Beat Stress at Universities - Nine Easy Ways

By Ali Hale

Study Stress

1. Take regular breaks when you're studying.

No-one can focus well for hours on end -- most of us have an attention span of about 20-45 minutes before we need a break. Trying having a five or ten minute break every half-an-hour. Walk around the room, listen to some music that puts you in a good mood, or just stare out of the window. If you're feeling overwhelmed and unable to concentrate, get away from your books and go outside for a brisk walk.

2. Set your own deadlines in advance of the real ones.

Panicking through an essay because it's due in a few hours is a sure way to feel stressed. Instead of rushing work to get it in by the deadline, set yourself a personal deadline a few days earlier. You'll feel much more in control of your time, and you might even find you enjoy writing the essay -- plus, if anything does go wrong (computer breakdown, vital reference missing), you've got a few days to sort it out.

3. Be organised with your books and papers.

Stay on top of your paperwork; make sure lecture notes and handouts get filed on a regular basis (daily is ideal, but weekly should work fine), and keep textbooks and other study materials close at hand. You don't want to end up rummaging through piles of junk when you're in the middle of an assignment, and when it comes to exams, you'll be glad you took the time to keep your notes organised.

Money Stress

1. Track your spending to see where the money goes

If you're constantly having problems managing your money -- maybe you have a part-time job but always end up spending your overdraft -- then keep a note of what you're spending money on. It's surprising how much going out can cost, especially when alcohol's involved. If you're a smoker, you might well not realise how much you're spending on cigarettes every week. Carry a notebook around with you and jot down everything you spend money on (even if it's just a coffee). You'll definitely discover some surprises -- and some areas where you can cut back.

2. Have emergency savings in the bank

You can't focus on your studies when you're constantly worrying about paying the rent, or affording to eat. It really helps to have some emergency savings tucked away -- then, if something unexpected happens (you get fired, your laptop dies and you need a new one), you've got the money there. If you don't currently have a savings account, start one -- put a bit in each week, even if it's just the money you save by skipping your usual latte every morning.

3. Don't buy on impulse when you're out shopping

Of course, part of the fun of being a student is being able to act on impulse -- but spending money whenever you feel like it will quickly send your bank balance into freefall. If you're going to the shops, write a list of what you need first and stick to it. When you see something you're tempted to buy, wait a day or two -- it'll still be there if you still want it. Try taking cash rather than cards with you, a great way to stick to a budget and become more aware of how much you're spending.

Personal Stress

Talk to someone if you're feeling down

Your friends or parents are often a good source of encouragement when things get tough. If you've been feeling stressed, anxious or depressed for a long period of time, you might want to chat to your university's counselling service. They can help you with all sorts of issues, whether social, academic or personal ones, and everything will be treated in confidence.

Have some "me time" every day

University can be a whirlwind of social activities, with the remaining moments crammed with essays, set reading and studying. Make sure you're getting some "me time" every day -- whether that's a half-hour soak in the bath, a chance to flick through a glossy magazine, or a stint on the treadmill in the gym. Don't feel obliged to say "yes" every time friends ask you to go out, or whenever a society or club tries to put demands on your time.

Write a journal to work through things

Many people find that writing down their thoughts, worries or problems in a journal can help to resolve them. Sometimes, just being honest with yourself about your emotions is enough to help you de-stress. Other times, you might find that exploring a tricky problem on paper can help you to see it in a different light -- and perhaps find a solution.

Ali Hale is a postgraduate student of Creative & Life Writing, and runs the blog Alpha Student ("Helping you make the most of your time at Uni"). Ali works as a freelance writer and website creator, and is on the staff of several large blogs. If you're looking for a writer or a website, you can hire her via Aliventures.

How to Apply For Your MTAS Medical Training Application Service - Medical Students

By Ben M Foster

If you're in 4th or 5th year you've probably heard something about "MTAS" which stands for Medical Training Application Service (MTAS). You will be using this service to apply for your foundation school and foundation year 1 (and possibly 2) jobs after graduating from your medical student exams. If your preparation was anything like mine was, you're probably wondering what it's all about, and despite being given an hour long lecture on the process, you're still none the wiser.

