Self-confidence when studying at university: Ten top tips
Self-confidence is important for women attending university especially if it's their first year.
University can be a daunting time. There are assignments, examinations, time limitations, meeting new people and new environments: both physical and virtual.
Start your year off with self-confidence and let these self-confidence tips lead you to a year of success.
1. Plan
Plan your course of study. By choosing units that you have an interest in you will gain more enjoyment and your self-confidence will increase.
2. Organise yourself
Use a diary, (electronic or physical), and schedule in your study time and assignment-due dates. Being on time or early for a lecture or an appointment will add to your self-confidence and will stop you arriving in a fluster!
Order your text books early so they arrive by the time the new semester starts. Read up on topics before attending lectures and be one step ahead of your study schedule.
3. Like-minded people
Surround yourself with like–minded people. You will find that people who have self-confidence draw in others like themselves. Don’t waste your time with toxic friends - negative people that don’t have the same beliefs or values - they will only diminish your self-confidence.
4. Presentation
Grooming is usually a part of a daily routine for any woman. Wear clothes that not only are comfortable but make you feel good. Always add a smile for extra self-confidence.
5. Exercise
30 minutes of exercise a day will make your body and mind feel more energised and take your mind off that next assignment that is due. It will help you burn calories and give you more self-confidence. Vary your exercise routine so you don’t get bored.
Exercising will provide you with an energised body and alert mind which means more self-confidence to start your day.
6. Introduce yourself to your fellow students
Whether you are attending lectures on campus or attending lectures online through distance learning, introduce yourself to your fellow students. Use the online forum to give a brief run-down on your degree, year of study, location and something interesting about yourself.
Sit next to someone in lectures and strike up a conversation – you already have one thing in common – the topic of the lecture!
7. Take a break
Do things that motivate you and which will ultimately improve your self-confidence. Get a massage or read a novel. Whatever it is do something for you that you enjoy. Everyone needs a break!.
Meditation can help you relax before exams and assignments, here's our meditation CD.
8. Ask for help
There is no shame in asking for help. In fact it will probably improve your self-confidence. If you need help with using your computer, ask a friend. If you need help with a specific area of an assignment, ask your lecturer or fellow student. If you need help to ensure you get your study done – just ask! Increased knowledge means more self-confidence in what you do.
9. Eat and sleep
Step out of the vicious cycle of stress = eating bad food. Take control of your eating habits and increase your self-confidence. Regular exercise will aid you to eat better and sleep well. Ensure you receive adequate sleep each night so you can tackle the next day with confidence.
10. Write down your goals.
Have your short term goals that include completing assignments on time and to the best of your ability.
Have long term goals that include completing your degree and what your future will be like after you graduate. Remind yourself of these goals.
Take one day at a time and one week at a time. The more involved you are with your study the more likely you will stay motivated and the easier study will become.
Get into good habits now so that you exude self-confidence and achieve your dreams.
Written by Jilly Stansfield. Tertiary Student | Author | Motivator | Mum.
Jilly is studying via distance education. Her first book was "You named your baby what? Names and nicknames". Her second book "eDegree" is due to be released December 2010.
Click here to visit Jilly's website.
PS From Confident Woman Editor: "Meditation can be a great way to relax before exams and assignments, click here to read about our popular meditation CD."
Copyright Confident Woman Australia and Jilly Stansfield, 2010.
NB: Any information contained on this site is not provided as an alternative to the obtaining of professional advice.
Rachel Green
Reader Comments (2)
Getting to University can seem so exciting - at first. Then reality hits, especially for school leavers who find it isn't like school at all. There is a whole different level of responsibility that has to be taken on when you are a student at University. I have known it from all sides - I have been both a student and taught the students.
Best wishes with your studies.
Rachel.
Best wishes, Lyn