Author: Lydia Walker

We all knew this week was coming. Finals are here and waiting for students to strive for excellence and higher education. The University of Mobile has multiple ways to help you study for your finals, like the Student Success Center, professors’ office hours, and easy quick tips to help you ace your last tests.

But…

What if you want the lowest grades possible? What if you just want to fail?  Well, you’ve come to the right place to discover the easiest, fastest and most effective way to end your college career. By following these thoughtful strategies, you will certainly finish with a very low GPA.

First, don’t participate in class. Doodle, daydream, message your friends or shop online. Anything can be used as a distraction to keep you from learning. By taking advantage of these distractions, you will definitely be less likely to remember class material.

Second, forget about the tutors, resources and zoom-in classes. Although these tools are eagerly begging you to use of them, don’t visit the Learning Center on campus or the Student Success Center.

Third, procrastinate. This is highly crucial and vitally important for failure. It is possible that you could have built a habit to not study much lately. To get a low grade, DO NOT alter that habit now.

Fourth, sleep deprivation is the perfect way to get a below average score. By staying up late, visiting with friends or filling your time with evening activities, you’re adding variables that can help you fail. If you hardly sleep in college, you will create the insomniac’s dream lifestyle, if that is another goal of yours.

Fifth, studies have shown that technology is the perfect tool to numb your brain. The average recreational screen time for an adult is 3.5 hours. We know technology is a fantastic tool to achieve excellence, but using technology only for pleasure and entertainment will ensure terrible grades. It’s easier to use technology for short-term happiness, not long-term knowledge.

Sixth, re-evaluate your college priorities by asking yourself the following questions:

Do I actually want to learn and grow?

Would I enjoy failure more than triumph?

Do I want to put my life plans on hold?

Would I like some unachieved goals and dreams?

Take these actions to achieve failure. If you use the least amount of effort, you are reaching for a sure likelihood that you’ll fail.

Finally, remember to avoid the faculty and staff at all costs. Stay away from the Student Success Center, the library, the Learning Center, the business office or any building with staff members.

Will you make A’s or D’s? The final grade is up to you!

Lydia Walker

Lydia Walker is a junior communication major in Journalism and media broadcasting at the University of Mobile. She is an intern with UM’s Office for Marketing and Public Relations. She has worked with corporate marketing for Chick-fil-A and as a receptionist for a doctor’s family practice, and she now enjoys being a barista. She has placed 3 times in state competition for harp performance. She also loves physical activity and chocolate.

This week I tried finding study hacks. I wanted shortcuts and easier ways to cram information in my head for the upcoming exams at the University of Mobile. Unfortunately, there aren’t many ways to install a photographic mind. (If there are, please let me know!)  I spoke with University of Mobile English professors for ideas, and they agreed that, fortunately, there are strategic learning styles we can use to improve study habits.

There are entire books written by experts about these strategies, but if you are a student, then you may not want to add an entire book to your pile of classwork during exam season. If you want extra tips, here is a short compilation of useful learning habits to help study smarter – and not necessarily harder.

1. Personally, I am engrossed in classroom conversation. (If you know me, then you know I am engrossed in TOO MUCH conversation.) It’s much easier to recall the jokes, funny conversation, unique or funky mannerisms and topics. The more unique the conversations are, the more likely they will stay in our brains. If none of the teaching conversations are interesting, link them to something familiar and interesting that you will remember. The more you remember significant classroom conversations, the less you have to over-review.
2. Release extra energy before you study. Walk, work out, or bike. When I am worn out, there is no choice BUT for me to sit and relax. Why not tire yourself then get some knowledge when you have no choice but to stare at a screen? (Further self-discipline enters the scene when you decide to stare a screen-and not binge watch Netflix. However, that’s up to you.)
3. Discover what your personal learning style is. Since we are completely different, certain studying techniques offered can be helpful within the capacity of how you work. Do you like complete quiet, or music? Do you pre-plan studying time in a controlled environment, or do you like new atmospheres and a variety of coffee shop locations? Believe it or not, finding your studying style makes a world of a difference. The Student Success Center specializes in helping University of Mobile students discover their particular learning styles, and will help them develop effective learning techniques.
4. Don’t cram. The average human performs terribly when cramming multiple chapters in their head overnight. (However, take that comment with a grain of salt. My brother is the best procrastinator in the world, and he somehow unveils his best work—after procrastinating.)
5. Teach yourself, a friend or a wall. Verbalize what you’re learning. If you imitate or act like a teacher, then you will likely be able to remember the information.
6. Lastly, have a positive attitude about studying — and about the ones who are teaching you. Professors will push us to grow – they challenge our brains and mental stamina. But luckily, University of Mobile professors know you and want to help you do well. That’s part of what UM means by their motto, “Know and Be Known.”

Lydia Walker

Lydia Walker is a junior communication major in Journalism and media broadcasting at the University of Mobile. She is an intern with UM’s Office for Marketing and Public Relations. She has worked with corporate marketing for Chick-fil-A and as a receptionist for a doctor’s family practice, and she now enjoys being a barista. She has placed 3 times in state competition for harp performance. She also loves physical activity and chocolate.

Once again, Niche.com has named the University of Mobile #1 Best College Dorms in the state of Alabama, and it is no surprise to see why. The university appeals to residents wanting a home where they can best meet their needs while obtaining their degree. The campus life helps prepare students to step into adulthood within the comfort of an enjoyable living space. Dorm life on campus meets the ideal of an affordable, fun and spacious living paired with once-in-a-lifetime friendships.

University of Mobile’s residence halls are modern yet homey with convenient pricing; students can choose between suite-style, private style or apartment style layouts. The buildings are completed with media rooms, kitchens and mac labs. Access to free wi-fi, TV, toilet paper and automated laundry make the experience even better. Students are within walking distance to classes, cafeteria, sports and events.  A major bonus for some is the 24-hour on-site fitness center and 24-hour security. Whether you prefer the close-knit community of Ingram Hall, the suite-style layout of the Avery Woods Cottages, the apartment-style living of The Timbers, or the spacious yet fun atmosphere of Faulkner Hall and Samford Hall, this school has just the right space for you.

But don’t take my word for it! Here are just a few comments from the students I talked with:

“I love it here! It feels like a family!”

“Affordable, and it provides just what I would like.”

“The dorms are spacious and comfy; I like that I can conveniently walk to classes and then go back to my room to crash.”

“When I am returning to the dorms, I feel welcomed home without being smothered.”

“This is one of the few times in life where I can open the door, yell down a hallway, and my closest friends will pop out.”

“Dude, the best part of is getting to hang out with the other guys, and by hang out, I mean shoot them with NERF gun pellets.”

“It seems to me I can walk in, flop on the couch, and call out, “Honey, I’m home!” I joke with the girls on my hall that one of us is the mom, the other the dad, the other an aunt. We are each stereotyped down to a hamster. That’s because we truly feel like family.”

Your future home may be awaiting at the University of Mobile! You can see for yourself the value and significance of the #1 Best Dorms in the state of Alabama. Check out umobile.edu/visit today!

Lydia Walker

Lydia Walker is a junior communication major in Journalism and media broadcasting at the University of Mobile. She is an intern with UM’s Office for Marketing and Public Relations. She has worked with corporate marketing for Chick-fil-A and as a receptionist for a doctor’s family practice, and she now enjoys being a barista. She has placed 3 times in state competition for harp performance. She also loves physical activity and chocolate.

Have you pulled 2, 3 or 12 all-nighters during exam season? Studying as a junior at the University of Mobile, it is easy to justify the thought process of staying awake. In addition, it’s almost certain that being stuck in the pandemic has interrupted the sleep patterns of most. Some under-sleep; some oversleep.

My friends and I have said, “I am young, I should enjoy this time that I have before time is eaten up tomorrow.” There’s also the excuse of “At least I’m not doing something stupid at 2 in the morning! I’m just staying up later!”