Here is a quick guide to the MTAS process:

• Each of you will make your application online. Go to the foundation programme website. Here, there is a PDF document with an application timeline which gives you the dates for each process of the application.
• When applications open, you will be given a log-in for the foundation programme website. On this website you will find the application form.
• Your application is scored out of 100.

Your score is made up by...

1. Your answers to the set questions (Max 60) - You will be given 7 questions and each one will be scored. Each question requires you to reflect on a personal or clinical achievement and state how this will benefit you during your foundation year jobs. You will be given example questions and answers to look at before you receive the definitive questions. Make sure you look at the styles of the sample answers and try to use the same format. (The questions will be given to you around 3 weeks before the submission deadline so start preparing your answers early!)
2. Your ranking at medical school (Max 40) - your medical school will split the year into quartiles depending on your exam performance. Everyone in the top quartile receives the highest number of points (40). Everyone in the bottom quartile receives the lowest number of points (34).

On with the guide...

• There is an area on the application to write about any extra qualifications you may have. Make sure you put down any other degrees you have and also any courses you have completed e.g. ALS, ALERT, PLS.
• You will also have the opportunity to write about any audit projects you have completed or if you have received any publications at medical school you - if you are in 4th year it may be worth beginning an audit project. They are not too time costly and will set you apart from your colleagues.
• You will need to contact 2 doctors to use as references. These are preferably consultants that you have got to know over a period of time. Obviously try and use people you have impressed! Ask them for their permission and obtain their contact details. They will be asked to submit a short reference on your performance with them (you will not need to organise this yourself). It is unlikely that anyone will not agree to write a reference on you however, make sure you aren't rushing to find someone at the last moment - think back to your previous attachments.
• Lastly, you will be asked to rank the foundation schools in order of preference.
• Make sure you pay attention to the deadlines and begin the process early - you do not want to be rushing this in at the end, especially since the applications are submitted online. If you all wait until the last moment to press the "submit" button, the system will crash meaning your application may be late!
• Once you have submitted your application you will receive your score and will see your allocated foundation deanery.

After this, the process differs slightly for each deanery:

• You will be asked to rank the F1 (+/- F2) jobs in order of preference. This is generally a time-consuming process so don't try and do it all in one go!
• Remember, you will allocate your job based on your score. If you have unfortunately, achieved a lower score, you may need to be strategic about which jobs you rank highest. You will be less likely to be allocated jobs that are extremely popular if your score is low however, if your score is high, this is less likely to be a problem.

That summarizes the process. Remember to follow each step through and things should be okay for your admission. The process as a whole is highly daunting. You will hear rumours flying around for years before you even make your application !

Try to remember that the vast majority of people will get into their preferred foundation school and most people will be allocated one of their top ten ranked jobs.

Remember that people will be ranking jobs in an infinite number of different combinations meaning generally you will all be competing for different "favourite" jobs while you are revising for your medical student exams!

Pass med-student exams http://www.medicaleducator.co.uk

Importance of Higher Education Counseling For Study in Australia

By Siddharth M Gupta

Studying in Australia offers international students more than academic achievement and a globally recognized qualification. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience through which a student can develop independence, maturity, an understanding of other cultures, and the ability to see issues from different perspectives.

Study in Australia better prepares a student to work in today's global marketplace. This is why several foreign companies recruit directly from Australian universities and vocational institutes. Many international organizations and companies employ overseas students with Australian qualifications because their exposure to the outside world gives them greater independence and maturity. With international trade barriers disappearing, great opportunities exist for those with the skills, experience and knowledge to seize them.

In Australia, international students can gain this experience in a safe, friendly environment and at an affordable cost.

Education in Australia

Australia is the third most popular study destination in the English-speaking world, with more than 200,000 international students in Australian institutions across all education sectors: higher education, vocational education and training, English Language colleges, and schools.

