med sci uni gyg - a library of letters & tips
Letter #1 - a new chapter
Dear reader,
I suddenly got the urge to start blogging (again). In my first year, I decided one of my biggest goals was to achieve a first. Sadly, my grades were all over the place and still is, and thus, I decided to blog in GYG.
This time, I decided to make this blog slightly more fun by giving it a theme, so I'll be trying my best to make it cozy (or just comforting) in letter format with some study/uni tips along the way. Easter holidays are coming next and there is nothing more difficult than stopping myself from procrastinating - so, hopefully blogging will be motivating for others and myself. I wanted to make my own website for this (like a studyblr) but haven't found the time yet.
Anyway, about me, I got 8s and 9s in my GCSEs and AAA* for A-Levels Biology, Maths & Fine Art and am now in my 2nd year studying medical sciences. After a lot of struggles in term 1, I thankfully got a placement at my university doing cancer research next year and am now thinking about doing a PhD so hopefully it will give me some clarity.
I love reading and I currently volunteer for 2 charities (1 in mental health and in cancer), so will try to share some book recs, positive affirmations and how I balance studies with life! Also, I'm an avid user of Anki and Obsidian for studying as well as using a whiteboard so consider this my first tip as drawing out concepts from memory is so helpful, especially with friends!
Last term, I finished modules in Biology of Cancer and Intro to Pharmacology, and midway through 2nd term, am studying Immunopathology; Genomics & Intro to Bioinformatics; Diseases, Diagnostics & Therapeutics, and Experimental Design & Statistics. I have 4 courseworks to complete and 4 exams left for this year so I've still got some stuff to blog although this academic year is nearly done.
Warm Hugs,
H
˚₊‧꒰ა ☆ ໒꒱ ‧₊˚
P.S: I'm considering blogging my placement next year but I don't know if people do that here?
Dear reader,
I suddenly got the urge to start blogging (again). In my first year, I decided one of my biggest goals was to achieve a first. Sadly, my grades were all over the place and still is, and thus, I decided to blog in GYG.
This time, I decided to make this blog slightly more fun by giving it a theme, so I'll be trying my best to make it cozy (or just comforting) in letter format with some study/uni tips along the way. Easter holidays are coming next and there is nothing more difficult than stopping myself from procrastinating - so, hopefully blogging will be motivating for others and myself. I wanted to make my own website for this (like a studyblr) but haven't found the time yet.
Anyway, about me, I got 8s and 9s in my GCSEs and AAA* for A-Levels Biology, Maths & Fine Art and am now in my 2nd year studying medical sciences. After a lot of struggles in term 1, I thankfully got a placement at my university doing cancer research next year and am now thinking about doing a PhD so hopefully it will give me some clarity.
I love reading and I currently volunteer for 2 charities (1 in mental health and in cancer), so will try to share some book recs, positive affirmations and how I balance studies with life! Also, I'm an avid user of Anki and Obsidian for studying as well as using a whiteboard so consider this my first tip as drawing out concepts from memory is so helpful, especially with friends!
Last term, I finished modules in Biology of Cancer and Intro to Pharmacology, and midway through 2nd term, am studying Immunopathology; Genomics & Intro to Bioinformatics; Diseases, Diagnostics & Therapeutics, and Experimental Design & Statistics. I have 4 courseworks to complete and 4 exams left for this year so I've still got some stuff to blog although this academic year is nearly done.
Warm Hugs,
H
˚₊‧꒰ა ☆ ໒꒱ ‧₊˚
P.S: I'm considering blogging my placement next year but I don't know if people do that here?
Reply 1
Original post
by harufolioLetter #1 - a new chapter
Dear reader,
I suddenly got the urge to start blogging (again). In my first year, I decided one of my biggest goals was to achieve a first. Sadly, my grades were all over the place and still is, and thus, I decided to blog in GYG.
This time, I decided to make this blog slightly more fun by giving it a theme, so I'll be trying my best to make it cozy (or just comforting) in letter format with some study/uni tips along the way. Easter holidays are coming next and there is nothing more difficult than stopping myself from procrastinating - so, hopefully blogging will be motivating for others and myself. I wanted to make my own website for this (like a studyblr) but haven't found the time yet.
Anyway, about me, I got 8s and 9s in my GCSEs and AAA* for A-Levels Biology, Maths & Fine Art and am now in my 2nd year studying medical sciences. After a lot of struggles in term 1, I thankfully got a placement at my university doing cancer research next year and am now thinking about doing a PhD so hopefully it will give me some clarity.
