Why Every Student Should Attend A Virtual Study Hub

Self-motivation is arguably the most important aspect of a student's life. In university, no one will force you to attend classes or complete your assignments. Thus, the required willpower, resilience and self-discipline all have to originate from you.

But...what happens when you start to fall behind? Nothing quite brings on a feeling of helplessness like watching heaps of assignments pile up, as you struggle to find the motivation to complete them.

Personally, I started off the fall semester of 2020 strongly, thanks to my handy agenda which helped me keep track of assignments and develop a study plan for tests and exams. However, now that we're in the final stretch of the term, I'm finding myself falling prey to the pesky procrastination bug.

As a result, I decided to sign up for and attend two virtual study hub sessions. I signed up through the University of Toronto's CLNX website and promptly received a confirmation link to the zoom meeting, as well as a worksheet to help me set the goals I wanted to accomplish during the study session.

Students are encouraged to make a SMART goal or a goal that is specific, measurable, achievable, rewarded and timely. Initially, I was nervous about how much I could accomplish in one session, so I made sure to set a goal that I knew was achievable: translate my Spanish notes into English.

Before attending, I genuinely doubted the effectiveness of a virtual study hub. I had previously viewed virtual study hubs as a "last resort" that I would lean on if I found myself lacking the self-discipline to accomplish assignments.

However, now, having attended two sessions, I regret not having attended virtual study hubs more consistently throughout the semester. For me, attending a virtual study hub was nearly as effective as studying with friends in the library or at a coffee shop. The simple act of studying nearby other people (who are also studying) really zapped my brain back into motivation mode. I found myself accomplishing more within the two-hour period, than I'd accomplished in my previous study sessions alone in my apartment.

Don't Be Afraid To Set Bigger Goals

By the end of the first hour of my first study hub session, I was nearly done translating my Spanish notes. Consequently, I made sure to set a bigger goal when I attended my second virtual study hub. I've found that creating achievable but large goals actually motivated me more to try and accomplish all that I could within the two short hours.

If you're like me and you enjoy challenges, feel free to set yourself a lofty goal and work hard to accomplish it. While you may not complete everything you planned to, you'll likely complete a whole lot more than you would have during a regular study session.

Warning: Don't Be Late!

Due to a previous commitment, I had to arrive late to the second study hub session, and as a result, I found it much less helpful than the first session. If you arrive late, you'll miss the introductory part of the zoom meeting where the peer mentor allows you to set goals for yourself and decide what you want to achieve during the study session.