The last day of classes is finally here and exams are around the corner. But first comes reading week. Though these few days of non-stop cramming can be daunting and painful, there is a light at the end of the tunnel as summer is only days away. Here are five simple tips to surviving reading week and exams.
1) Eat Breakfast:
Number one is an age-old piece of wisdom that you have all heard from your parents many times before. Eating a good (and preferably long) breakfast will not only help you fuel for the long day of studying or test taking ahead, but it will also help you clear your mind and transition from the dreaded and traumatic event of waking up, to the next dreaded and traumatic event that is studying.
2) Make a Schedule:
Before diving into a whirlwind of papers, topics, subjects, and books, take a moment to plot out when you’re going to study for each exam during the week or days ahead. Having a spot in your schedule and time concretely allotted to each subject will help put your mind at ease.
3) Be Realistic and Carve Out Social Time:
When planning ahead, be realistic with yourself. Every social being needs a little “friend time” to keep her going, and reading week is no exception. Allot yourself a couple of hours here and there to take a walk or get dinner with your friends – after all, everyone has to eat.
4) Change Up Your Study Location:
While Olin may be the social study hub of campus, it can get repetitive. And crowded. Take a break from your usual cubicle and try out a fresh location – like the shiny new B-School – it will help you clear your mind and refocus
5) Pamper Yourself:
This one is a personal favorite. Take some time to pamper yourself. A moment of relaxation will help put your exams into perspective and will calm your mind as you enter a stressful week. Whether it’s a massage, facemask, or doing your own nails, you will come out feeling refreshed, relaxed, and confident.