Hey K-Campers,

Happy 2025! Wishing you all an incredible year ahead, filled with success, academic achievements, and personal growth. As we step into another academic year, I thought it would be helpful to reflect on my own experiences from 2024.

I am Diana Zhanakulova, a senior student at Solbridge Business School and over the past year, I’ve learned valuable lessons—both through successes and mistakes. With that in mind, I want to share my “Do’s and Don’ts” to help you navigate this year more smoothly and avoid some of the common pitfalls I encountered.

Do’s:

1. Always take a picture of your class. Whether it’s online or offline. This may sound creepy, but trust me, it’s important. There were moments when attendance errors occurred in the system, and I had no way to prove my presence except by showing a picture of the class. Whether it’s an in-person lecture or a Zoom class, snapping a quick photo can save you from unnecessary headaches later. Think of it as a backup plan—it takes seconds but could make a big difference!
2. Take notes during the lecture, even if you don’t feel like it. I’ve learned the hard way that postponing note-taking never ends well. I used to think, “I’ll write these notes at home when I have more time,” but that moment rarely came. Even if you’re tired or don’t have an iPad for digital notes, jotting things down in a notebook or using your laptop is far better than relying on your memory. The information is freshest during the lecture, so take advantage of that moment.
3. Start preparing for exams early—at least two weeks in advance. We’ve all been there—staying up all night cramming the day before an exam. While this strategy might help you scrape by, it’s not sustainable or effective. I’ve found that giving myself a two-week head start works best. It allows you to break down your study material into manageable chunks, reducing stress and boosting your confidence on exam day. Trust me, nothing beats walking into an exam well-prepared!
4. Stay organized with a planner or digital calendar. Managing your time effectively is half the battle in college. Between assignments, exams, group projects, and extracurricular activities, it’s easy to lose track of deadlines. Keeping a planner—or using apps like Google Calendar or Notes App—helps you stay on top of everything. This simple habit can prevent last-minute stress and missed deadlines.
5. Ask for feedback on your work. Whether it’s a paper, presentation, or project, asking for feedback from professors or peers can help you improve. Even if the feedback isn’t mandatory, seeking it shows initiative and helps you understand where you can do better. I noticed that professors appreciate students who are genuinely interested in learning, and this can sometimes reflect positively in your final grade.                                                                                                        

Pro tip: professors love students who ask for feedback)