d say one of my favorite things about Edgewood is its location. Whenever I’m bored, it’s not hard to find something to do. With the campus sitting right on Lake Wingra and a place to rent paddle boats just a short walk away, it’s so easy to enjoy the water. Vilas Zoo is also close by and makes for a fun afternoon trip. And if you feel like shopping, Monroe Street offers great little shops, or you can hop on the bus and head to State Street.

Another of my favorite things about Edgewood is my classes. Weird, I know, but with small class sizes, it’s so easy to get to know your classmates and your professors. Just this week I was walking down the hall and saw a few of my professors from first semester last year. They still knew me by my name and on a personal level. It’s so cool to me that I can walk up to a professor that I haven’t had for a few semesters and I can strike up a conversation without feeling like I’m below them. They are so down to earth.

My very favorite thing about Edgewood, I have to say, is the dorm life. Last year I was in Stevie, and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. The people from that hall have become my best friends. I’m in Dominican this year, and it is so nice. I love the arrangement, and I’ve been lucky enough to meet even more cool people. It really makes Edgewood my home away from home.

-Kinsey

THE PEOPLE, CITY & NATURE

We are a few weeks into the school year and I am still getting over the fact that I’m a junior in college. I feel like it was just a few months ago that I was attending graduation parties and saying goodbye to my friends as we all split up to venture off to college, but now here I am – half way finished!

Though there have been plenty of ups and downs, I’ve enjoyed my time here at Edgewood thus far. When I think back about what made up my experience to this point, a few key things come to mind. I guess you could say they are my favorite parts of Edgewood.

1. THE PEOPLE. Edgewood is known for being a smaller school, which makes it easier to meet and keep up with people on campus. In my experience, once you have a pretty good idea of what your major is, the same people keep showing up from class to class. Plus, I don’t think it’s too common at other schools to run into your professor at say, the grocery store, and have them remember not only your name, but ask about your weekend and what’s been going on in your life.

2. THE CITY. I’ve lived in Madison for most of my life and can’t imagine going to college anywhere else. Even though most of my friends have moved off campus, downtown is within walking distance and I haven’t felt too much separation anxiety yet. I feel like Madison is the perfect sized city – not so big that it becomes dangerous or easy to get lost, but not too small that it loses excitement. There are plenty of people to meet, places to hang out, and things to do.

3. NATURE. One of my favorite parts of Edgewood is the surrounding nature. I love the trails, the boardwalk, the trees, the grass and fields. I don’t think at a bigger school, you’d see as much open land as we have on Edgewood’s campus. There’s been so many times after a long day of class when I’ve walked down to the boardwalk to relax and take advantage of Wisconsin’s short-lived warm days.

Thinking about it, when school gets harder and life starts to push us a little more than usual, I think it’s key to remember the little things like this that make us happy.

-Liz

Class of Partnership

On Saturday, August 22, 2009, the freshmen who make up the Class of 2013 will officially move into their residence halls and begin their journey at Edgewood College.

Each year the entering freshman class is honored with one of the five Dominican values. This year’s class is the Class of Partnership, and the value given to these entering freshmen couldn’t be more fitting. 

For most freshmen, their partnership with Edgewood College started months ago… maybe even well over two years ago. And even though the Admissions Office may receive some credit, it’s really the partnership of the entire Edgewood College Community that makes this class of freshmen a special group.

Faculty, students and staff throughout the entire community–from the college president to facilities services staff to coaches to professors to alumni to freshmen and seniors–everyone reached out to the members of the Class of 2013. It was this campus-wide partnership and strength in community that ensured the Class of 2013, the Class of Partnership, was full of gifted and dedicated young men and women–even in light of these uncertain economic times.

So, here’s to proof of a caring, compassionate, and close-knit campus community. Here’s to the Class of Partnership.

A Recent Graduate’s Advice to Freshmen

BE A PART OF THE COMMUNITY

I tried to take advantage of every opportunity that Edgewood had to offer in order to make sure I didn’t regret not doing something once my time at Edgewood was over. I took foreign language classes for fun, studied abroad, had internships, joined the Honors Program, skipped class to go out with friends, pulled all-nighters to finish a paper, swam in one of the Madison lakes, and was involved in numerous clubs and organizations on campus. All things that made my time at Edgewood very memorable. However, I do sort of wish I would have lived on campus longer. I lived in Stevie Hall my freshman year, but sophomore year I moved into an off-campus apartment with friends. It was a blast, of course, but sometimes I still wish I would have lingered on campus longer to really take advantage of what residence life has to offer. Living on campus allows you to form a tighter community, meet more people and make more friends, spend more time on campus to take part in more fun activities, and more. Between classes, work-study jobs, and clubs, I definitely had my fill “campus life,” but I still wish I would have stuck around a little longer to form a tighter bond with people in my residence hall, went to a few more student activities, and even suntanned on the boardwalk a little more.
-Julie

Julie is a 2009 graduate from Edgewood College with majors in business and graphic design. After graduation she moved to New York City to start an internship.

Change is in the Air

Several offices are relocating this summer. Some temporarily. Some permanently.

The Financial Aid Office, Registrar’s Office and Business Office are undergoing a major face-lift and combining forces to provide outstanding student service. Starting this fall, all three offices will be united as “Edgewood Central.” Students will now be able to go to one location and get the help they need. There’s a lot of excitement surrounding this new student service. Edgewood Central aligns perfectly with Edgewood College’s student-first focus.

One change that will affect some faculty and staff the most is the closing of the faculty/staff lounge. Mostly, this means no more free coffee at work. The IT department is taking over this space… so I guess some can still go to this location for java help?

-RG