/R E P E A T -- George Brown College's Top 10 Tips for Students to Keep Their New Year's Resolutions/
TORONTO, Dec. 20, 2012 /CNW/ - Making New Year's resolutions is the easy part. But sticking with them throughout the year can be tough. Here's a list of common student resolutions and tips from student experience experts at George Brown College on how to make them stick.
- Improve Your Grades - Every college has student support and tutoring services available to help manage academics. The Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) Centre at George Brown College, for example, provides study tips, hosts workshops and offers free drop-in services to help students discover their learning style. Also consider joining (or starting!) a study group with classmates.
- Get More Sleep - Increasing the amount and quality of sleep you get can be as easy as exercising more and getting rid of afternoon naps. Not only will you feel better and be more alert for early classes, but you'll also help curb addictions to energy drinks and coffee.
- Be More Health Conscious - Take advantage of your school's fitness facilities. Fees tend to be low, or already included in student benefits. Family physicians can also be a great resource to help students identify a fitness/nutrition plan that works best for their lifestyle.
- Broaden Your Horizons - A great college experience is about finding balance. Of course, studying hard, excelling in your courses and gaining workplace-ready skills is essential. But it is also important to make friends, experience new things and have fun. Seek out opportunities to get involved through student leadership programs, athletics, clubs or student associations, which can contribute to a rewarding and unique college experience.
- Money Matters: Find Financial Stability - Financial resources shouldn't be a barrier to education. That's why colleges provide financial assistance resources to help students pay for their education. Create a reasonable budget for each month, considering everything from tuition and textbooks to entertainment, food and savings. Apply for scholarships, awards and bursaries that can help subsidize education endeavours. Students should also review their finances annually and set achievable goals for the year. Ask a final-year business student for help if you want on-going assistance. Don't just make a budget - stick to it.
- Get a Part-time Job - Contact your school's career services office for information about part-time work on campus. They often provide networking events, resources for finding jobs, interview skills counselling and training in the "soft skills" employers value (such as customer service and communication). It's also a good idea to start looking for a summer internship/co-op placement now so you can relax later in the semester when you're busy with term papers and exams, and have less time to devote to a summer job search.
- Learn New Skills - Take an elective course, or find a club with like-minded individuals to enjoy new experiences and develop new skills. For those who have left school behind them, George Brown College offers continuing education courses in 200 subject areas. Find classes to indulge your love of learning, expand your skills or sample different types of job activities.
- Find Balance - Schedule time for study, fitness and entertainment. A little fun and a lot of balance will help you feel energized and less stressed, and you'll be less likely to procrastinate.
- Volunteer - Not only does it feel great to contribute to your community, but volunteering also looks great on a resume. Look for opportunities to donate your time and talents through your student association or student services office. Some colleges even plan group community service activities for student volunteers, so you can make new friends in the process.
- Make Plans for the Future - While in college, you're constantly making major decisions that will have an impact on your future, as you plan for further education, apply for jobs and evaluate relationships. It can feel overwhelming. Try focusing on one decision at a time, researching and evaluating your options to make informed decisions. Student support and advising are often provided by colleges, so take advantage of the experts at your disposal and plan for your next life stage.
"Attending college is about more than going to class and studying, it's about gaining the skills needed to land a job, establish a successful career and maintain a positive lifestyle," says Karen Thomson, Vice President, Marketing and Strategic Enrolment Management, George Brown College. "One of those critical skills is learning how to set goals and meet expectations. Setting achievable New Year's resolutions and keeping them is a perfect way for students to begin developing that skill."
About George Brown College
Toronto's George Brown College has established a reputation for equipping students with the skills, industry experience and credentials to pursue the careers of their choice. The college offers programs from its three main campuses located across the downtown core, including its newest location at the Toronto waterfront, which opened in September 2012. George Brown offers 148 full-time programs and 1,600 continuing education courses across a wide variety of professions to a student body of approximately 64,000 (including those enrolled in full-time, part-time and continuing education programs). Students can earn diplomas, post-graduate certificates, industry accreditations, apprenticeships and four-year bachelor degrees. www.georgebrowncollege.ca
SOURCE: George Brown College
For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Jodi Salem
George Brown College
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Office: 416.415.5000 ext.3767
Cell: 647.296.5634
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