Good Study Snacks for Fuel

1. Fruits (e.g., bananas, apples, etc.)

2. Nuts (e.g., walnuts, almonds, pistachios, etc.)

3. Fruit Yogurt

4. A good attitude to keep you going!

Good luck and have a productive day!

10 Tips for Entering High School

From the 4 years of high school that I have attended, here are 10 tips for the new Freshman.

1. High school is NOT the same as elementary school. You really should try because otherwise, you won't see results (unless you're super smart).

2. Don't tell others of your future goals. Usually you feel like you have already accomplished them, when you really haven't. **This includes friends, teachers, and guidance counselors (keep the last one in mind please)**

3. If certain courses are mandatory and you don't like them, take the easier version of the class! No university/college looks at grade 9 or 10 marks, so why not? Plus your grade 12 self will thank you 😔

4. Join clubs or organizations. You will not only make friends but you will meet grade 10s, 11s and 12's who will probably give you some helpful tips!

5. Go to class! I mean, I know high school may seem like a breeze (for many people) but it's really not; so attend class. BUT remember that skipping the day before winter break to hang out with your friends, really does NOT matter.

6. Keep in touch with your friends outside of school. Whether this means going out for Karaoke, bowling, to the movies or for food, this is necessary to keeping yourself mentally alive.

7. Life is tough, but so are you! That one test or quiz you failed doesn't matter as long as you learn from your mistake and find different study methods or even actually study 😄

8. Raise your hand and ask questions in class. While you might think others will see you as the most annoying kid in class, you will not only remember some key information, but also will have certain concepts understood and even simplified further. Plus there are MANY shy kids in class so by raising your hand, you are making many unknown accomplices as well. No seriously...I was that kid in many of my classes.

9. Talk to your teacher outside of class and make sure that they know who you are. At the end of the semester, that can make the difference of a couple percents or even the teacher's leniency while marking your exam.

10. Take part in contests. This way you also boost your confidence for things like tests, quizzes, or even exams. You also may win prizes if you place 😊...hehe I never did.

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So these are my top 10 tips for those freshmen entering high school in the following school year. Remember that balance is key and that these 4 years will pass by before you even know it!

❤🎕⁕⚘Leena⚘⁕🎕❤

Top 10 Notes to Die For

Studying is something that many of us dread. But with the right pens, and highlighters that we love, it seems like a task that can be doable and artistic in fact.

Nowadays, students are making their note sheets creative and adding visual aids that are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also informing.

Now on to the notes!

1. A breath of fresh air 😍


Picture from academia


2. I'm so into the blue theme. Aaah 💓


Picture from lit-studyblr

3. I absolutely love the calligraphy and colour here! Ah-maz-ing ❤


Picture from epiphanycafe

4. How can you even make chemistry pretty!😕 It's a chem-mystery! Get it? Okay I'll stop...


Picture from kuroristudies

5. Again stop making chemistry pretty! But seriously...I need to take notes on taking notes. These study notes are making me look like I've never written a word before.


Picture from etcstudies

6. Need to look back at this when the school year starts 😍


Picture from mildstudies

7. J'adore her writing and love the purpl-ly vibes ❣


Picture from tanniestudies

8. I don't understand a word but I love the use of sticky notes and the minimalism involved in making something so basic, so pretty!


Picture from procrastudiin

9.  I have Pilot fineliners as well! But when I write out my notes using them, they look like trash 😒


Picture from lit-studyblr.tumblr

10. Some more biology notes! Love the neutral colours 💜


Picture from sprouht-studies

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So these are my current favourite notes that I love. Keep watch for more to come ❤

❤🎕⁕⚘Leena⚘⁕🎕❤

How to Manage Life in University

We all know how hectic university is. The extracurricular activities, volunteering, jobs, lectures, practicals, and forbid I say the word 'exams'!

University is all about BALANCE. Those who are able to succeed and surpass university, often exceed in well beyond things university related.

In this blog post, I will share with you my 10 top tips in order to do well in university.

1. Have a calendar printout. The months that I have planned out my life using a calendar vs. those months that I haven't, had not only shown me academic success but also a lot less procrastination. My favourite calendar sheets are from here.

In my calendar printable, I have:

• all the parties that I need to attend,
• all the assignments/projects due in the following month,
• all the tests/quizzes/practicals/exams that are also that month, and
• birthdays/anniversaries/celebrations

By seeing all the events and tasks I need to do or study for, I'm able to see the month at a glance. This also lowers the chances of procrastination considering the fact that I am forced to see how little time I have in between each task. By putting up parties and other miscellaneous celebrations, I also have to do my tasks ahead of time or I will definitely be behind the next day.

