#jcutownsville

[jculife]

Top tips for exam success

ATTEND TO ACHIEVE

Make sure you go to the last lecture - lecturers will often give tips on the exam. Take notes and listen carefully. This will help you to focus your revision to the key concepts.

STUDY STRATEGICALLY

Revise weekly notes and identify what you don’t know. Use your subject outlines to ensure you are focusing on the key content areas.

PLAN FOR SUCCESS

Make sure you complete your Study Planner leading up to the Exam period. This will help you feel more organised and reduce anxiety. Visit The Learning Centre if you need a hand.

TIMELY TIPS

During your exam, be strategic about your time. Consider the grading structure and allocate your time accordingly to ensure you allocate maximum time to heavily weighted questions.

STAY AHEAD

Pace yourself with studying leading up to exams. Avoid cramming last minute. Allocate time for wellbeing activities to maintain balance so you can remain focused and positive.

PRACTICE PERIOD

Use a variety of techniques to study. For example you could grab a coffee with friends and have a mini quiz to test your knowledge, use flash cards or organise a group study session.

MINDFULNESS

It is important to control your emotional and physical state in order to function. Try relaxation exercises like yoga, stretching and meditation. Get some fresh air and get active - it helps to clear the head.

STUDY SMART

Check for any past exam papers and readings on the Library webpage. Identify common themes and questions. Use them to set up a mini exam for yourself to test your knowledge.

SLEEP FOR SUCCESS

Research shows students who forgo sleep in order to ‘cram’ perform worse than students who get six-eight hours sleep per night. Get into a regular sleep routine so you are refreshed and well rested.

SEEK HELP

Remember you are not alone and if you start to feel overwhelmed and anxious, come up and see the friendly staff at the Student Equity and Wellbeing desk on the first floor of the Library for some assistance.

BE ORGANISED

If you can take notes or textbooks into your exam, be organised. Have them in a logical order to avoid wasting precious time during the exam.

STUDY, STOP AND REVIVE

Let your brain and body have regular breaks during study time to recharge. Reward yourself for your hard work - watch a movie, listen to music or catch up with friends.

STAY HEALTHY

Eat healthy, exercise, drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol, high caffeine or energy drinks as these negatively effect concentration and recall. Eat brain foods like bananas and nuts and protein for stamina.

MEMORISATION

Use memorisation techniques or create your own anagrams to help you remember and recall key concepts. See Active Study Strategies page in this booklet.

PROCRASTINATION AND DISTRACTIONS

Put the time in and you will get the rewards. Make sure you have a quiet, designated study space at home to help you study undisturbed.

KEEP FOCUSED

Remember the overall goal! Positive thinking is powerful - challenge any negative thoughts. Stay focused and keep calm. Trust yourself. If you study strategically, you can enter the exam feeling calm and confident.

If you want to know more about preparing, surviving and thriving during exam time, check out the student Exam Plan. 

#exam #examprep #examtime #study #studytips #examtips #examplan #studying #universitystudy #studentlife #jculife #jamescookuniversity #unilife #universitiesaustralia #studylife #jcutownsville #jcu #jcucairns

[corneliakh]

#halloween #photoshoot at #jcu #photostudio #jcutownsville 💀👻🎃 #townsville #australia #selfie #skeletonselfie #skeleton

#skeletonselfie #jcu #australia #photostudio #jcutownsville #selfie #halloween #photoshoot #skeleton #townsville

[jculife]

A uni student’s guide to living in Townsville

Are you starting or considering study in Townsville? 

If you’re feeling a bit lost, we’ve got you covered! Our guide will tell you everything you need to know about enjoying the Ville like a true local. 

WHERE TO EAT:

There’s a plethora of great places to eat around Townsville. You’ll find a variety of dining options on Palmer Street, Flinders Street, Canon Park and a few other small hubs. A few of our favourite picks for uni students are:

Cactus Jacks

Great cocktails and delicious Mexican food. Head there on a Tuesday night and get all you can eat chilli for only $12. Did we mention there’s chocolate nachos?

Image: https://cactusjacks.com.au/

Otto’s Fresh Food Market

A Townsville favourite, Otto’s provides a fresh market of foods as well as pre-made goodies. Try a sweet from the cabinet, a fresh juice or a smoked chicken pretzel roll (our favourite).

Images: https://www.facebook.com/OttosFreshFoodMarket/?fref=ts

IMC Steak House

IMC has scored the title of Townsville’s best steak by The Townsville Bulletin and we understand why. Not only are they delicious but you can score them at a reasonable price, which is great for a uni student budget.

