Starting Fresh for the Winter Term

January marks the beginning of a new year, but it also carries lessons from the fall. Whether you’re starting fresh or balancing deferred exams, this month is about setting a strong foundation.

Learn from the Fall, Plan Ahead

• Reflect on what worked (and what didn’t) last semester. Adjust your study habits accordingly.
• Start organizing your schedule now. Weekly planners or digital calendars help keep deadlines visible.
• If you have deferred exams, carve out time to review past material while balancing new coursework.
• Explore the Time Management Module in the PMC Learning Strategies course for templates and strategies.
  • How to Register for the PMC Learning Strategies Modules: In the “Discover” tab on the Brightspace Main page, search PMC Learning Strategies – PMC_Learning_Strategies, and select enrol.
  • If the course does not appear, you may already be enrolled so check the “select a course” menu in Brightspace.

Review Course Outlines Carefully

Course outlines are more than just schedules, they’re roadmaps.

• Pay attention to course descriptions and learning outcomes. They highlight what’s most important to learn.
• Make note of major assignments, exams, and participation expectations early. Make them in a term calendar and add the percentages each item is worth to help you with prioritizing tasks.
• Use outlines to prioritize your study time and avoid surprises later in the term.

Adjusting Your Course Load

If you find yourself falling behind after the first few weeks…

• Consider whether a reduced course load might help you balance responsibilities.
• Speak with your PMC Coordinator to explore this option and ensure you still have access to resources and services.
• Remember: adjusting your load is about creating space for success, not stepping back.

Balance Old & New Material

• For students with deferrals, schedule regular review sessions for last term’s content.
• Pair this with active engagement in new courses. Don’t let one overshadow the other.
• Digital tools can make studying more efficient:
  • Anki for spaced repetition and effective memorization using digital flashcards.
  • Quizlet for flashcards and shared study sets.
  • Gizmo AI for creating personalized study quizzes.
  • Notebook LM for organizing and linking your notes with ease audio podcasts.

Energy & Time Management

As the days get longer, it’s tempting to stretch your study hours:

• Set clear start and stop times to avoid burnout.
• Use focused intervals (e.g., 45 minutes study + 15 minutes break).
• Don’t let January’s “never-ending” feel lull you into procrastination. Deadlines will come faster than you think.

Questions or concerns?

Email the PMC Learning Strategies Team at PMC_LS@cunet.carleton.ca.