Productivity Hack #1 – Pomodoro Technique

Time Management Hack

Managing time effectively is important when at university, whether it’s studying, completing coursework or exam revision. It is easy to quickly become overwhelmed and feel that there is just not enough time to fit everything in. It can be useful, therefore, to employ techniques to help.

The Pomodoro Technique

The Pomodoro time-management technique was developed by Frances Cirillo in the 80’s, so called because the timer he used was a tomato (pomodoro in Italian) shaped device.
In simple terms, the idea behind the now famous method is to focus intensely on a piece of work for a length of time, usually twenty five minutes, followed by a short break of about five minutes. These regular breaks reduce tiredness, help to clear the mind, reduce stress and in turn increase productivity, creativity and improved quality and quantity of work.
Even individuals with short attention spans find this technique useful, timings can be altered according to need. Procrastination is eliminated as people are motivated to focus completely on a task and achieve as much as possible before the timer rings, therefore using time more effectively.
The technique is not suitable for all tasks but try experimenting with it to see if your performance is enhanced!
Pomodoro Stages
1 – Remove all potential distractions
For example, close your email browser, switch off social media, put your phone on silent, let people know you are not to be disturbed.
2 – Plan
Decide which tasks need to be completed and how many sessions are needed to do this. The timings recommended can be personalised to your preferences. Multi-tasking doesn’t really work with this method, it’s really about breaking longer tasks into shorter, achievable sessions. Be realistic!
3 – Work
This should be easier without distractions, start the timer, breathe and focus! Sometimes, even with the best planning, interruptions will happen. If they do, it’s important to note that the session then ends and another session needs to begin when the distraction has been eliminated. If unrelated thoughts pop into your head, jot them down on a piece of paper to be dealt with later and carry on with the main task.
4 – Take a break
Now take that five minute break, have a drink, stretch, have a short walk or get some fresh air. Have a piece of paper to tick off when tasks are completed.
5 – Repeat
Begin a new session deciding what you are going to focus on. After a few sessions, usually four, have a longer break, 20 to 30 minutes, maybe have some food and clear your head. Begin further sessions feeling refreshed and motivated to work.
Further reading – Cirillo’s book – The Pomodoro Technique.


Have fun implementing!  Cheers, A2B Assessments
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How To Survive Financially At University

If possible try to save some funds before you go to university, find a holiday job and try to accumulate some savings.

Shop around for a student bank account with good incentives but also the one that will meet your longer term financial needs. Freebies can range from interest free overdrafts to gift cards and free railcards. However look at the small print and the overall best deal. Don’t be too easily seduced, they want your business.

Resist spending your three monthly student loan instalment in the first week or you could quickly spiral into long-term debt. It’s a good idea to divide payments into weekly amounts and try to stick to this. It sounds boring but it is a great idea to devise a budget plan and keep a record of incomings and outgoings and to try to live accordingly.

Prioritise rent and then food. Learn to shop wisely and visit budget supermarkets, their products can be excellent and you can make quite a saving. Search for cheap, healthy recipes, there are hundreds online with visual step by step instructions if you’re not the best cook. Don’t be frightened to experiment, it’s fun. Try not to buy too much fresh food at once to prevent waste and if you have access to a freezer, cook bigger portions and freeze leftovers or eat for lunch the next day. Meat is generally more expensive so more veggie based dishes can be healthy and cheaper and make packed lunches when possible  instead of buying food on the campus. Discuss with flatmates what you can share, for example, condiments, toilet rolls , washing up liquid etc, maybe agree to have a kitty for certain things. Another good idea in shared accommodation is to take turns to cook for the rest of the group maybe once a week. It’s usually cheaper to cook in bulk and hopefully ensures you have a decent and free meal the weeks it is not your turn.

Textbooks can be so expensive. Try to save by buying secondhand, try eBay or Amazon’s ‘used’ option. Try placing messages on Uni sites or social media asking if anyone is selling the particular books you want. Use your university and local libraries, if you think ahead you can reserve books in advance as you need them. Also sell your old textbooks if they are not needed to try to free up some funds, some bookshops even have buy back schemes if textbooks are in good condition.

Make use of your student cards, you can get both an NUS extra card and a UniDays Account. Many places offer healthy student discounts, these can include shopping, eating out, nights out at the cinema. Also look out for free/cheap deals for students. eg. free entry to clubs etc

Even with the best intentions university life is expensive. If your finances are not balancing, a part-time job may be a good idea. Apart from earning money, a job will provide you with transferable skills such as time management, team work, customer service and so on which will look great on future CV’s. Most universities have ‘job shops’ you can register with and local shops, bars and restaurants may be looking out for staff. If you don’t want a year round job, look around early for Xmas jobs, a few weeks of full time work can boost the budget for your return in the new year.

If you do find yourself in financial difficulties, seek help. Most universities will have advisers who can help and give advice about further support.

 

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7 Tips For Making Friends In Freshers

7 Tips For Making Friends In Freshers

1) First of all remember everyone is new and will be feeling excited but also apprehensive and a little shy/ nervous. Some people just hide it better than others. Most people are living away from home for the first time and like you are trying to find their feet.

2) Before you go to Uni, there is probably the opportunity to meet future fellow students and flatmates online. Most universities will have forums for new students where you can discuss courses and accommodation. Be proactive and utilise this, get to know people on social media and possibly meet up beforehand or get together on arrival, you will have made a head start.

3) Be friendly….you don’t have to be an extrovert or the life and soul of the party but try to be welcoming and approachable with your new flat mates/fellow students. You are going to be together for a large chunk of your first year so make a particular effort this week. Even if you’re painfully shy, good advice is to smile, introduce yourself, try to remember names and show interest in the people you meet, ask a few questions but keep it light. Remember they are probably feeling the same.

4) Try to get to your new accommodation early and unpack asap, it’s going to be a busy week and it will help make life easier if your room is organised and everything is at hand. You will meet people as they arrive and it also leaves you more time to socialise and join in with the week’s events!

5) Resist the urge to hide away  in your room, if you are unpacking leave the door open so people can chat if they are passing. If new people arrive, introduce yourself, maybe offer to make them a drink, pass your packet of biscuits around, food is a great ice – breaker.

6) Don’t overdo it but do try to join in with as many things as you can, be open to events on offer and join societies you are interested in. In fact, if someone asks you to join a society with them or try an activity that you hadn’t previously considered, give it a go, you may discover a new passion and at the very least meet new friends.

7) Try to enjoy the experience, you may not meet your lifelong friends in the first week but friendships will be forged. Stress not, you are probably there for at least three years and new friends and different friendship groups  will be established over time. Relax and the rest is easy.

 

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