Getting Unstuck Toolbox

That feeling of being stuck is a struggle all college students face and it can be difficult to overcome. Find the statement that best describes what has you stuck right now to see our advise:

• I have things to do but they feel too hard to start.
  When things feel too hard it is often because they thing is too big for us to comprehend how to manger. Our recommendation is to find ways to break up big tasks into small to-do's and then get started on the small things that are easy to accomplish. Soon enough, that big task will be completed too.
  
  Consider using the following Success Tools:
  

  • Task Manger (pdf or Qualtrics form)
    • Best for multiple tasks that are all due over the next week. Take those big tasks and break them down into managable to-dos. Then, schedule them out so you meet the deadlines.
  • Backwards Mapping - Long Term (pdf)
    • Best for a single, big project due sometime in the future. Start from the end - submitting the project - and build you plan from there with small goals along the way.
• I have too much to do and I don't know where to start.
  It is easy to get overwhelmed when you do not have a good understanding of everything you need to accomplish. Our recommendation is a checklist or to-do list to visualize and track what's causing you to be overwhelmed.
  
  Consider using the following Success Tools:
  

  • Prioritization Mapping (pdf and Qualtrics form)
    • Elevate your to-do list by grouping your tasks by class, personal, and other and prioritize them as high, medium, or low.
  • Weekly Checklist (pdf and Qualtrics form)
    
    • If your "things" are events and/or activities and not tasks or projects, use this tool to help organize your week and see what you have each day.
• I don't have enough time to do the things I need to do.
  There are 24 hours in a day, 162 in a week. If we do not pay attention to what we spend our time doing, it is easy to lose it without realizing it. If we do a better job at tracking and scheduling our time, we can start to use it better.
  
  Consider using the following Success Tools:
  

  • Time Audit (pdf or Qualtrics form)
    
    • Start with auditing your time to figure out what you're spending most of your time doing. The more honest you are, the better the outcome.
  • Week at a Glance (pdf or Qualtrics form)
    • After seeing where your time goes, start planning where you want your time to go. Start with the things you need to do (classes, work, personal) and adding flexible tasks in your remaining open times.
• I have trouble understanding my course content.
  Understanding content is critical for doing well in a course. The first steps are to attend class, pay attention, and be engaged. If you're doing all those things and it is still not clicking, there are people on campus ready to help.
  
  Consider using the following Success Tools:
  

  • Office Hours Tips (pdf or html)
    • Part of the instructor's role is to have time set aside for their students to come and chat with them. This time has traditionally been called Office Hours though "Student Hours" is much more accurate. Learn how to use these hours to help you succeed!
  • Tutoring Services
    • Tutoring is a great way to learn content from a peer who has taken the class before. AAC tutors know how to know just give you answers but help you actually learn what is being covered in class. Give it a try, it's free and if you don't like it you only spent an hour there.
• I don’t know how to study.
  You are not alone! Not knowing how to study is one of the biggest challenges that college students face day-to-day. The study skills you developed in high school are just not at the level you need for most college classes. Foruantely, we have some suggestions to help develop those skills.
  
  Consider using the following Success Tools:
  

  • Studying More Effectively Toolbox
    • Studying is a cycle and our Studying More Effectively walks you through each of the study steps and takes a deep dive into what exact a study session should look like! Dive into the toolbox to learn more.
  • Academic Coaching
    • An Academic Coach is exactly what it sounds like, a coach who is on the sidelines helping you be successful academically! Our coaches can help recommend different study methods, help you problem solve, and even be an accountability partner for you.
• I have an upcoming exam and I am unsure of how to prepare
  Do not let an upcoming exam scare you. With some basic steps, you can be on the path to success! When we have a plan and execute it, we can do great work and be prepared for the exam ahead of you.
  
  Consider using the following Success Tools:
  

  • Studying More Effectively Toolbox
    • Studying is a cycle and our Studying More Effectively walks you through each of the study steps and takes a deep dive into what exact a study session should look like! Dive into the toolbox to learn more.
  • Exam Study Plan (pdf or Qualtrics)
    • This one-page Tool's purpose is to help you understand what you need to spend your time studying and build a study schedule. Cramming the night before won't cut it anymore.
  • Test Taking Tips and Tricks (pdf or html)
    • Our complication of tips and tricks to remember as you go about taking an exam.
• I received a bad grade on an exam and am unsure about how to proceed
  A bad exam score does not define you as a student or a person. All of us in the AAC have failed an exam at least onece is one lives. What's important is that we use the bad grade as a learning opportunity on how to do better the next time around.
  
  Consider using the following Success Tools:
  

  • Post Test Analysis(pdf or Qualtrics form)
    • A test is a form of assessment for your instructor but also for you! After each exam, use this tool to see how you did and how you can improve for your next exam.
  • Office Hours Tips (pdf or html)
    • Part of the instructor's role is to have time set aside for their students to come and chat with them. This time has traditionally been called Office Hours though "Student Hours" is much more accurate. Learn how to use these hours to help you succeed!
  • Academic Coaching
    
    • Meet with an Academic Coach to come up with a plan on how to do better on your next exam.
• I have no energy or motivation to do anything.
  That is a really tough challenge and could be caused for many different reasons. Consider changing up your routine, practicing some self care, or getting outside for awhile. If the problems are deeper than that, there are resources on campus to help!
  
  Consider using the following Success Tools:
  

  • Lafene Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
    
    • Lafene CAPS provided a free, confidential, safe space to process anything that weighs on your mind. Whether you have a personal struggle that you want to work through, a relationship you’d like to improve, a societal issue that is causing you concern, or some other topic on your mind, their dedicated staff are here to listen and help you process anything that is having a psychological impact on you
  • Student Support and Accountability
    • Student Support and Accountability serves students experiencing challenges impacting their experience in college by providing support, resources, and overseeing student conduct related policies.

Helpful Strategies to Use:

Additional Resources: