Prepare for Back to School with a Student Checklist

There are many things you can do to prepare yourself to go back to school. Whether you're heading to college for the first time, or are heading back after the holiday break, this short student checklist will make the transition easier.

• Get all the school supplies you'll need such as textbooks, notebooks, folders, a laptop, pens and pencils, and an agenda to make note of all major assignments and tests.

• To get back into the academic frame of mind, read current events and articles related to your program of study. It'll help you gain a broader understanding of your course material.
• If your technical skills are not up to par, consider taking online tutorials or practicing after class.
• Make sure you have a working email address, as many professors prefer to communicate this way. It'll also help for when you sign up to join the school's online communities like Facebook and Twitter.
• Set realistic short-term and long-term goals and expectations.
• Introduce yourself and swap email and/or phone number information with one or two other students in the event you miss class and need a homework assignment or have questions about the course materials.

Now that you're back in school, it's the perfect time to get organized and make the most of your program. What are your tips for getting back into a school frame of mind? Share them with us on Facebook!

January 2011 Newsletter

Why You Should Head Back to School

There are many reasons for going back to school. It's a tough decision, but often it starts with setting goals - picturing where you want to be in a few years' time.

Do you see yourself in a better job, getting a promotion or making more money? These are just some of the reasons why people choose to go back to school and gain a solid education at CDI College.

In as little as one year, you can gain confidence using computers, learn new leadership and team building skills, and put yourself in a position to get a promotion or move into your dream job.

If moving into another department or shifting industries is something you desire, the challenges you'll face in school will provide you with the skills needed for a smooth transition into real-world situations.

And don't forget the connections you make with peers, teachers and leaders in the industry - all of whom want to work with and hire self-starters like you. Be confident in your choice to head back to school and let CDI College help you achieve your goals.

Study Tips

If you've been out of school for any length of time, getting back into the habit of studying can be a challenge.  The study tips below should help you to develop the skills you need to succeed in school.

How to Study Focus on one subject at a time and learn general concepts before studying details. Be sure to take frequent breaks. Read course material in twenty to thirty minute intervals to maximize retention. 

When to Study Try studying in the morning or afternoon, rather than the evening because you may fall asleep during your study session. For midterms and finals, space study sessions over several weeks. Cramming the night before an exam is not effective because the material will only stay in your short-term memory.

Where to Study Find a quiet and comfortable place with sufficient lighting to study and keep lecture notes, textbooks, and study guides within an arm's reach.

Do you have a story idea or question you'd like answered in next month's newsletter? Send along your ideas or questions to stories@cdicollege.ca!

January 2011 Newsletter

December Food Bank Collection Update

During the month of December, staff and students at CDI College campuses across the country raised food and money for their local food banks. While many campuses had a successful food drive, one city exceeded even their own expectations, raising more than 3,000 lbs of food!

Staff and students in Winnipeg can all give themselves a pat on the back for their extraordinary efforts. Winnipeg Harvest was the recipient of 3,503 lbs of food, which will help families in need throughout the city.

Other campuses that rose to the occasion were Edmonton North who raised $590 in cash, as well as donations of non-perishable goods for their local food bank, and staff and students in Richmond participated in a friendly competition between classes, with the Legal Administrative Assistant students bringing in the most.

Thanks to everyone who participated - it's your generosity and spirit that makes CDI College a real community!