Australia's universities have made important breakthroughs in modern technology and science while Australia's vocational training system, which is based on industry standards, is used as a model for other Asia-Pacific countries.

There are universities in all major Australian cities and throughout regional areas of the country ranging in size from around 3,000 students to 50,000 students. About 20 percent of students enrolled in Australian universities are from overseas.

Many international students also study in vocational education and training colleges and institutes across Australia. These institutes offer qualifications that recognised in the workplace.

The Australian Government ensures the quality of Australian institutions and courses in a number of ways. Institutions must be accredited and courses offered to international students must be approved and listed on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). Qualifications offered to students must fit the Australian Qualifications Framework.

The staff at Australian institutions is also very experienced in helping students from other countries, and there are well-established support systems in place for international students.

In a nut shell Australia is a dynamic and vibrant country with a great deal to offer students looking for international education. Australia has:

1. Dynamic and progressive education programs with a reputation for excellence


2. Globally-recognized courses and qualifications


3. A relaxed, enjoyable and safe lifestyle


4. Cheaper study and living expenses compared to many other countries


5. Vibrant, appealing and multicultural cities


6. Great weather


7. Amazing and diverse landscapes and scenery


8. Unique and wonderful flora and fauna.


9. Great employment opportunities in International Companies after passing out from any Australian university.

Sidharth Gupta of Global Opportunities (consultant for higher study in Australia and other countries) has written several articles on study in UK, USA, Canada, Australia etc. His company also provides active assistance for graduate and postgraduate study in Australia.

Australian University Rankings - A Comparison

By Loke Yuen Wong

What are the top ten Australian Universities? There is no official government ranking of universities in Australia. However there is a number of university league tables produced every year by relevant bodies such as the Melbourne Institute, The Australian Newspaper, The Good Universities Guide, THES and Shanghai Jiao Tong University's academic ranking of world universities.

The Melbourne Institute (operated by the University of Melbourne) has produced its own ranking of the international standing of Australian universities. This ranking is based on a number of performance indicators such as international standing of staff, views of Deans and CEOs, resources, undergraduate programs, undergraduate intake and graduate programs.

According to Melbourne Institute 2007 the top ten Australian Universities (in order of ranking) are: Australian National University (ANU), University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, University of Queensland, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Monash University, University of Western Australia (UWA), University of Adelaide, Macquarie University and Queensland University of Technology. From this ranking ANU was the number one Australian university in terms of international standing and reputation, followed by Melbourne and Sydney. Is this result representative? Here we will analyze and compare it with the other two famous international league tables - THES and Academic ranking of world universities (ARWU).

Ranking Comparison:

- The list of top four universities produced by the Melbourne Institute are the same in ranking order as THES and ARWU 2007. We are confident to say that they are the Best Four - ANU, Melbourne, Sydney and Queensland.

- Group of Eight (Go8) Universities are among the top 8 universities as ranked by the three different league tables. These include the Best Four and the rest of the group - UNSW, Monash, UWA and Adelaide.

- Macquarie and QUT are among the top ten list (after Go8) in the Melbourne Institute and THES league tables.

Please visit the relevant guides for more information on the latest Australian university ranking and the world ranking of best universities. The author, Loke Yuen Wong, holds an MBA from Heriot-Watt University (UK) and a BCom degree from The University of Adelaide (Australia).

The December 2008 LSAT

By Jeffrey Weir

It is almost time for the December LSAT. The LSAT is the standard law school admissions test. This short article will cover a few quick ideas about how to prepare for the LSAT and what to do after you have finally taken the test in December.

If you're just starting to think about the December LSAT, you should realize that the December version of the exam is your last chance to take the test in time to get your applications completed for the top law schools in the country in time for fall admissions. Some Tier 3 and Tier 4 schools may accept scores from the February LSAT - but remember the general rule of thumb, is that if you want to start school during the fall you must take the June, October or December LSAT in the year previous to your enrollment.