Image: https://www.facebook.com/imcsteakhouse/?fref=ts

Max Brenner

A chocolate lovers dream, Max Brenner is full of chocolate goodness and busy at all times for a reason. Share a choc fondue for two if you’re on a budget.

Grill’d

You can’t go wrong with burgers from Grill’d. They are also a great option for people with food intolerance and they have quite a few vegetarian options. Their “beer garden” area out the back is perfect for a burger and a beer on a Friday night.

Image: https://www.facebook.com/GrilldBurgers/?fref=ts

Jam Corner

Two words – GREAT BREKKY. They aren’t too pricey either. 

Image: https://www.facebook.com/jamtownsville/?fref=ts

Juliette’s

You’ll find Juliette’s on the Strand with great gelato, coffee and delicious sweets – YUM.  

Image: http://www.about-australia.com/attractions/juliettes-for-lovers-of/

WHERE TO EXERCISE: 

Forget a gym membership, Townsville is known for it’s range of areas to exercise outdoors for FREE. Just take your pick...

Castle Hill

Castle Hill has got to be the most popular exercise destination in all of Townsville. No matter what hour of what day you’ll find plenty of locals trekking this popular exercise track. For starters, we would suggest trying to walk up the Castle Hill road. If you really want to be daring and break a sweat, you can try the Goat Track for a more intense workout. Trust us, it’s all worth it in the end when you’re at the top and you get a look at that stunning view of Townsville.

Image: http://www.about-australia.com/attractions/castle-hill/

The Strand

The Strand is a Townsville icon and while it’s pretty to look at it’s also a pretty kick-ass walking track. There are even free exercise stations that you can stop at along the way if you’d like to break it up. When you’re finished, there’s plenty of places to grab a coffee or fresh juice along the way.

Image: https://www.experienceoz.com.au/en/townsville/the-strand-townsville/the-strand

Jezzine Baracks

Jezzine Baracks is a relatively new addition to Townsville and the 15-hectare precinct commemorates the military and Aboriginal heritage of the Kissing Point headland. The redevelopment restored significant elements of the original Kissing Point Fort complex giving it plenty of stairs and walkways for breaking a sweat. 

Image: http://www.abc.net.au/local/photos/2014/04/04/3978764.htm

WHERE TO PARTY:

Head to Flinders Street for a great night out! Here’s some of our favourite spots for uni students: 

Flinders HQ

Another relatively new addition to the Ville is Flinders HQ. Head there on a Tuesday night for a boogie and free entry all night. 

Image: https://www.facebook.com/FlindersHQ/

Madcow

The Madcow is a Townsville veteran. This double-storey, Australiana, Saloon-type wonder is sure to show you a good night. Grab a teapot and dance to new and old school hits until the cows come home. It’s also FREE entry. 

Image: https://www.facebook.com/Mad-Cow-Tavern-110167841510/

Heritage Exchange

Head to the Heritage Exchange for the best cocktails in Townsville, they’re a little pricey but totally worth it. This charming bar often has live music on a Friday night and the beer garden area is a lot of fun. 

Image: https://australianbartender.com.au/2015/10/23/heritage-exchange-townsville-good-drinking-done-right/

Seaview

If you’re doing a Sunday sesh, then the Seaview is the place to go! Any long weekend is guaranteed so see this sea-side pub packed to the rafters. Grab a bucket of beers for cheap and enjoy the sea-breeze! 

Image: http://www.seaviewhotel.com.au/

WHAT TO DO:

Townsville is full of hidden gems. For the full Townsville experience, be sure to check out these top spots:

Reef HQ

Experience the Great Barrier Reef without getting wet at the world’s largest living coral reef aquarium right here in Townsville. Reef HQ will open  your eyes to an amazing world filled with thousands of charismatic marine creatures. Use your student card to get a good price and spend the day exploring! 

Image: https://www.bookme.com.au/bookings/whitsundays-airlie-beach-townsville/activity/reef-hq-aqaurium-townsville/1572

Magnetic Island

Only 25 minutes from Townsville, Magnetic Island is a short ferry ride to a tropical paradise. There’s lots to see and do whether you want to spend a day or a whole week there. Grab a group of friends, hire a topless moke and explore the island at your pace. We would suggest heading to Mexican restaurant Noodies and buying a round of cocktail jugs. They come with a free sombrero! and who doesn’t want a free sombrero? There’s plenty to do so visit the Magnetic Island Tourism page to help plan a trip. 

