Before we can reach Spring Break, we have to make it through a week of midterms. Motivation is wearing thin, but stay strong, collegiettes! With these study tips, you can find the inner strength you need to review your notes one last time. Full disclosure: this article was written while procrastinating for midterms.
1. Find your best study method.
For some people, the best method is a stack of flashcards. For some people, it’s rifling through their notes ten times. For me, it’s making a word document or sheet of paper to act as a comprehensive study guide for the entire topic. By now, you have hopefully figured out what study method works best for you and your learning style. Haven’t quite found it yet? Try other methods like reading things out loud, making an online Quizlet, or staring at a page until your eyes burn…wait, maybe not that last one!
2. Eliminate distractions.
Turn off your phone and exit the web browser on your laptop. It takes a lot of self control, but if you can avoid things that take your mind off of your work, your grades will thank you.
3. Study with a friend, but choose wisely.
Be honest with yourself: you know which friend will help you have a productive study session and which friend will help you have a two hour conversation over coffee. Choose wisely, and pick the friend who will stay focused and keep your study date from being a waste of time.
4. Set up your space.
The essentials are ink-filled pens and a fresh cup of coffee, but office-supply lovers will also appreciate a stack of flourescent Post-It notes and a selection of colorful pens. Also recommended? The perfect study soundtrack. Try film scores or instrumental music to avoid singing along to distracting lyrics.
5. Don’t ignore your health.
During a week like midterms, there are never enough hours in a day, but don’t pull a string of all-nighters to get everything done. Get the sleep your body needs! Try to stay hydrated, eat a few meals that aren’t just microwavable macaroni and cheese, and maybe even attempt to get some exercise.