Spring to Success: Academic Resources, Writing Support & Time Management

The edge of Lake Ontario in early spring, with rocks and grass at the front, an apartment building on the left, and trees on the right

As spring picks up and we reach the end of the school year, it’s important to stay motivated towards academic success. From effective study methods to optimizing your schedule, and tapping into the resources at Queen’s University, let’s embark on a journey towards academic excellence this spring. By embracing the support and guidance offered by faculty advisors and other resources available to us, we can navigate the challenges of the semester with confidence and resilience.

Graduate students at Queen’s University benefit from specialized support structures designed to facilitate our academic journey. Queen’s Graduate Supervision Policy ensures clarity in expectations for both students and supervisors, fostering effective academic progress. Additionally, the SGSPA offers tailored resources for graduate students, such as the Thesis and Dissertation Showcase page, which features exemplary dissertations in various formats. This platform can serve as a valuable reference point during research discussions between students and supervisors, enhancing collaborative efforts and promoting academic excellence.

In addition to these resources, we can also benefit from the Student Academic Success Services, located at Stauffer Library. They offer professional writing and learning support, including general and discipline-specific academic skills workshops, as well as English as a Second Language (ESL) support. Some of the topics covered in these workshops include time management, note-taking strategies, effective study techniques, and academic writing skills. In particular, the Grad Writing Lab offers graduate students a structured online space to support writing progress and foster a sense of community. Through this writing lab, you’ll have access to resources as well as the option to receive feedback from professional academic skills or writing professionals, helping to increase accountability while working on your thesis or final assignments.

Balancing academic commitments with maintaining physical and mental well-being is essential to thrive. Student Wellness Services provides confidential health and wellness support, including mental health care, accommodation planning for students with disabilities, and peer-led health promotion activities. Prioritizing mental health—such as through counselling services or group sessions—is crucial for managing stress effectively. Furthermore, engaging in recreational activities through Athletics and Recreation promotes a balanced lifestyle. The Athletics and Recreation Centre (ARC) offers various fitness programs and intramurals, enabling us to fulfill our weekly recommended 150 minutes of physical activity. We can also attend Gaels regular home season games for free!

By leveraging resources available at Queen’s University, we can empower ourselves to overcome academic challenges and flourish. It’s also important to maintain our well-being by seeking support from Student Wellness Services and engaging in recreational activities through Athletics and Recreation. With determination, balance, and a commitment to our academic and personal growth, we can navigate the remainder of the semester with confidence and success.