Introduction to the Daily Schedule of a High-Ranking University Student
What does a typical day look like for a high-ranking university student, especially one who juggling academic demands and part-time work? This article will delve into the daily schedule of someone like myself, who did a Master's degree at a prestigious university like ANU, and explore how one can balance academic rigor, extracurricular activities, and a part-time job.
Academic Rigor and Time Management
One of the primary realizations I had early in my studies was the significance of assimilating new ideas and synthesizing them into arguments. While this seems straightforward, the actual process can be time-consuming, especially for coursework-heavy programs. Having a system in place to manage this is crucial.
Carrying Materials and Utilizing Downtime
My daily routine involved carrying printed academic papers, notes, and summaries of textbooks to maximize the use of downtime. With noisy or crowded spaces being easily managed, I would whip out these materials and read whenever I had a few minutes to spare. This consistency helped me make the most out of even the shortest periods of free time.
Contact Hours and Various Formats
The week featured around 10 to 15 contact hours, though this number decreased as I moved into the research phase. The format of these contact hours varied, with two traditional lectures and a tutorial, but some professors used a hybrid format that combined lecture and tutorial elements. Hybrid classes often took up a full morning or afternoon session, while others were spread throughout the week.
Attending Seminars and Extracurricular Involvement
Beyond the class schedule, I frequently attended lunchtime seminars and thesis presentations by linguistics graduate students and professors. Additionally, I would sit in on lectures for subjects I was not formally enrolled in, both within and outside of my department. Lunchtimes were also dedicated to practicing Japanese and Thai through conversation groups.
The Reading Marathon
The reading portion of my schedule was the most time-consuming. It felt like I was constantly reading, whether to satisfy course requirements or for pleasure. The challenge was distinguishing between the two, as reading academic papers became an intrinsic part of my routine. For most ANU postgrads, this was a normal part of the experience.
Getting Started Each Day
My day usually began by taking the bus to the university while reading on the commute. I arrived in time for my first class, tutorial, or meeting with my supervisor, typically between 9 AM and noon. After class sessions, I would either stay in the library or work on assessments. Depending on the day, I would return home between 6 PM and 10 PM, still engaging in some reading on the bus.
Long Commutes and Balancing Time
I often traveled from Canberra to Melbourne to meet with my parents, during which I would dedicate marathon reading sessions on the bus or train. These long journeys were highly productive in terms of reading and studying. During semesters, I spent around 50 weekends reading books or working on assessments, and I would travel to Japan or Thailand during each semester break to practice languages.
Conclusion: The Importance of Balance
While the daily schedule of a high-ranking university student with part-time work can be demanding, the key to success lies in efficient time management and balancing academic responsibilities with personal growth and rest. By making the most of every moment, students can thrive in their academic and personal lives.