You have a huge number of commitments and responsibilities as a student, ranging from classes and extracurriculars to staying in touch with family members and friends. Nonetheless, it’s important to look beyond your own life at times and find out what’s happening in the wider world. If your major is related to current events, this is even more important. Here are several tactics you can use to make sure you stay informed.
1. Listen to Podcasts
Experiment with a few news podcasts until you find one that resonates with you. It could be a daily or a weekly release. Listen during your morning routine, while walking between classes, or when you come home and need a break before you make a start on your homework.
2. Subscribe to an Email Newsletter
If you prefer to read the news than to listen, subscribe to a newsletter from a news outlet. This will give you the headlines along with a brief summary of the most important stories of the day. You can click on any articles you find particularly interesting to read more.
3. Use Social Media
Follow reputable news outlets and journalists on your favourite social media platforms. This will help you find out about current events when you’re not actively seeking out news. It’s worth choosing some objective outlets as well as some more opinionated sources to gain different perspectives.
4. Download a News App
The problem with social media is you may become distracted by non-news stories and not learn much about current events. For this reason, it can be helpful to also have a news app on your phone. Try to get into the habit of opening this app whenever you have nothing to do. Scrolling through the headlines will be a better use of your time than looking at social media posts.
5. Set Up Google Alerts
Make sure you stay up to date on any issues and topics you care about by signing up for Google Alerts. You may find this useful for keeping informed about issues that are happening in the field you want to enter after you graduate.
6. Read Uplifting News
Sometimes, it can feel like all the news is doom and gloom. However, there are always uplifting stories — you just need to know where to find them. Bookmark a website that only publishes good news and go there whenever you need a mood booster.
Talking about current events with other people will teach you far more than just reading news articles. Plus, you’ll find out about news stories you may have otherwise missed. Some of the best people to talk about current events with are other students, such as those who live in the same housing as you. There’s a vibrant community at Foundry First — our London, Ontario, apartments for students are ideal for meeting new people and socializing with friends. In addition to the living room in your fully-furnished apartment, you’ll be able to hang out in common areas like the lounge, fitness center, and study rooms. Apply now, while there are still a few rooms available.
