Surviving and Thriving Undergrad Life

1. Surviving and Thriving Undergrad Life Thoughts from Recent UofT Undergrads Barry Wellman, Professor of Sociology June 2013

2. Crowdsourced These Guidelines • I mostly asked smart & wise recent UofT students • Many – like me –worked their way up from the streets • Thanks also to • Mary Chayko (Rutgers prof) • Nancy Baym (Microsoft Research) • Dedicated to the memory of Prof. Ann Sorenson • Associate Chair for Undergraduate Studies • Died May 2013 – who always cared about students

3. Anna Brady, 25, Hotel Exec • “I think if I could tell my grade 12 self anything it would be to really dive into the University experience” • Mistakes are just as valuable as successes in character building • Learn the right path by experience rather than by theory • Find a professor who helps you to understand that

4. Chang Lin, Ph.D. student. 26 • Join affinity groups – like Chinese/South Asian students associations for extra curricular and help • Or dance groups, or science fiction – Network! • Form study groups • Best with someone a little better than you • If allowed, bring a voice recorder

5. Esther Sok, graduating UofT, 23 • Don’t be shy. Make contact with faculty members during office hours • Sit in the first few rows – no hiding in the back • Get to know your TA (teaching assistant) too • Volunteer to work with a faculty member as an intern • Even in boring jobs, keep your eyes open & ask Qs • Be an active learner • Do the readings before going to class • Ask questions in class and review notes • (Almost) always go to class: Prof emphasizes what’s important

6. Esther Sok (2) • You will never have enough time IF you do not prepare and manage it before hand. It is likely that tests and projects will be due around the same time • Do NOT plead for mercy – just deal with it • Long term memory is not formed by cramming one or two nights before a test, and especially without sleep (that’s the worst) • Stress inhibits learning • When you cram and worry, you won't learn anything • Give yourself plenty of time to study

7. Esther (3) • When studying for tests, don’t just memorize • Being an active learner means getting yourself to understand the material and be able to link points and give examples • However, you must know the basics • Never leave an answer blank – when in doubt, say anything

8. Esther (4) • Have a life outside of the books • It’s not only about getting knowledge and becoming smart • It’s also about developing wholly as a person • It's about creating an identity • Seek your passion and build other skill sets • Go out and volunteer in the community; get a hobby • This will allow you to meet people and release stress • You gain opportunities such as becoming a leader • But, grades outweigh “participation” for acceptance to law school, etc.

9. April Domingo, graduating UofT • Establish networks • Join extracurricular clubs to explore interests • Participate actively in class discussions • Make friends in class • Attend talks and other events to learn and meet a variety of individuals • Know academic options and resources • Research academic interests to make confident and informed decisions about programs and scholarships • Use the university’s workshops on essay writing and research skills • Read academic journals in your areas of interest • Time management • Be adaptive and resilient to any changes and demands in your academic and non-academic schedules • Work hard to meet due dates and goals • It’s foolish to get substantial late penalties – no excuses!

10. Jenna Jacobson, Ph.D. student, 26 • Go to class, even if there is no attendance taken • There is only so much your textbook can teach you, but class is where the ideas come to life • Be strategic in the courses you pick • Know your best time to work • Some people love evening classes, but others find it hard to concentrate late in the evening • Plan • Plans can change, but at least you will have a guideline of the direction you are taking when you feel lost • Set daily, weekly, and monthly deadlines for yourself • Reward yourself (even in small ways) when you achieve your goals

11. Jenna Jacobson (2) • You are smarter than you think • Don't be afraid that you don't know everything • Half the fear is just starting • Your peers will keep you sane • Don't be afraid to bounce your ideas off others (colleagues, other professors, family members) • The power of collaborative learning is amazing • Others may suggest things you never would have thought of • You’ll find they have the same problems and fears as you do • Save, back up, print and email your notes/papers regularly • Have fun with university • Appreciate and soak in the experience because it will be over before you know it

12. Me • Be scared at first • As you learn the ropes, you’ll relax into it • Choose by profs. as well as by courses • Your Facebook pix & tweets will live after you • Your first year is important for setting the right tone • If you mess up, you can redeem yourself • Easy to catch cheaters • Never whine over grades, but ask how you could do better • Extensions only for doctor’s notes or death certificates • 80/20 rule key to success • You can often do 80% of the work in 20% of your time • Especially when you outline papers & learn to edit and rewrite • Say thank you to profs and TAs. We appreciate it!! • GOOD LUCK