I love reading and I currently volunteer for 2 charities (1 in mental health and in cancer), so will try to share some book recs, positive affirmations and how I balance studies with life! Also, I'm an avid user of Anki and Obsidian for studying as well as using a whiteboard so consider this my first tip as drawing out concepts from memory is so helpful, especially with friends!
Last term, I finished modules in Biology of Cancer and Intro to Pharmacology, and midway through 2nd term, am studying Immunopathology; Genomics & Intro to Bioinformatics; Diseases, Diagnostics & Therapeutics, and Experimental Design & Statistics. I have 4 courseworks to complete and 4 exams left for this year so I've still got some stuff to blog although this academic year is nearly done.
Warm Hugs,
H
˚₊‧꒰ა ☆ ໒꒱ ‧₊˚
P.S: I'm considering blogging my placement next year but I don't know if people do that here?
Dear reader,
I suddenly got the urge to start blogging (again). In my first year, I decided one of my biggest goals was to achieve a first. Sadly, my grades were all over the place and still is, and thus, I decided to blog in GYG.
This time, I decided to make this blog slightly more fun by giving it a theme, so I'll be trying my best to make it cozy (or just comforting) in letter format with some study/uni tips along the way. Easter holidays are coming next and there is nothing more difficult than stopping myself from procrastinating - so, hopefully blogging will be motivating for others and myself. I wanted to make my own website for this (like a studyblr) but haven't found the time yet.
Anyway, about me, I got 8s and 9s in my GCSEs and AAA* for A-Levels Biology, Maths & Fine Art and am now in my 2nd year studying medical sciences. After a lot of struggles in term 1, I thankfully got a placement at my university doing cancer research next year and am now thinking about doing a PhD so hopefully it will give me some clarity.
I love reading and I currently volunteer for 2 charities (1 in mental health and in cancer), so will try to share some book recs, positive affirmations and how I balance studies with life! Also, I'm an avid user of Anki and Obsidian for studying as well as using a whiteboard so consider this my first tip as drawing out concepts from memory is so helpful, especially with friends!
Last term, I finished modules in Biology of Cancer and Intro to Pharmacology, and midway through 2nd term, am studying Immunopathology; Genomics & Intro to Bioinformatics; Diseases, Diagnostics & Therapeutics, and Experimental Design & Statistics. I have 4 courseworks to complete and 4 exams left for this year so I've still got some stuff to blog although this academic year is nearly done.
Warm Hugs,
H
˚₊‧꒰ა ☆ ໒꒱ ‧₊˚
P.S: I'm considering blogging my placement next year but I don't know if people do that here?
Hi!
This is actually really motivating!
Can you please give me some tips of how you achieved those amazing GCSE grades? I know it may have been a while ago, but anything would help as I am sitting my exam this year!
Reply 2
11
Original post
by zainabmohamedHi!
This is actually really motivating!
Can you please give me some tips of how you achieved those amazing GCSE grades? I know it may have been a while ago, but anything would help as I am sitting my exam this year!
This is actually really motivating!
Can you please give me some tips of how you achieved those amazing GCSE grades? I know it may have been a while ago, but anything would help as I am sitting my exam this year!
Hi! Good luck for your exams this year, I wish you all the best. It really depends on what GCSEs you do but I would focus on 3 things that apply for everything I learn: understanding, exam technique and memorisation:
1.
understanding - ask your teachers asap if you don't understand (although I only started doing this in uni) and YouTube videos are so helpful. I used Cognito and Seneca Learning for science and computer science, which are freemium.
2.
exam technique - do lots of exam questions if nothing else. Physics Maths Tutor has lots but you might have to search or just ask your teacher for some more. I liked keeping track with a checklist and went from most recent to oldest exam papers as timing can make a big difference.
3.
memorisation - flashcards is the best for this but other methods work too - I used anki everyday. I had a biology teacher who set up weekly quizzes with ~5 definitions or processes to memorise and this meant that leading up to the exam I got full marks for these questions as the mark scheme is so important for the sciences and I felt like I had to remember them. A whiteboard definitely helps for this.
Reply 3
11
Letter #2 - diving deep
Dear reader,
I, unfortunately, have a loose wire on my braces so had to get back home to get it fixed. I decided to take a break from being at uni while I'm away. Thankfully, my lectures are all recorded and I'll make it back in time for my immunopathology labs next week. Speaking of labs, I need to revise lab calculations as I'm a bit rusty and take a terribly long time understanding them, especially dilutions.
Today, I need to:
Recently, I signed up for my public library and use the free app BorrowBox to loan ebooks and audiobooks. I wanted to recommend/review Atomic Habits as it has some genuinely good tips on making a routine by building tiny, good habits that are...
