Last Saturday was the official start of my university module! While I have failed at getting ahead as much as I wanted, I finished the first week quite quickly, as it was only an introduction to the module, which means that I am now ever so slightly ahead after all. Week 2 starts on the 10th, but this morning I decided to get started on that and have a cosy study session.
I have to admit, I am struggling a little bit to get into the study mood again. While my desk and computer have been set up weeks ago, it still feels a bit empty and it doesn’t quite feel right just yet. I plan to decorate my desk/computer nook a bit more and make it a bit more “me”, but for now I feel like I just have to get used to the space and new environment.
While my degree is in English Literature and Creative Writing, the modules for stage 1 are very diverse and cover multiple topics within the arts and humanities. The module I am studying currently is called “Cultures”, and covers Classical Studies, Art History, English Literature, and Creative Writing. Starting with Classical Studies, week 2 of the module is called “Placing ancient Cultures”, and is all about ancient Athens. My first TMA (Tutor Marked Assignment) is a 1200 word essay about the study of the Athenian Agora, and what it can tell us about the culture and values of ancient Greece. While it’s not my favourite subject/topic of all time, I am enjoying it so far.
I started this morning by having a look at my first TMA/essay so I could write down the question and focus on that whilst studying the first chapter. I find that this always helps me focus a bit better. After that I started up a game, which sounds counter productive, but this game actually helps me focus whilst sitting at my desk! It’s called Spirit City: Lofi Sessions, and it’s basically a cosy game to help you focus on whatever you want to get done. You make your own character, and you can decorate your rooms, turn on specific background sounds like rain, thunder, a fireplace and so on, and it plays lofi music. I will admit, I am not always in the mood for lofi, so every so often I turn off the music and choose my own list. The game has little to-do lists, a journal, a pomodoro timer, and a habit tracker, and it’s honestly so useful and has really gotten me through my first module a couple of years ago.
I love using the pomodoro timer in the game, because I’ve discovered that this study technique really does wonders for my brain. I usually do a 25 minute study session with a short 5 minute, and a longer break of 20 minutes. During the short breaks I almost always choose to grab a book and read for 5 minutes, and during the longer break I make a cup of tea, have something to eat, stretch a bit, or do some quick household chores.
Anyway, I have just finished my study session for today, and will be moving into the living room now to play some Stardew Valley or Animal Crossing until it’s time to make dinner, which will be early today as the husband is on night shifts.
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