If you think you’re busy freshmen through junior year, senior is definitely a challenge. Final classes, job hunting and/or grad school applications are enough to make any college student wish they could just stay in bed all day. The fact that this is midterms season only adds to the stress. We have some tips this week to keep you from pulling out your hair from the strain that is academia can lead to…
Work smarter
There are many ways to do this step. The simplest one is to multitask. Bring your reading with you to the gym or meals and read then.
Another easy method is to simply make a list of things that you would like to get done and do them. Knowing your goals is the first step towards achieving them.
Hint: If your job allows, do your homework there.
Work to deadlines
Although deadline is a journalists’ term normally, when something is due at a certain date at a certain time, you are what journalism students and professionals refer to as being “on deadline”.
The trick to dealing with deadlines is to start working when the assignment is given, but not adding the final polish to the work until the last week so that when it is handed-in, it is your best work because you have had the time to research combined with the focus of a deadline looming.
Hint: If the project is assigned in advance, start early, take a break and review it a few days later. Easier said than done, but a great way to catch mistakes before you hand-in work.
Work daily
Homework and studying are not weekday-only habits. As much as it pains this writer to admit this, weekends are time to do work as well. While the usual habits of catching-up on sleep, laundry and a little me-time are weekend priorities for many students; an hour a day to tackle work is a good idea.
Hint: To maximize the time used, laundry time is an excellent opportunity to multitask.
Work out
A efficient mind is a healthy one. Despite the mountains of work many of us are currently dealing with, it is not a “get-out-of-the-gym-free” pass. The break from studying is beneficial to your mental state; the workout keeps you healthy, preventing illness.
Hint: Is the gym not your style? Go hiking. Rider’s southwest border is next to a nature preserve.