At a minimum, you will need four weeks to prepare for the exam once you have chosen the proper LSAT prep materials. For over ten years I've been lucky enough to help future law students prepare for the LSAT and the best LSAT prep materials I've found, at a minimum, meet the following criteria: 1) they are widely available 2) they are affordable (less than $100) and 3) they have been reviewed by industry experts and professionals and 4) they have a long and proven track record of improving the scores of those that use the programs.

Also remember that even in you do not earn the score you would have liked to on the LSAT all is not lost. Law school applications, overall, are done in the United States and thus you will find a less competitive law school admissions cycle that usual. Plus, the LSAT is just another standardized test. If you don't score well on the LSAT this doesn't speak to your intelligence or your ability to be a lawyer at all, rather it just speaks to your ability to successfully take standardized tests. This means that if you score poorly on the LSAT you should still try to achieve admission at your target schools. Work hard to explain to them in your application, essays and interviews how dedicated you are in pursuit of becoming an attorney.

Jeffrey Weir is a consultant, author and law school expert. His site about the December LSAT has helped countless students prepare for the LSAT exam. Students who would to discuss the LSAT can do so at Weir's LSAT Discussion site.

Definitive Guide to the University of Michigan

By J. Vincent Burr

The University of Michigan is one of the premiere universities in the world. It is one of the original eight "Public Ivy's", placing it in exclusive company as a university on par with Harvard, Yale, Princeton, etc. It has 3 campuses - the main one being in Ann Arbor, with the others in Dearborn and Flint. U of M has one of the largest research expenditures of any university in America, and has the largest number of living alumni at almost half a million. This large base of support has contributed to U of M having the 9th largest endowment in the United States at over $5.5 Billion.

The university was originally founded in 1817 in Detroit, and was moved to Ann Arbor in 1837 when the city offered up free land to entice the school to move there. It was the first major university to enroll women, beginning in 1870. The University of Michigan also has a place in history as the location of the historic speech where President John F. Kennedy proposed what became to be known as the Peace Corps. More recently, it was the defendant in two court cases that were heard by the United States Supreme Court involving the use of affirmative action in their admissions policies. The State of Michigan also passed a law banning the use of affirmative action in university admissions.

The University of Michigan has around 40,000 students enrolled in over in 600 academic programs. Students come from all 50 states and over 100 countries. U of M ranks very highly in every college ranking system, with more than 70% of their 200 programs being ranked in the top 10 nationally. The Ross School of Business is considered to be one of the best in the world, and the Medical School is as well. These high rankings and national reputation has led to extremely high tuition rates for students not considered "in-district". Tuition for Michigan residents is very reasonable considering the prestige of the university and quality of education. However, if you are an out of state student, expect to pay roughly what you would pay to go to Harvard or Yale.

U of M recently joined with Michigan State University and Wayne State University to create what's been dubbed the University Research Corridor. The purpose is to highlight the capabilities of Michigan's three major research institutions in an effort to help spark the transformation of Michigan's economy away from the fading automotive industry.

Aside from being one of the world's most prestigious universities in terms of education, U of M has a long history of athletic dominance in most major sports. Known as the Wolverines and recognized by their trademark maize and blue colors, U of M has produced hundreds of professional athletes with several current and future hall-of-famers among them. It's also launched well over 100 Olympic medalists, including the most recent one - Michael Phelps.

The list of notable alumni is astounding, including President Gerald Ford, several Supreme Court Justices, 25 Rhodes scholars, 7 Nobel Prize winners, and a Field's Medal winner. On the other hand, it's also known as being the school that the Unabomber earned his PhD from. That aside, you can't beat U of M for an education - see the links below for even more info.

About the author: J. Vincent Burr is the creator and chief educational writer for the college review site MyNextCollege.com, which contains plenty more information about The University of Michigan including reviews by actual U of M students.