2. Most grad schools and jobs that you apply for after university require you to show your extracurricular activities. Many people focus so much on their studies, that when fourth/fifth year comes around, and they need to apply to jobs or grad school, they realize that they are missing a whole section on their resume.

Clubs, organizations and sports teams are a great way to utilize your extracurricular activities. Most grad schools and jobs look for students that are well rounded and most universities have a wide array of extracurricular activities. You can also find many clubs that surround courses as well.

Extracurricular activities not so surprisingly help you to manage your time and also to network with other people-both things which are very important. Personally, I've also noted that extracurricular activities help me stop procrastinating and also stressing less.

3. VOLUNTEER!!

I know that university seems like a hustling and bustling place, but make sure to volunteer (especially on campus)! Volunteering is a great way to get to know people you go to university with, and also extremely self rewarding.

Most volunteer supervisors are also willing to write reference letters, and volunteering also looks ah-maz-ing on your resume. Often times, students don't want to get a job first year since they want to focus on their studies and that's a perfectly reasonable excuse, but volunteering is usually temporary and doesn't cost that much of your time!

4. Now the next tip is something that I as an introvert had to suck up to and get over...office hours. For most students, the only way they can actually get to know their professors is if they go see them in their office hours.

Office hours are a great way to get to know your professors and also ask them certain questions regarding the course material. Remember to use your TA's for the most chunk of questions as well! When professors are able to actually get to know you, they are able to write references that you might need later on for grad school or even jobs.

5. Have a planner!

Now for most students, they buy a planner and stop using it halfway through the semester. Resist that urge (I know how you all feel)!!

Most of the time, small assignments and tasks go over our heads if we don't write them down and a planner is a great way to know what tasks you have for the upcoming day, week, and months ahead of you.

6. The next tip I have for you is an absolute staple.

When you are in university, make sure to carefully plan out your year using the syllabus that's given to you for each and every course (I know it's tedious). For certain courses, this will seem like a task straight out of hell but it's a great way to be organized for the upcoming school year.

The syllabus has been a great way for me to plan out in advance which weekends I'll be staying in, and in which ones I have the freedom of going out.

7. The next way to manage university is by managing your study methods. Most people study the most effectively in the morning, and according to many sources, you also retain more information that way.

Find out if you like studying at home/residence, in the library, or that secret place where there is no one to distract you. Personally, I love certain nooks and crannies across campus and love going to the library as well to study. Remember...everyone is different in terms of how and when they study so do what works for you.

For many students, the transition from high school to university is also a drastic one. This means that certain individuals (she who shall not be named *cough cough me*) think that they can get away with procrastination *insert laughing emoji*.

Procrastination does NOT work in university for anyone, and most first year drop outs will tell you the same thing. Instead, procrastination causes anxiety and can extremely harm one's mental health. By using the methods in this blog post, you should not only effectively reduce procrastination, but also the anxiety you feel regarding school.

Another thing is sticky notes. I know this seems like an old trick of the trade (who even says that anymore...I do) but it's extremely effective. Whenever professors have a PowerPoint with Textbook page references or TA's make certain references, sticky note those pages in advance. Often times, those references will come back on your exams, and this way you don't have to scramble your 900+ page psychology textbook (I'm not joking...seriously) for that one page that you need.

Sticky notes also help keep the price of your textbook higher as no one likes a book that's all highlighted (unless it's a smart person who highlighted the textbook...)

8. Don't binge watch TV shows!! Catch up to those shows that you enjoy in the summer, so when new episodes come out, you ONLY watch those.

Also make sure to keep the amount of TV shows you watch down to 2 or 3 shows...no more *resist the urge*. This way, the maximum amount of shows you watch weekly are 3 (and this should be done in your spare time, when you are done everything)

9. Read your textbook. I know this sounds stupid but a wise teacher in grade 9 of high school once told me that, that is one of the easiest way to get good grades. Reading your textbooks in the beginning of the semester means that when you see the content the second time around, you will attain it a lot easier and more effectively.

This is also one of the easiest ways to get ahead in university. By reading in advance, you don't blank out the second time you see the content (hopefully).

10. The last tip I have for you all, is to get a job. While most people's parents nagged them to get a job, I was of the few whose parents actually did quite the opposite. My parents wanted me to focus on my studies and not be busy with a job.

Remember that everyone has to start from somewhere, and whatever job you get, is a necessity in university (make sure it's part-time though). It's okay to not get a job first year because it's better not to test the waters when you barely passed in high school (*again cough cough me*) but it's a great idea to get a job throughout the rest of your years.

A job is a great way to build up your resume, and also to get reference letters. Many times in interviews, they ask about what learning skills you learned from your previous jobs, and it's an excellent way to show off (if you had a job of course). The reference letters from your place of employment(s) can and usually are used towards grad school.

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So this is my spiel (real word...I know right :). I hope you took something from it, and if you have any additional suggestions, feel free to share them with the rest of us.

