The Grind Never Stops Unfortunately

how to take better notes during fast-paced lectures

taking better notes during fast-paced lectures can be challenging, but here are some tips to help you keep up:

abbreviations and symbols: create a personal shorthand system. for example, use “w/” for “with,” “b/c” for “because,” and arrows (→) to show relationships. this can significantly speed up your note-taking.

focus on main ideas: listen for key points and concepts rather than trying to transcribe everything. lecturers often emphasize important information through repetition, changes in tone, or visual aids. pay attention to these cues.

structured methods:

cornell method: divide your page into three sections: a narrow left column for cues, a wider right column for notes, and a bottom section for a summary. during the lecture, jot down main points in the right column. after the lecture, add cues and a summary.

outline method: use headings and subheadings to organize information hierarchically. this helps in understanding the relationship between topics.

mind mapping: create a visual representation of the lecture content. start with a central idea and branch out with related concepts. this method is particularly useful for visual learners.

leave space: if you miss something, leave a gap and move on. you can fill in the details later, either from the textbook, recordings, or discussions with classmates.

record the lecture: if your lecturer allows it, recording can be a lifesaver. you can listen to the lecture again to fill in any gaps in your notes. just make sure to review the recording soon after the lecture while the material is still fresh in your mind.

review and revise: go over your notes as soon as possible after the lecture. this helps reinforce the material and allows you to clarify any points you didn’t fully understand. consider rewriting or typing up your notes to organize them better.

active listening: engage with the lecture by asking questions and participating in discussions. this not only helps you understand the material better but also makes it easier to remember.

use technology: apps like evernote, onenote, or notability can help you organize and search your notes efficiently. some apps even allow you to record audio and sync it with your notes.

do you have any specific challenges with note-taking? let me know in the comments.

❤️ nene

image source: pinterest

this week's photo dump (⁠✿⁠^⁠‿⁠^⁠)

live, love, laugh food honestly (the picture in the middle is an ice-cream sundae situation made in a dorm hahaha)

a foggy morning on campus

did some origami in statistics to stay sane

campus fountain said 🏳️‍🌈

holika dahan go brrrrr

had a mini heart attack when i realised my first graphic design assignment was due at 11:59 a.m. and not 11:59 p.m.

thankfully i was almost done with the assignment beforehand and only had to add few finishing touches (⁠◡⁠ ⁠ω⁠ ⁠◡⁠)

random uni photo dump

I JUST GOT THIS MAIL

slayed a little too hard🤭

not letting this get to my head tho, because there's still a long long way to go ofcourse

but the fact that i was amongst the top 10% in a batch of 750 students is so academically validating😭

past few days have been HECTIC

we've been preparing for socio club's first event of the year

spent some time out with my friends (saw cute black cat over there)

also went on WAY too many mental health walks in the breaks between lectures. (my schedule is more hectic this week because we have extra lectures EVERY single day ༎ຶ⁠‿⁠༎ຶ

but messages like this one in a bathroom stall are nice reminders to hang in there tbh

haven't done much studying but need to get started for my biological bases mid-sem soon😭

(wish me good luck im def gonna need it)

nothing like studying biological bases of behaviour at 8 a.m.

mark my words, your sleep WILL be taken away. doesn't matter if you're very drowsy, it WILL be gone because there's so much content (⁠ ⁠･ั⁠﹏⁠･ั⁠)

a pleasant day on campus <3

felt like sleeping like the cute doggo in the video

but the work just never ends (⁠T⁠T⁠)

tried to have a eat junk food and study session with besties (we ended up yapping)

bony, my man, pls give me some of what you're having

thanks ily (⁠✿⁠^⁠‿⁠^⁠)

Bony! What the fuck? I said no drinking, we have to revise your skull points!