I have been using atomic habits to motivate my studying and other habits such as learning Cantonese and driving theory through my free library membership.
Remember that "happiness is a journey, not a destination" so giving yourself time to relax is valuable, even when studying gets hard, you deserve it!
Gentlest farewell,
H
˚₊‧꒰ა ☆ ໒꒱ ‧₊˚
Dear reader,
I, unfortunately, have a loose wire on my braces so had to get back home to get it fixed. I decided to take a break from being at uni while I'm away. Thankfully, my lectures are all recorded and I'll make it back in time for my immunopathology labs next week. Speaking of labs, I need to revise lab calculations as I'm a bit rusty and take a terribly long time understanding them, especially dilutions.
Today, I need to:
1.
Finish my PowerPoint assignment due next week and..
2.
Get started on my 2 other research posters due next month.
3.
Rewatch the recorded lectures today asap
•
obvious (e.g. stack your habits, make them into a list, changing your space),
•
attractive (e.g. tempt yourself by combining it with something you enjoy, be around people who do it, create a ritual)
•
easy (e.g. repeat it, make it short, see if you can automate it)
•
and satisfying (e.g. reward system, habit tracker, make a separate account to transfer money into when you avoid buying something)
•
And the do the reverse for the bad habits!
Remember that "happiness is a journey, not a destination" so giving yourself time to relax is valuable, even when studying gets hard, you deserve it!
Gentlest farewell,
H
˚₊‧꒰ა ☆ ໒꒱ ‧₊˚
Reply 4
11
Letter #3 - having time
Dear reader,
I managed to finish my assignment but am in the proofreading/perfectionism stage right before my deadline. I have a slight backlog of notes I have to refine and lectures I have to rewatch as I have been focusing on this one assignment so much. Also, I have a few emails to send off and have labs tomorrow so I need to go over the protocol and remember to ask questions!
I got really into improving my routine and time management in mid-January and started planning lots of tasks and skills to build on, like python and Excel. I think this put a lot of pressure on myself to be my best this year (thus, this gyg blog) but I think I'm going to try and make sure I find my balance.
Taking breaks is something I sometimes use to procrastinate so I'm trying my best to make sure I do both sides of productivity and rest. Anyway, I wanted to update to show that I am trying my best (in fact, just had some warm soup and am now studying hard in a library and taking a short break to post this!)
Cozy cuddles,
H
˚₊‧꒰ა ☆ ໒꒱ ‧₊˚
Dear reader,
I managed to finish my assignment but am in the proofreading/perfectionism stage right before my deadline. I have a slight backlog of notes I have to refine and lectures I have to rewatch as I have been focusing on this one assignment so much. Also, I have a few emails to send off and have labs tomorrow so I need to go over the protocol and remember to ask questions!
I got really into improving my routine and time management in mid-January and started planning lots of tasks and skills to build on, like python and Excel. I think this put a lot of pressure on myself to be my best this year (thus, this gyg blog) but I think I'm going to try and make sure I find my balance.
Taking breaks is something I sometimes use to procrastinate so I'm trying my best to make sure I do both sides of productivity and rest. Anyway, I wanted to update to show that I am trying my best (in fact, just had some warm soup and am now studying hard in a library and taking a short break to post this!)
Cozy cuddles,
H
˚₊‧꒰ა ☆ ໒꒱ ‧₊˚
Reply 5
11
Letter #4 up the hill
Dear reader,
I have finally submitted my assignment and am now on my next assignment. I have 2 posters to work on next and the one I am focusing on now is a bioinformatics poster. I thought that this was going to be easy but it's quite hard to figure out how to analyse the data I got. Also, I went to a careers fair recently and was thinking on doing a NHS STP as it pays quite well so that's something I might also have to prepare for by maybe finding some clinical experience.
As a lil study tip, I have been using the Focus Friend app by Hank Green and it's very motivating - it's free, no ads and as you focus, your bean friend knits socks so you can purchase furniture for your little rooms! It also helps going to the library because focusing at home becomes hard when you get comfortable in it.
I'm slightly overwhelmed at the moment but will be trying my best to update this blog!
May warmth find you,
H
˚₊‧꒰ა ☆ ໒꒱ ‧₊˚
Dear reader,
I have finally submitted my assignment and am now on my next assignment. I have 2 posters to work on next and the one I am focusing on now is a bioinformatics poster. I thought that this was going to be easy but it's quite hard to figure out how to analyse the data I got. Also, I went to a careers fair recently and was thinking on doing a NHS STP as it pays quite well so that's something I might also have to prepare for by maybe finding some clinical experience.
