Hey guys! Ever wondered what it's really like to juggle textbooks, lab coats, and maybe, just maybe, a social life while studying engineering? Well, buckle up because I'm taking you behind the scenes of my engenharia (engineering) faculdade (college) experience in this study vlog! Forget those perfectly curated, hyper-productive study-with-me videos. This is real life, folks – complete with caffeine crashes, last-minute problem set panics, and the occasional triumphant moment of finally understanding that one incredibly confusing concept.

A Glimpse into My Engenharia Routine

So, what does a typical day look like? For me, it all starts way too early. Picture this: the alarm blares at 6:00 AM (yes, really), and after hitting snooze approximately five times, I drag myself out of bed. Coffee is non-negotiable. Seriously, it's practically a prerequisite for getting an engineering degree. After fueling up, it's time to review my schedule for the day. Usually, it's a mix of lectures, labs, and dreaded problem sets. The lecture topics can range from calculus to physics and sometimes include coding. In my opinion, lectures are the most important part of my study sessions because they are the building block for all of my other school work. They are also a great time to ask for help from professors, who are obligated to answer your questions during this time. After lectures, it is very important to review notes so that you can fill in any potential gaps you may have.

First up, it's usually a calculus lecture. Now, I'm not going to lie, calculus can be a beast. But it's also fundamental to so much of what we do in engineering, so there's no escaping it. I try to actively participate in class, ask questions when I'm confused (which is often), and take meticulous notes. After calculus, it's off to physics lab. This is where we get to put the theory into practice, conducting experiments, analyzing data, and trying not to blow anything up. Okay, maybe that last part is just me, but you get the idea. Lab work can be challenging but it's also incredibly rewarding. There is nothing like figuring out a difficult problem as a team in the lab. It really gives you a sense of accomplishment. After lab work, it is a good time to go back and look over the lectures to ensure that you have not missed anything important. Going over the lecture notes immediately after the lecture can help solidify the information in your brain and give you a better understanding of what was taught. Solidifying the material is especially helpful when you are doing difficult lab work so that you can apply concepts learned in the lecture to the lab.

Then comes the afternoon. This is prime problem set time. If you're not familiar with engineering problem sets, let me paint you a picture. Imagine a collection of incredibly difficult questions designed to test your understanding of the material. Now, imagine spending hours wrestling with these problems, only to realize you've been going about it completely wrong the entire time. Yeah, it's like that. But, as frustrating as they can be, problem sets are also a crucial part of the learning process. They force you to think critically, apply what you've learned, and develop your problem-solving skills. Plus, there's no better feeling than finally cracking a tough problem after hours of struggling. When you are struggling with a problem set, it can be beneficial to ask a professor or classmate for help so that you can get an alternate perspective on the problem. There are also online resources that can help you solve problems if you do not have anyone to turn to, such as Chegg. After working through problems sets, it is important to get a good night's rest so that you can be prepared for the next day of lectures and labs.

Evenings are usually reserved for catching up on readings, working on projects, or, if I'm lucky, squeezing in some time for myself. It's important to find a balance between academics and personal life, even when you're studying something as demanding as engineering. It's also a great time to get some exercise so that you do not burn out. If you burn out, you will likely not want to continue studying engenharia. So it is important to find time for activities that you enjoy so that you stay on track.

The Highs and Lows of Engenharia

Let's be real, studying engineering isn't all sunshine and rainbows. There are definitely days when I feel overwhelmed, stressed, and question my life choices. Like that time I spent an entire night debugging code, only to discover I had a semicolon in the wrong place. Epic facepalm. Or the time I completely bombed a midterm because I misread the instructions. Don't even get me started. However, there are also moments of pure exhilaration. The feeling of finally understanding a complex concept, the satisfaction of building something with your own hands, the camaraderie of working with a team to solve a challenging problem. These are the moments that make it all worthwhile. Remember, it is important to stay positive and realize that everyone makes mistakes. If you have a positive attitude, it is likely you will stay on track and want to continue in the field. This is why is it critical to have a good balance between your social life and academics. If you do not have a solid support system in place, it may be more difficult to succeed and be positive throughout your journey.

One of the biggest challenges is definitely the sheer workload. There's always something to be working on, whether it's reading, problem sets, projects, or lab reports. It can be tough to stay on top of everything and avoid falling behind. That's where time management comes in. Learning to prioritize tasks, break them down into smaller, more manageable chunks, and avoid procrastination are essential skills for surviving engineering faculdade. When you feel overwhelmed, sometimes the best thing you can do is talk to a professional counselor or a trusted friend. Talking to someone can help you clear your head and allow you to put things into perspective. Once you have put things into perspective, it will be easier to manage your time and stay on track.

Another challenge is the constant pressure to perform. Engineering is a competitive field, and it can feel like you're always being judged and compared to your peers. It's important to remember that everyone learns at their own pace, and that comparing yourself to others is a recipe for unhappiness. Focus on your own progress, celebrate your successes, and don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Also, remember that it is important to get enough sleep so that you are able to perform optimally. Without adequate sleep, it will be hard to stay focused and learn new concepts. Therefore, it is just as important to manage your sleep schedule as it is to manage your school schedule.

But it's not all bad! One of the best things about studying engineering is the opportunity to work on amazing projects. In my courses, I have the chance to design and build robots, program microcontrollers, and develop software applications. It's incredibly rewarding to see your ideas come to life and to create something that solves a real-world problem. Also, being able to work on collaborative projects with peers is something that I value a lot. Learning to work with others is a really important skill in life, and it will really help you succeed in your career one day. Also, working with people who have different skillsets can teach you new things and give you a better understanding of how to solve problems.

Tips for Aspiring Engenheiros

So, what advice would I give to someone who's considering studying engineering? First and foremost, be prepared to work hard. Engineering is not for the faint of heart. It requires dedication, perseverance, and a willingness to put in the hours. Secondly, don't be afraid to ask for help. There are plenty of resources available, from professors and TAs to classmates and online forums. Don't struggle in silence. Thirdly, find a study group. Working with others can make the learning process more enjoyable and help you stay motivated. Fourthly, take care of yourself. Get enough sleep, eat healthy, and find time for activities you enjoy. Burnout is a real thing, so it's important to prioritize your well-being. Fifth, stay positive and always remember why you chose engineering in the first place. If you stay passionate and remind yourself what your goals are, it will be easier to persist when challenges arise. Also, do not forget that it is okay to change your mind if you decide that engenharia is not for you. The most important thing is that you are happy with what you are doing and are on a path toward a successful and fulfilling future.

Final Thoughts

Studying engenharia is definitely a challenging but also rewarding experience. It's not always easy, but it's definitely worth it. I hope this study vlog has given you a glimpse into my life as an engineering student and inspired you to pursue your own dreams. And to my fellow engenheiros out there, keep up the great work! We got this!