Image: http://frugalfrolicker.com/magnetic-island-beaches/

The Museum if Tropical Queensland

The Museum of Tropical Queensland is the only branch of the Queensland Museum north of Brisbane. On Flinders Street in Townsville, the iconic building looks across Ross Creek in the city. The star attraction is the HMS Pandora gallery. Sent to catch the famous Bounty and her mutinous crew, the Pandora sank off the coast of Cape York in 1791. Hundreds of amazing artifacts have been recovered from the wreck and are on display. There’s always new great displays on offer, so check out their website to see what’s showing. 

Image: https://www.facebook.com/museumoftropicalqueensland/

Billabong Sanctuary

Cuddly koalas, snapping crocodiles, what’s not to love about The Billabong Sanctuary? This Townsville tourism favourite is an 11-hectare sanctuary just south of Townsville. Totaltravel.com calls it “Australia’s best interactive wildlife sanctuary” and we understand why. You can get up close and personal with Australia’s wildlife with feeding and handling or watch an interactive show by their experienced rangers. 

Image: http://www.billabongsanctuary.com.au/

Perc Tucker Regional Gallery

If you’re spending some time in the CBD, be sure to hit up the Perc Tucker Regional Gallery to see what they have on offer. This heritage listed public art gallery offers a dynamic range of local, national and international exhibitions complemented by workshops, talks and a host of other programs. It’s also FREE to visit. 

Image: https://www.facebook.com/PercTuckerTCC/

Cowboys game

CARN THE COWBOYS! What better way to experience the Townsville spirit then by visiting a local Cowboys game at 1300 Smiles Stadium. You can grab general admission tickets for relatively cheap and buses run to and from the stadium regularly, making a game easy to get to. 

Image: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-10-06/north-queensland-cowboy-flags/6830164

Crystal Creek

Get out Google Maps and put in Crystal Creek for a day trip that will have you returning time and time again during the wet season. On a really hot day you’ll love the crystal clear (and cold) water holes, water falls and rapids. Pack a lunch and prepare to spend a day swimming, eating and relaxing at this local favourite. On the way home be sure to stop in at Frosty Mango for an ice cream and your perfect day will be complete. 

Image: http://www.top100experiences.com.au/listing/crystal-creek/

#exploretnq #thisisqueensland #townsvilleshines #townsville #wearethetropics #jcutownsville #studentlife #students #studentsnq #jculife #experiencejcu

[jculife]

7 study stress busters

GET ACTIVE

Physical activity boosts endorphin levels and has been proven to beat stress.

Short bursts of activity between chunks of study will help you feel better, help you work longer and help you concentrate better. 

Find what works for you; the important thing is to take breaks between periods of mental exertion. 

Building activity into your day also helps you sleep better at night, which will also help you beat study stress. 

EAT WELL

Eating and drinking the right things before you get too hungry or thirsty helps keep your blood sugar and hydration levels balanced and stress levels under control. 

Fresh fruit and vegies, cereals, grains, nuts and proteins are good for your body, brain and blood sugar levels. 

Drink plenty of water. 

Avoid junk food, alcohol, drugs (except those prescribed by your doctor), sugary food, and too many high caffeine beverages. 

GET CONNECTED

Students who are well connected at uni tend to outperform those who are not! 

Keep in contact with family and friends, those who support your goals. 

Build social activities into your timetable so as you have a study/life balance. 

Social activities help you keep perspective, and are vital in minimising study stress. 

Combine social activity and study by setting up or joining a study group. 

STUDY SMARTER NOT HARDER

Planning is paramount towards minimising study stress. 

Use a semester planner, weekly planner and a daily planner to stay on track. 

Major tasks like preparing for exams are best broken down into small step-by-step chunks, spread over several days/weeks. 

Schedule in recreational and social activities, work and family commitments, and allow for plenty of 'down time.' 

ASK FOR HELP WHEN YOU NEED IT

There are many people on campus who are there to help you manage study stress. Lecturers, tutors, course coordinators and other

student support services

staff are there to assist. 

REST BEFORE YOU GET TIRED

Rest before you get too tired or run-down. 

If you are having trouble sleeping at night due to stress, try deep breathing, meditation, positive self-talk and/or exercise. 

