Semester in Review: How Much I Actually Studied

:black_nib: Well it’s the end of the year again. You know what that means: time to get introspective. And now I can finally say I’ve finished my first semester of university!

:black_nib: Currently I’m studying physics, which is quite a difficult subject, but intensely interesting. Unfortunately I had a lot exams this semester, which wasn’t quite as fun.

:black_nib: Today’s blog is a general overview of my last three months. I think every student wonders at some point - how much should I actually be studying?

:black_nib: The true answer is: it depends on who you are. This post reflects my own studying style and learning pace. You may need to study more or less.

:black_nib: I ask that you not compare yourself. This is more of a useful yard stick for students wondering about the workload in university for a STEM major.

Number of Modules: 6

Time Period: 12 Weeks

Breaks: One bank holiday and a reading week before finals

Finals: 5 modules

Mid: 8 in total

Group Projects: 1

  Calculus

Difficulty: Low-Medium

Weekly Workload: 4-5 hours

  Numbers

Difficulty: Medium

Weekly Workload: 2 hours

  Quanta

Difficulty: Hard

Weekly Workload: 0 (as in nothing was assigned, but I still studied regardless)

  Statistics

Difficulty: Low

Weekly Workload: 3-4 hours

  Astronomy

Difficulty: Low

Weekly Workload: 0 (same as quanta)

  Group Research Project

Difficulty: Low

Weekly Workload: 3 hours

  (in hours)

 

● ● ◐ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ 25% ~ 83:50

Calculus

● ● ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ 19% ~ 65:20

Numbers

● ◐ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ 16% ~ 54:59

Quanta

● ◐ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ 15% ~ 49:52

Astronomy

● ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ 11% ~ 38:21

Statistics

● ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ 11% ~ 35:34

Group Science Project

◐ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ 3% ~10:00

Exams

● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● 100% ~ 337:58

Total

 

:black_nib: On average I studied about 18-20 hours a week and for the 3 weeks of exams (including the reading week) I studied for about 40 hours per week.

:black_nib: Honestly after talking to some of my friends and fellow students, I got the impression that I tend to study more than my peers. This probably sounds excessive, but I should say that I don’t have a job. Studying is basically my life.

:black_nib: I scored over 90% on five of my mid, between 80-90% on two, and 60% on one.

:black_nib: While the results aren’t in on finals yet, I’ve been keeping track of how much I need for an A+ in every subject.

:black_nib: Best case scenario I leave with a 4.13/4.2 GPA.

:black_nib: Worst case scenario I leave with a 4/4.2 GPA.

:black_nib: I feel quite proud of my first semester. There were a few rocky bits and many late nights but I learned so much. Next semester I know I will definitely study as a wiser student.

:black_nib: Lastly I should say that the app I use is called “Easy Study” but next year I’m planning to use Forest because it’s more aesthetically pleasing. That way when I do a semester in review I can post a bunch of lovely trees🥰

  Alright enjoy the end of year break everyone!

  I know I will! Time to sleep ;D