With midterms coming up quickly, it’s hard to balance all the essays, tests and projects that are thrown at us college students. But a few helpful tips can make all the difference when preparing for a big test!
1. Find a Study Spot
It’s important to find a place that you’re able to be productive. For some people, this can be their dorm room. Others might find the dorm to be too loud and opt for the library instead. Don’t feel like these are your only two options. You can study at the MSC, an off campus coffee shop, the dining hall, outside at the picnic tables or benches, and in the lobby or plaza of some of the buildings around campus. Find a spot that works for you and stick to it!
2.Take Breaks
The most important thing about studying is not overwhelming yourself. Every 20 minutes, it’s important to take a 5 minute break. By studying in intervals, you’re less likely to get distracted. This can also be used as a way to transition from one subject to the next in an organized manner.
3.Eat Healthy Snacks
While studying, it might seem easy to load up on pizza, chips and other convenient greasy foods, but sticking with some healthy study snacks will overall make you feel better.A healthy body creates a healthy mind, and you’ll be more prepared to take on all of the work in front of you.
4.Get Plenty of Sleep
An onslaught of work isn’t an excuse to stay up late into the night and miss out on sleep. Sleep is an important factor of maintaining focus and a sharp mind. If worse comes to worse and you have to pull an all nighter, don’t do it the night before the exam. Do it the night before that. For example if your exam is on a Wednesday, pull the all nighter on Monday. That way you still have spent the same amount of time learning the material, but have the time to sleep and rest before the exam.
5.Don’t let the Stress get to you
During exam time, it can be extremely stressful. Stress and anxiety are only a cause for a distraction. If you find yourself stressed or anxious about your schoolwork, take some time to meditate or do yoga to calm your mind. If the stress or anxiety continues, don’t be scared to stop by the Counseling Center on campus. They may be able to help you manage your stress and anxiety by providing valuable tips for balancing college life.
Overall, the best way to be productive when studying is to do whatever works for you. The first place you go to study might not be the best, so keep trying spots around campus until you find a good one. Or you can adjust your study intervals until you find one that allows for optimum productivity. If studying with groups or a partner works for you, then be sure to organize that with other students in your class. Never feel obligated to attend a study group if you don’t find them worthwhile though.
Good luck on your midterms, collegiettes™!
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