Set yourself a bedtime routine that is just a bit earlier than usual, with activities beforehand to help you unwind: music, reading (but not study notes or books), massage, shower, a hobby you enjoy (but not something that is hard to stop once you get started – such as computer games, surfing the net or social media). 

KEEP PERSPECTIVE

Exceptional grades do not necessarily lead to career success or personal happiness. 

Remember that the best results don't always come from the most amount of effort, and what might seem most urgent is not always what is most important. 

Aim to be a 'good' student rather than a 'perfect' student (there is no such species). 

If you’d like more information on preparing, thriving and surviving during the exam period visit the student Exam Plan. 

#examplan #exams #studystress #study #studyplan #studying #university #universitylife #studentlife #jculife #jamescookuniversity #jcutownsville #jcucairns

[jculife]

Your 4-week guide to nailing your exams this semester

Regardless of how well you went with your semester study plan, there’s less than a month until exams so now it’s crunch time. Be proactive and organise your information, identify gaps in your knowledge and find a strategy to address the gaps. 

1. Be informed

Check the latest draft of the examination timetable. 

Contact AccessAbility if you require modification of exam conditions. 

Check if a bilingual English translation dictionary is allowable for those students whose English is an additional language. 

Contact the Counselling service if you have experienced exceptional personal circumstances which may affect exam performance.

2. Gather all materials

Overview your study material from each subject: texts, lecture notes, readings, practical notes, lab books, feedback on assessment tasks etc. 

What sort of material can you gather for each subject? The subject calendar will have a list of core topics/concepts covered over the semester. 

3. Refine your study strategy

Create a new study planner for the final 4 weeks to ensure all assessment tasks are completed and sufficient time is planned for revision. 

Maintain reading, lecture and tutorial activities, as well as time to study for exams. 

Rearrange work or family commitments to minimise distractions that might impact on your exam performance. 

Access strategies for specific types of exams like multiple choice or open book exams which do require different preparation and practice. 

4. Create a topic list of what you need to know

Write a topic list for each subject (your subject calendar will help). 

Organise the content into sections forming the basis of study for the next 4 weeks. 

Review your lecture notes and identify anything your lecturer has emphasised. 

By start of study week you should have streamlined all the content and now be ready to study strategically.

5. Intensely review topics on the list

Look at the content sections you have compiled. Identify what you already know and understand about a topic and then identify what you need to work on. For example, look at each section and give each topic a rating out of 10, with 10 showing excellent knowledge and 1 showing least knowledge. Refer to this scale throughout your study prep to help prioritise how much time you will need to spend on studying each of the topics. 

Revisit and alter your ratings as you progress. 

Write notes, make up index cards, and draw diagrams. 

6. Test yourself under exam conditions

Testing yourself under exam conditions is a useful strategy. 

Time - how long is the exam? 

Format- short answer, multiple choice, essay? 

Allowable materials - what can you take into the exam? 

Topics examined – check subject calendar, your lecturer, past exams. 

Other useful strategies

Summarise notes even further

Make time in the final week before the exam to fine tune your understanding of the topics and concepts. One way to do this is to develop an overview of your course by reducing your notes to a summarised version.

Allocate more time for study

If you have started late, then allocate more time and effort between now and the exam than if you had started earlier.

Set study session goals

Write them down before you begin the session; this helps you begin the session quickly and avoid procrastination:

Goals need to be measurable and achievable.

Examples if study session goals could be

I will work through five equations

I will read and summarise chapters 3 and 4

Study in the morning

Study the topics you know least about first AND when you are most alert (in the morning)

Aim to study for a set time

Fifty minutes of study with a ten minute break is thought to be ideal – but it has to work for YOU!

Keep a revision checklist

Keep a separate list for each subject so that you are clear about what you have done and what you still need to do.

Use targets and rewards for motivation

It could be a chocolate, watching an episode on Netflix, anything that will keep you motivated to complete your goals!

Join a study group

Talk through concepts to clarify understanding and test each other.

Want to know more about preparing, surviving and thriving during exam time? Check out the Student Exam Plan. 

#studytips #examtips #examtime #universitystudy #studyplan #exams #university #jamescookuniversity #jculife #jcutownsville #jcucairns #universitylife #universityaustralia #phildumphy #deadlines

[flying-saucer-nipples]

I saw a baby turkey the other day at uni. 😍😝❤️ #turkey #baby #jcu #jamescookuniversity #uni #townsville #jcutownsville

#turkey #jcu #jcutownsville #baby #uni #jamescookuniversity #townsville