Until next time...toodles.

Ramadan

As we embark into the month of Ramadan, I wanted to share ways to increase your good deeds, as this is one of the most blessed months presented to us.

1. Read your Salah on time. I know this is quite difficult but in this month where all our good deeds are being multiplied, we should take advantage of this.

2. Read Quran.

3. Read Quran w/ meaning because many of us don't know what we are reading. Mind you, reading in Arabic is great but why not also KNOW what you are reading and actually be able to implement it (if you don't understand Arabic).

4. Talk less. Often times, we go on for hours; just wasting our own time and piling up our sins by gossiping, and backbiting. Instead, be more quiet, and if you do talk, try to mention Allah (swt) whenever you can.

5. Dress modestly. If you don't already wear the Hijab, this is the perfect time to start and get used to it--you know since Shaytan (Satan) isn't around. And if you do wear the Hijab, Ramadan is a good time to give up on those skinny jeans and tight clothes, and start the Abaya and maxi skirts since the women of hell fire will be those who were dressed yet naked in the world (you know exactly what I mean). If you already wear the Abaya, Ramadan is the best time to start the Niqab. The Niqab is the highest form of modesty, and In Sha Allah, we will all get there.

6. Memorize Juz (Saparah) 30.

7. Do Dhikr. Say: Subhanallah. Alhamdullilah. Allahu Akbar. Astagfirullah. 

8. Read Hadith. Whether it is buying an Authentic Hadith book, or reading some Authentic Hadith online, Ramadan is a good time to learn about Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)'s lifestyle, and implement it wherever and whenever we can in our own lives.

9. Don't overdo it in Iftar. I mean I know you have just went the whole day without eating or drinking anything. But that plate filled samosas, burgers, and fruit chat is not necessary. Open your fast with water and date(s). Then read Maghrib Salah. Then eat some food. This is the Sunnah. Remember to eat healthy and not be stuffed after you finish eating as this leads you to be unproductive afterwards.

10. Take small naps. If throughout the day, you feel tired or feel your fast getting to you, take a nap. But don't sleep the whole day just so you don't have to feel your fast. Ramadan is time to gain rewards and Barakah from Allah (swt) and how do you plan on doing that if you sleep from Fajr to Maghrib?

11. Break a habit. We all have sinned over the course of the year. You yourselves know what sins you have been doing, and which ones have formed into a habit. Ramadan is a perfect time to stop the habit of many sins that you are aware of. With Shaytan (Satan) locked up, we have to pray to Allah (swt) to guide us on the correct path, and not of the disbelievers or those who deserved Allah (swt)'s anger (Surah Fatiha-Ayah 6-7).

12. Read Taraweeh. I know that it isn't mandatory but why not gain the extra rewards just for the sake of pleasing Allah (swt). Anyways, we all know that the time is better spend pleasing Allah (swt) and reading Taraweeh than indulging in the worldly life.

13. Give Zakat (charity). In a month where our good deeds are multiplied exponentially practically, we should try giving some Zakat everyday. On top of it, we should give money also on the odd number nights on the last 10 days of Ramadan since the night of Laylatul Qadr can fall upon any of these days. 

The night of Decree (Laylatul Qadr) is better 1000 months combined (Quran 97:3). So please brothers and sisters, let's spend the last 10 odd even nights in worship and asking Allah (swt) to help us gain the Akhirah, and to forgive us of any sins that we have accumulated over the years.

Also read this Dua in the last 10 nights of Ramadan continuously:

اَللَّهُمَّ اِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ ، تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي (Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun, tuhibbul-'afwa, fa'fu 'anni)

"O Allah, You are Most Forgiving, and You love forgiveness; so forgive me"

14. Give up on foul language. Now I know that this is a hard thing for many of us, but swearing isn't a light deed, and it ruins our character and Haya, so please brothers and sisters, give up on foul language and learn to control your Nafs. 

15. Read Duas.

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Okay so that's the list of 15 things that you should do in the month of Ramadan. There obviously are many many more but these are ones that I could think of. If you know of other things that you could also do, then please comment it down below. Any who, Ramadan Mubarrak!

10 Study/Inspirational Quotes

It's the middle of the school year, and you want to find motivation to do your homework or study for a test... but it's no where to be found.

In this post, I will share my top 10 favorite quotes of all time (and yes I do find these on Google ;').

1. "Push yourself because, no one else is going to do it for you."


2. A bit of a motivational paragraph for when you want to "officially give up" (don't know how many times I have said that myself).



3. You're not alone.



4. Maybe this isn't a quote, but for people taking calculus, you feel my pain!



5. Thank you Eleanor but Physics is an exception. Trust me *sigh*.



6. Anyone else relate?



7. My Desktop screensaver to remind myself how true this is. Tomorrow is a magical place where we leave everything to do.



