Saying the last few weeks of the semester are busy is an understatement. Despite being only a few weeks away from summer, there’s so much work to be done.
As someone with three separate areas of study (one major, two minors), I’ve got it all: projects, readings, essays, homework, and, of course, final exams. Not to mention the fact that I’m overloading this semester with five classes (who thought that was a good idea?).
Now, I will admit, I may not be the healthiest student of all time. But if you also feel like you’ve been going non-stop since spring break, here are some small ways I’ve been getting through this final stretch.
- Taking It One Step At A Time
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I’m stealing this tip from my mom, since she tells me this all the time. While we’d all like to be the perfect student who starts working on final projects and essays weeks in advance, most of the time, that’s not really possible. It sounds simple, but prioritize your to-do list by due date. This will make it easier to manage and let you focus on what needs to get done each day.
- Using My Weekends Wisely
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During most of the semester, my weekends are for three things: having fun, relaxing, and resetting. While that still holds during the end of the semester, I also add on blocks of work. Don’t get me wrong, prioritizing breaks is still important, but taking just a few hours on a Saturday or Sunday to get out of your room and do work (bonus points if it’s with a friend) will make all the difference. Don’t let it take up your entire weekend, but setting aside some time will help you feel more prepared for each week ahead.
- Avoiding Midday Breaks
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This one sounds weird, I know. But, during my busiest times, I’ve found it’s better for me to go straight from class into studying/working on assignments. Rather than taking a short reset by going back to my dorm, I continue to focus outside of my room for as long as I need to that day, and then allow for a longer rest later on. This is also good for your mental health because we all need some work-life balance.
- Having A Hard Cutoff
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Sleep is your best friend. People say it time and time again, but without proper fuel and rest, you can’t be productive during the day. According to Cornell Health, college-aged students need between seven and nine hours of sleep per night. For me personally, no matter how much work is done, I close my computer at 11 p.m., leaving me an hour to shower and wind down before a midnight bedtime.
- Put Off Thinking About Summer
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If you’re like me and still hunting for a summer internship or job (seriously, is anyone hiring?), you might have another layer of stress on your plate during this time of the year. When I have the time, I try to apply to one or two jobs a day, but if not, that goes straight to the back of my mind. It’s hard, but don’t stress yourself out more than you need to.
Remember, you don’t have to be perfect during this time of the year; just consistent. There are only two weeks left! Show up each day, do your best, and you’ll make it through
We’ve got this
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