If staying awake until odd hours of the morning are normal for you, there are good reasons to consider changing your pattern. University of Mobile Wellness Coordinator Joy Jacobs, R.N., says, “It is not abnormal for college students to have skewed sleep patterns. We all know the inconsistent hours students keep.  What could be abnormal is what the pandemic is doing. Many people are experiencing stress and anxiety, which in turns affects sleep.”

On average, a college student receives 6 hours of sleep (or less) per night. Much research shows the negative impact on student performance and grades. GPAs are typically lower, and immune systems are compromised.

My friends and I noticed the days becoming dreary, long and monotonous, so we realized something needed to change.

It seems so passive to simply rest and “do nothing,” but sleep is a restful action to increase performance for cognitive function and later activities.  Here are tips that helped us that may help you as well.

1. Insure a cut-off time for technology. Most of my procrastination is linked to the computer! If I’m not reading homework, then I am glancing through social media. A roommate or friend can keep you accountable.
2. Create “free” time during the day that isn’t “sleep time.” I realized that much of staying up late was just wanting to play or reserve that time to myself.
3. Because of this pandemic, our schedules and rest patterns are different. Be careful not to oversleep. This will create an unrealistic dependency on catching zzz’s you won’t be able to maintain when the pandemic ends.
4. Stop caffeine in the late afternoon. (You knew that was coming, but it is a necessary evil.)
5. Make any naps short and sweet. Long naps ruin the nightly routine.
6. Try to have activities become accomplished away from your sleep space. TV shows, working out, eating and studying can be done in different locations. You will value your quality rest time while keeping it eraser-free, sweat free, odor-free and crumb-free.
7. Cold rooms make lots of people sleep better, so maybe you can persuade your roommate to lower temperatures. This will create a desire to wrap yourself up.

You may have trouble sleeping (or you may have a loud roommate.) Maybe you can’t quit the energy drinks, caffeine or sugar that impacts your daily living (and sleeping). If your habits are more addicted to something that overrides your ability to take care of your attitude, body, and well-being, the University of Mobile Campus Wellness Center can help UM students find ways to adjust. Success starts with rest.

Lydia Walker

Lydia Walker is a junior communication major in Journalism and media broadcasting at the University of Mobile. She is an intern with UM’s Office for Marketing and Public Relations. She has worked with corporate marketing for Chick-fil-A and as a receptionist for a doctor’s family practice, and she now enjoys being a barista. She has placed 3 times in state competition for harp performance. She also loves physical activity and chocolate.

It’s clear to see why the University of Mobile has reached the status of “Best Small College in Alabama” as named by Niche.com. How does this small college continue to make such a significant impact? The one-on-one interactions seems to be the key to UM’s success.

I asked a variety of students on campus one question: Ultimately what is one factor that distinguishes this school from others?  From soccer player, to nursing major, ministry leader, intercultural studies major, communication major, graphic design and art major, the answer remained similar amongst them all.

Every student was in agreement that they received individual, intentional attention from faculty and staff. They also stated how the atmosphere and community felt like family. College senior Hailey Morgan said, “When I was first applying to colleges, I wanted and needed three things in a university – good cost, quality and community. UM was the absolute perfect fit because not only does this school fulfill all three of the criteria, but I realized that the University of Mobile has a unique focus on community.”

At UM, you are seen, known and befriended. You can earn a degree, but still maintain friendships to last a lifetime. Because of the 13:1 student to professor ratio, the small class sizes allow students to receive one-on-one class involvement. It is almost as if you are receiving private tutoring.

Today you can visit and experience for yourself all the University of Mobile has to offer by scheduling a campus visit at umobile.edu/visit.

Lydia Walker

Lydia Walker is a junior communication major in Journalism and media broadcasting at the University of Mobile. She is an intern with UM’s Office for Marketing and Public Relations. She has worked with corporate marketing for Chick-fil-A and as a receptionist for a doctor’s family practice, and she now enjoys being a barista. She has placed 3 times in state competition for harp performance. She also loves physical activity and chocolate.