Realistic Resolutions
We hear it at the beginning of every new semester. Naïve promises echo around the law library from students pledging this is the semester we will finish every assignment two weeks early, complete all the ‘extension’ readings in addition to the prescribed coursework, and stop spending our hard-earned cash on a daily caffeine boost from Merlo.
But, like our far-fetched dreams of achieving a GPA of 7, these goals are quickly dashed by week three as we adjust to the reality of a new semester of early-morning two-hour lectures, repetitive tutorials and never-ending lists of prescribed cases.
So, with this semester marking the beginning of a new decade, why not take the chance to set yourself a smaller, more achievable resolution? If you’re in need of some inspiration, check out the suggestions below for some quick and easy changes you can make to set yourself on the right path for the semester ahead.
1. ORGANISE YOUR FILES
It’s 11:58 pm the day that critical 50% research paper is due. You’re just about to submit your final copy when you realise you have no idea where that precious file is saved on your computer. And so you find yourself frantically searching through dozens of documents on your crowded desktop, desperately trying to remember whether the paper you’re looking for is called ‘law essay/report thing 283047’ or ‘assignment abcd3’.
“Let this semester be the beginning of your journey...”
If this is you, let this semester be the beginning of your journey to a more organised laptop by establishing a digital filing system.
This will look a bit different for every student. I like to organise my work into folders by unit, with sub-folders for each topic and assessment item. Then I name my class notes using the unit code, week, class and (e.g. LLB101 Wk 1 Lecture – Introduction to the Australian Legal System). My names of my assignments, on the other hand, include the unit code, assessment name and draft number (e.g. LLB101 Case Law Assignment – Draft 4). But I know other students who swear by Microsoft OneNote, setting up a new notebook for each unit containing separate sections for sub-topics. The important thing is that you implement a system that is clear, efficient to navigate, easy to maintain and that makes sense to YOU.
2. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF STUDENT DISCOUNTS
Being a uni student is practically synonymous with being close to broke. Between the cost of textbooks, campus food and the limited time to fit in work shifts around busy class and study schedules, it’s easy for your wallet to feel perpetually underfed.
“It’s critical to take full advantage of any and every discount available to you.”
That’s why it’s critical to take full advantage of any and every discount available to you on the basis of your student status. Whether this means purchasing an L Card to gain free entry to Friday’s Riverside or unlocking concession fairs on your Go Card, it’s worth taking a couple of minutes this semester to check how you can shave a few dollars off your regular expenses.
Consider registering with student websites like UNiDAYS and Student Edge to stay up-to-date with the latest deals, and be sure to keep your QUT ID card with you at all times so you’re always ready to maximise your savings.
3. START USING GRAMMARLY
There’s nothing more frustrating than discovering an important email to a tutor or lecturer contains an embarrassing spelling or grammatical error. And of course, this mistake didn’t seem to appear until the moment you pressed ‘send’!
While nothing can beat a thorough proof-read, Grammarly certainly comes close. This online writing assistant checks your emails, essays and social media posts for issues with spelling, grammar and punctuation. With apps for your computer, phone and tablet, Grammarly is undoubtedly more sophisticated and versatile than a simple Microsoft Word spellcheck. And while it is possible to access additional features including a plagiarism checker by subscribing to Grammarly’s paid premium service, the free option is an ideal alternative if you’re on a tight student budget.
Article written by Morgan Lynch
This article appeared in the Torts Illustrated New Decades, New Horizons (2020) Publication