Definitive Guide to Andrews University

By J. Vincent Burr

Andrews University is a private university located in Berrien Springs, Michigan - about 25 miles form South Bend, Indiana and about 100 miles from Chicago. It was founded in 1874 by the Seventh-day Adventists, and is considered to be the Flagship University of the Seventh-day Adventists school system. It was much smaller, and went by several names until 1959 when the graduate program and theological seminary of Potomac University moved from Washington, D.C. and joined with the school, merging into what is now known as Andrews University.

Although not well known, it is generally considered to be one of the more research intensive schools in Michigan. It has an endowment of around $20 million, and very dedicated alumni due to its stated mission. The campus is about 1,600 acres, and is nestled into a very private setting, not far from the shores of Lake Michigan. The nearest bus station is almost 10 miles away, and there are very few distractions at the school. There are jobs available for those that want them, with about 70% of the students working on campus either full or part-time.

To say that Andrews University is not a party school would be a bit of an understatement. Alcohol is not permitted anywhere on campus, and there is a dress code, hair code, honor code, hazing is not allowed, class attendance is mandatory and dorm room visits from the opposite sex are strictly forbidden. Additionally, if you live on campus you are required to attend worship services. The entire campus is wired for high speed internet though, so you can live vicariously through others, online. You come to Andrews University for two reasons: you're a Seventh-day Adventist, and you want a world class education. The university has almost 300 faculty members giving it a student-faculty ratio of 10:1.

The university is made up of six colleges, which offer 85 undergrad majors and 50 graduate majors. Master's degrees and Doctorates are also offered in several areas as part of the School of Graduate Studies. The College of Arts and Sciences is the largest school by far. It is divided into twenty different departments that specialize in numerous areas of the fine arts, humanities, hard sciences and social sciences. The College of Arts and Sciences also offers numerous pre-law and pre-med programs, although most students deciding on a career in Medicine transfer to Loma Linda University in California, which is part of the Seventh-day Adventist school system as well. There is also the College of Technology, the School of Business, the School of Education, School of Architecture (which is highly regarded) and the SDA Theological Seminary for those with a "higher calling".

As a private university, you can expect to conform to the rules and traditions of the University, and chances are you wouldn't be considering Andrews University unless you were a Seventh-day Adventist, so none of these rules should come as a shock to you. You can expect to pay around $17,000/year for tuition and another $6,000/year for room and board if you choose to stay on campus. For more information, be sure to check the links below.

About the author: J. Vincent Burr is the creator and chief educational writer for the college guides and review site MyNextCollege, which contains a lot more information about Andrews University including more information on the educational system of the Seventh-day Adventists.

The Trajectory of Interior Design Courses

By Fabian Toulouse

Interior Design is concerned with the décor of specified area of space, including the walls, furniture, light fixtures, windows, doors and everything in-between. Whereas some clients seek out interior designers for workspaces, others employ them for help with their homes. There are many aspects to the art of interior design, after all it is an art form. A qualified designer must take the surrounding architecture, a client's personal tastes, and the client's budget into consideration when conceiving a space.

If Interior Design appeals to your sense of purpose and craftsmanship, you will need to prepare. A number of reputable colleges, universities, and academies sponsor design programs geared towards producing highly qualified graduates. As with any other field, you will need the necessary training and practice before a firm or independent client will hire you. Regardless of where you enroll, you will more than likely begin your course of study with basic design courses. These courses will lay the foundations to advanced, conceptual courses and eventually fieldwork.

Seeking out the right school or university may be time-consuming. Explore the options in your area, but remember where you study will affect where you work. Often graduates are disseminated to companies and clients in the general area of the school. If the notion of living in a new city is appealing, research the available universities and the surrounding neighborhoods. The people living therein are going to be you future clients.

Upon graduation, you will have to refine your career path. Do you want to work as a contractor or with a firm? Some graduates prefer to work with a firm in their first few years, learning the basic guidelines and the requirements of agency life. Other graduates exploit internships and make their ways into diverse companies. Either way, it is essential you get your feet wet. The competition will be fierce.

The annual income of an interior designer can vary. As with most career paths, experience translates into higher fees and greater income. As your contacts and client list grows, so too will your bank account. Trust in your talents and the training you receives in your interior design courses. Although you will not make much money in the first year or two, you will be networking and honing your skills.

