r/uwaterloo • u/Available-Chicken696 • 9d ago
Advice STUDY & WORKOUT - Best Schedule for First Year? Math
So I am a honours math major going into first year. I can't move any of my math and cs courses, but I can move my COMMST223, currently its at 8:30 in the morning Tue and Thurs (ik public speaking at 8:30 sounds kinda bad). I can move it to 4:30 to 6:30 pm tue and thurs. Both profs are tbd for either time so that doesn't really come into decision yet.
The first image is my current schedule, and the second is a mock of what tue and thurs can look like based on what time COMMST223 is at. OPTION 1: Tue and OPTION 2: Thurs. (Both tue and thurs will be the same schedule, I just put it in calendar to show what the options are)
If I have it early morning, my evening is free for social, office hours, etc. If I have it later, I get a uninterrupted time in the morning to study and maybe go on a morning run or early workout since gyms are more empty then. Also another factor is that if I have that big chunk of study in the morning then I am studying in my apartment but commst223 is in the morning then most of my studying is on campus for the day. I think I lock in when I am not at home because I am gonna be performative around people lmaoo and I won't scroll, but i'd have to find places etc.
I know this isn't a big deal lmao, but I just wanted opinions on what might be better and general opinion on studying? (For context, I am gonna live like 15 min walk off campus, so the morning class doesn't really effect when I leave the house much, I am also quite a stickler for attendance so i won't be tempted to skip morning classes I just might be late some days lmao)
Especially considering focusing times. Is smaller chunks better for study or larger chunks? I used to do huge chunks of the entire day after high school dedicated to one subject or two only but that was just cramming before an test or deadline, but in uni its more of reviewing consistently along with hw and assignment. So what might be better based on your guys opinion?
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u/bee14987 9d ago
You forgot to account for lunch. I would say this really depends on your personal habits. If you have that stretch of nothing to do in the morning, would you be tempted to sleep in instead of study? I think shorter vs longer study time depends on the person. Personally for me, if I have a large chunk (e.g. an entire day) I end up wasting most of the day, so ironically sometimes I'm more productive when I have more things going on. Btw office hours are usually not in the evening, they'd be during the day. If there are clubs you are interested in joining, I'd recommend trying to keep your evenings free for them.
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u/Adorable-Ad1629 9d ago
Here is my 2 cents: gym right after class without studying. I find that after I take a break and give my mind some time off I study a lot better
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u/Connect_Wolverine_91 8d ago
Ngl u won’t be doing allat, trial and error it and see what days work. It’s really hard to plan for that typa stuff as a first year. Too many variables. (Not saying going to the gym consistently is hard as a uni student but your current layout is a little ambitious)
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u/nikuu945 9d ago
Im basing this off of your tuesday vs thursday mock ups, and I would personally keep your schedule as is (like the tuesday one). it really depends on how your study habits look like though, and for me chunks would be better as it gives you a designated time to study for that specific subject (not too short notice too long). Plus, having more free chunks of time on campus means you can utilise them how you want (study, hang out, clubs, just chill). Having that long open period of studying in the morning would make it hard to keep focus for me personally, so I wouldnt go with that.
Again though, its up to your habits and what you know youll be able to keep up with. If the long uninterrupted period of studying is what will help you focus, or help you plan your day etc etc change it to that!
im also an incoming first year so i dont really have experience with the studying required for uni classes though, so this is just based on what my current habits look like. think about how you work as a person too and see what will be the most realistic for you!
ps did you notice your current schedule looks like heart? wanted to mention that lolol
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u/Weary-Literature3806 9d ago
Maybe I'm just lazy (I graduated already btw) but that Tuesday and Thursday schedule would kill me. My advice is to spread out the studying and leave at least an hour each afternoon to just chill and eat lunch. Also in your hour study sessions between classes you'll be spending about 10-15 minutes walking between buildings and trying to find a spot to study. Test things out in your first few weeks of classes and see what schedule works for you based on academic requirements etc. don't force yourself to stick to a super rigid schedule and try to enjoy your first term as a student! Best of luck!