This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Texas chapter.
April showers bring May finals. Yes, ladies, it’s that nerve-wracking, stressful, terrible time of the year again: finals. As classes wind down and the weather becomes increasingly more beautiful, we’re forced to forgo floating the Comal, swimming in Barton, or squeezing in last memories with friends before leaving for summer vacation. Instead, we spend our last weeks of the semester hauled up in a dark room, studying till we drop. There must be a better way! And there is. Here is my advice on how to make the most of your studying.
- Location, location, location. Don’t do all of your studying alone in your dorm room or apartment. Being at home can make it hard to focus. Instead, get out and find the perfect study spot that works for you. For beautiful scenery, try Mozart’s by Town Lake. For a quiet and Hogwartsian environment, write your paper in the Life Sciences Library (in the Main Tower). For an open area where you’ll run into friends that will provide a nice study break, read your textbook at the SAC or the Union patio.
- Study dates. Even if you and your friends aren’t studying for the same class, meet up and study together! Community is key. It’s comforting to know you aren’t alone when you feel like you’re drowning in school. Your friends are right there with you. When you need a two-minute break, you’ll have someone to chat with. And when you need a little encouragement or motivation, your pals can remind you to keep working.
- Take breaks. If you try to study 24/7, you’ll burn yourself out. Not only will your studying become less productive, but you’ll go insane from all of the stress. Instead, when you know you’ve reached your capacity for the moment, allow yourself to breathe. Whether this means a five-minute Facebook break, an hour-long retreat with your television, or a night out with friends, the time off will recharge you so that you’re even more productive when you get back to studying.
- Make a plan. Utilize to-do lists and study schedules. If you think about everything you have to do, you’ll become overwhelmed and give up before you start. Instead, make a list of what you need to get done and take one thing at time. When you’ve completed a task, slash through it dramatically on your to-do list.
- Stay healthy. With the stress of finals, your natural inclination is to study indoors all day, drink too much caffeine, not get enough sleep, and eat junk food. Don’t give in! Staying healthy will keep you energized and focused. Get enough sleep. Even if it means you have to sacrifice a little study time, you’ll probably do better in the long run. Drink plenty of water. Eat healthy, energy-providing foods like whole grains and lean proteins. And stay active!
Abide by these tips and you can, for once, enjoy your finals!