8. Even I have nothing to say about this. Life sometimes throws you watermelons, but if you want to achieve things that really matter to you, you WILL find a way, despite the hardships that will come along the way.



9. My new motto!



10. Michael Jordan is talking about homework here guys ;')!



11. (because some of them weren't exactly quotes) I needed this post because physics and calculus homework makes me stop EVERYTHING I'm doing (even things that I CAN do).




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So these are my Top 10 11 Study/Inspirational Quotes that I like to look at when I am studying and feel like giving up everything. There have been so many times that I have stopped, when it would have been that extra step that would have let me cross the finish line!

Hope these all helped! If you have any good quotes, feel free to share in the comments to inspire others as well, and if you enjoyed these quotes feel free to share this post with others!

My Top 10 Stationery Supplies

Since I started this school year, I have wanted to start fresh, and what better way to start off the year, but by buying stationery supplies!

Many people have heard of brands like Muji (which is based off in Tokyo, Japan), Staedtler (which is based off in Germany), Zebra, and Uniball. So in this post, I will share with you stationery that I have tried and enjoyed, and didn't try but have heard others enjoy. I'll also share links to where you can buy the product from.

1. Pilot Juice Pens 0.38mm
Click Here to Buy



These pens are great for savvy stationery buyers that need a color fix. With a nice array of colors, and ink that doesn't skip every two words, Pilot Juice is perfect for you!

2. Staedtler Triplus Fineliner Pens 20 Pack
Click Here to Buy





I bought these pens for around $20 from Ebay and absolutely loved the leather casing that it came in (bought the 2nd picture). My only complaint is that these pens definitely aren't meant to be used for long-term notes. It's good if you need to write a paragraph or two a day, but if you use them for more than that, then the quality lessens pretty quickly.

Overall there is a lot of variety of color, and they still are pretty awesome pens!

3. Zebra Mildliner
Click Here to Buy



I have heard great reviews from this brand but some people have the issue with the highlighters bleeding, but I guess that also depends on paper quality. Each highlighter has a nice felt tip pen at the other end as well, so you do get 2 for 1!

At the moment, I don't own these because they aren't in my budget but I'm hoping to have them for next year!

4. Muji Pens 12 Pack 0.38
Click Here to Buy


Now this is the new cool thing around the stationery market, and it isn't just because of the company's minimalist packaging that these gel pens are selling like hot cakes; it's also the actual quality of the pen.

Personally when I had saved up some money, Muji pens were the first thing that I bought, and I had no regrets at the time of purchase or when I actually received them!

5. Pilot G-2 0.38 Black Pen
Click Here to Buy


Now all the Studyblr's on Instagram are raving over this simplistic product. It's a simple black pen, but it's always a staple within the office, pencil case, or even at home. Great to buy in bulk, as we all know that black pens run out pretty quickly!

6. Tombow Dual Brush Pen Art Markers
Click Here to Buy Pink Packaging Brush Pens
Click Here to Buy Red Packaging Brush Pens


These pens are perfect for those who want a wide variety of brush pens to draw and color with, but also for calligraphy purposes as that's what everyone uses them for nowadays. These also are on my Wish List, and I hope to have at least one pack for next year!

7. Paper Mate Flair Tip Pens 16 pack, Medium Point
Click Here to Buy


These pens are great felt tip pens. The only concern I had while using them were that they weren't meant for long notes as the tip became more blunt quickly. The quality of the pens lasted a lot longer if you didn't use them for long periods of time. But pretty good overall!

8. Paper Mate Inkjoy Gel Pens 14 Pack, Medium Point
Click Here to Buy


These pens are also easily found at Walmart at times and they are perfect for people who like taking long notes. I do own certain colors in this collection, and I can easily say that they will definitely be bought again next year!

9. Zebra M301 Mechanical Pencil 2 Pack
Click Here to Buy


Now I actually own this pencil, and after losing mine 4 years ago and finding a pack of two at Staples, I was extremely happy.

With writing that comes out consistent, neat, and the overall aesthetic of the pencil, this definitely is a staple in my pencil case! Not only that, but the lead pencils are also quite affordable with great quality!

10. Staedtler Eraser
Click Here to Buy


Now I know many people know of the Classic Staedtler eraser, but for those who don't know of it, this is definitely needed in your pencil case. Not only is the quality great, but it's perfect for the value that it's sold for. Plus it is easily found at Walmart or at stationery stores!


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Now these are my top 10 stationery supplies. Most I have bought and some I still have yet to buy but overall my love for stationery will hopefully never disappear.

Please comment your favorite stationery supplies so I along with others can take a look at them!

**NOTE: pictures aren't mine; I'm not that good of a good photographer**