As a lil study tip, I have been using the Focus Friend app by Hank Green and it's very motivating - it's free, no ads and as you focus, your bean friend knits socks so you can purchase furniture for your little rooms! It also helps going to the library because focusing at home becomes hard when you get comfortable in it.
I'm slightly overwhelmed at the moment but will be trying my best to update this blog!
May warmth find you,
H
˚₊‧꒰ა ☆ ໒꒱ ‧₊˚
Original post
by harufolioP.S: I'm considering blogging my placement next year but I don't know if people do that here?
Hello and welcome!
You can blog anything you want to. We don't see many placement year blogs, but if you do start one (which I hope you do!) I will definitely follow along.
Reply 7
11
Original post
by 5hyl33nHello and welcome!
You can blog anything you want to. We don't see many placement year blogs, but if you do start one (which I hope you do!) I will definitely follow along.
You can blog anything you want to. We don't see many placement year blogs, but if you do start one (which I hope you do!) I will definitely follow along.
Thanks for letting me know that I can do a placement blog on here, I'll definitely let you know once I start it!
Reply 8
11
letter #5 catching up & placement/work experience tips
Dear reader,
I have quite a lot of things to be doing this week and I forgot to summarise them in my last post so by the end of this week I need to complete:
I actually wanted to make at least one placement post on this blog that will have some of my tips on how to get a placement as well as how I got mine that will hopefully also be applicable to just getting a job or work experience! This kind of post took a bit of time and was quite fun so I might do more tip "dumps"(?) in the future, maybe on GCSEs and A-Levels that I've taken in the past. Also, one thing I struggled with a lot was the dilemma of needing work experience but to get work experience you often need experience - I managed to solve this by volunteering! There's quite a few out there that just requires an empathetic voice e.g. Mind, Samaritans, Shout, it also gives you personality in interviews/job applications and making a positive impact is so rewarding!
Warm salutations,
H
˚₊‧꒰ა ☆ ໒꒱ ‧₊˚
Dear reader,
I have quite a lot of things to be doing this week and I forgot to summarise them in my last post so by the end of this week I need to complete:
•
Genomics Poster
•
Complete reading and questions on the gut-brain axis
•
Make a reading list to prepare for my placement
About Life Sciences - deciding/searching for placements
How I got my placement - My timeline
Tips for securing placement/work experience/internships
Warm salutations,
H
˚₊‧꒰ა ☆ ໒꒱ ‧₊˚
Reply 9
11
Letter #6 aftermath
Dear reader,
It has been a while since I updated and this is mainly because not much has happened since the previous post in terms of revision as I focused on coursework deadlines. I did get my grades back for the coursework I have submitted so far and I achieved first class for the 2 I recently submitted, which makes me so happy, especially considering how many nights I was in the library!
Anyway, I only have two more coursework left and four exams to study for after Easter break so I'm focusing on doing kind of what I did for A-Levels (time management-wise), which is I'm focusing on one subject per day and then if I have the time I'll also do another one and I'm going to try and evenly spread this out based on deadlines priorities (and just my mood that day). Last week, I have finished all of my statistics for immunopathology poster which took around I want to say three to four hours because I kind of did bits here and there and then finally finished in like a two hour stretch. I still have a few more things I can add to my graphs but it's so time consuming I'm going to leave it to the end.
Also, I wanted to try and dump some more tips so here's my maths "masterpost", combining some GCSE and A-level tips and resources. I ended up doing Edexcel for both and also AQA Further Maths GCSE:
You deserve sunshine,
H
˚₊‧꒰ა ☆ ໒꒱ ‧₊˚
Dear reader,
It has been a while since I updated and this is mainly because not much has happened since the previous post in terms of revision as I focused on coursework deadlines. I did get my grades back for the coursework I have submitted so far and I achieved first class for the 2 I recently submitted, which makes me so happy, especially considering how many nights I was in the library!
Anyway, I only have two more coursework left and four exams to study for after Easter break so I'm focusing on doing kind of what I did for A-Levels (time management-wise), which is I'm focusing on one subject per day and then if I have the time I'll also do another one and I'm going to try and evenly spread this out based on deadlines priorities (and just my mood that day). Last week, I have finished all of my statistics for immunopathology poster which took around I want to say three to four hours because I kind of did bits here and there and then finally finished in like a two hour stretch. I still have a few more things I can add to my graphs but it's so time consuming I'm going to leave it to the end.
Also, I wanted to try and dump some more tips so here's my maths "masterpost", combining some GCSE and A-level tips and resources. I ended up doing Edexcel for both and also AQA Further Maths GCSE:
Maths Tips
You deserve sunshine,
H
˚₊‧꒰ა ☆ ໒꒱ ‧₊˚
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