Welcome to Week 2! This week, you’ll explore how your background and personal journey have shaped you into the person you are now, as well as your goals and aspirations for the future. Through the metaphor of an orange tree, you’ll consider your roots, your current self, and the ways you’re growing (or would like to grow).
You’ll also be discussing the topic of time management, along with strategies for keeping up with your classwork and other responsibilities. Below, we’ve curated some additional resources on the topic of time management, including a selection of videos, and some recommended apps and techniques for staying focused while studying.
On campus, there is a Tree of 40 Fruits (Sam Vanaken Tree of 40 Fruit) where 40 different types of trees were grafted together. This installation of this tree on Syracuse’s campus was dedicated during a 2011 University 9/11 remembrance event as a symbol of acceptance and dialogue across difference (Tree of 40 Fruit Story). Much like this tree, our “My Orange Tree” activities symbolize the very differences we bring to the community to enhance a university welcoming to all.
The Student Involvement Fair is an event where RSOs (Registered Student Organizations) can showcase their involvement on campus and connect with new potential members. It is also a great opportunity for incoming students to get a better sense for what kind of student organizations and clubs are available for you to join!
The Fall 2025 Involvement Fair will be held on the Kenneth A. Shaw Quadrangle (Quad) on Tuesday, Sept. 9, Wednesday, Sept. 10, and Thursday, Sept. 11, from 11 am-2 pm.
Students can attend all three days to explore available clubs, speak with organization leaders about joining an RSO, and discover campus resources at our Campus Partners’ tables.
The video below from Crash Course gives tips and tricks to improving your time management skills, especially as you adjust to your new college lifestyle. The video is 11 minutes long and has English subtitles.
The video below from TED-Ed explains how even computers can get confused and overwhelmed by the amount of tasks given to them, and offers advice and solutions for managing your time. The video is about 5 minutes long and has English subtitles.
Bullet journaling is a popular way of keeping track of your thoughts, tasks, and time. The video below offers an introductory view into starting bullet journaling. The video is just over four minutes long and has English subtitles.
These are some tried and true methods and suggested aids in helping you study in college!
The Pomodoro Technique is good for having set focus times and setting aside time for breaks. This video details some tips and tricks for effectively using the Pomodoro Technique.
Image from University of Pittsburgh's Dietrich Arts and Sciences school.
Focus Keeper is a digital Pomodoro timer that allows you to set total study times, break times, and daily goals with trackers. There is a mobile app option and a website for Focus Keeper.
Body Doubling, also known as parallel working, is a way of holding yourself and the people you're studying with accountable and on task. It is often considered helpful for those with ADHD, but can be useful for anyone!
Flora is an app designed to keep you off of your phone during focus sessions. The app also features to-do lists and for an optional fee, each successful focus session plants a tree in the real world!