F. Toulouse http://www.sheffield.edu/

Do Well in College Classes by Gaining a Competitive Advantage

By Devin Collier

Many people wonder how students in college classes consistently achieve high marks in nearly any subject they take. My experience in college has led me to believe that getting good grades in college classes is more related to competitive advantage over other students and not by sheer luck or intellect.

How do you gain a competitive advantage in college? To do so, think of how businesses compete in the marketplace. When one business thinks of an innovative process to reduce costs and gain market share, most competitors seek to compete by imitating the original business behavior. When everyone is using the innovative process, no one has a competitive advantage over the other. College is similar in the sense that if you want to do well, think of a way to innovate and gain a competitive advantage over other students.

Here are a few simple examples in which you can gain an advantage from other students:

1. The use of a computer effectively can really help you organize the class. Does the teacher appreciate typed vs written assignments? Can you use online calendars to help organize deadlines?

2. Use a different style of study material like flash cards. Change the way you study simple concepts involving vocabulary. Try including pictures, unique phrases, or any other innovative approach to learn the class's material.

3. Try using technology in new ways. For example, you can put study materials on your phone or other portable device. Utilize online resources and social networking sites for help and advice.

There are many ways to innovate in the classroom that can really make a difference with your grades. If the class has a curve with tests and assignments, then this concept really makes a difference. You don't have to achieve a perfect score on every item in the class; it just needs to be higher than most students. This means that a student does not need to be better than everyone in the college, just those students in the class.

Devin Collier is a graduate student attending Brigham Young University. He maintains a blog about BYU Campus secrets and has a technology blog with reviews, tips, and tricks about the latest technology.

Financial Planning For College

By Amanda Suryan

Distance learning is one of the cheapest ways a person can earn a college degree. Let me share with you some things to keep in mind when preparing for your children's college education.

Even if you do decide to take the less expensive route of distance learning, the most important step you can take is to study what the Lord says about money in the Bible. Usually there are three main categories that a family's income will fall into: spending, savings, and tithes. God's Word has something to say about each of those categories. If we want to be wise about money period (let alone saving money for a college education), we should each seek to understand God's will for us personally regarding the funds He provides us. No two families are in the same boat, so this is something every one of us should to do. I can't do it for you, and you can't do it for me. But you can get help. Crown Financial Ministries has some excellent resources on what the Bible says about money, and I'd encourage you to check them out. That's just one example. I'm sure there are many more out there.

Another important point is to be open with your family members about who is paying for what. Are Mom and Dad going to cover everything or will your child be expected to help out? If the student will be financing a portion (or all) of his education, make sure he or she knows at least rough figures. That will involve some research, but it will be well worth it. Trust me when I tell you that this step will save a lot of stress! Money is one of the main issues that families have disagreements about. Usually all it takes to bring peace to everyone is a little research and communication.

When I was earning my degree through accelerated distance learning, there were some unexpected and heavy costs that I thought my parents were going to cover, but didn't. My measly bank account took a beating. That's how I know communication is so important. It will save your child from stress and possible bitterness against you. Lay everything out in the open!

Something else to think about is whether or not your child will be working at a job outside the home while he is earning his degree. All throughout my college experience, I worked part-time. With distance learning, my job was easy to fit in around my study schedule, so it worked well for me. Plus it was a good way for me to save up money for those unexpected expenses. Your family, on the other hand, may decide that you want all of your child's attention focused on his schoolwork. That's something you'll have to decide as a family.

I hope that I've given you some ideas that will be helpful to you as you plan for the future education of your children. May God bless you as you seek His will for your family in all things.

Crown Financial Ministries: http://www.crown.org Amanda Suryan is an expert on accelerated distance learning. She has an amazing mini-course called, "Five Reasons Why You Should Consider Becoming a Distance Learner!" To claim your FREE copy, visit: http://www.DistanceLearnerSite.com