As Spring Break finally rolls around, you are likely suffering through a mountain of midterms, papers, and other big assignments. The novelty of your fresh schedule of classes has worn off, and you might be feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, and ready for a break—I know I am. Here’s a quick run-down of some study strategies to carry you through midterms—we can do it!
- Find a new study location
This is one of my favorite ways to reinvigorate myself during a big week of studying. I can only sit at my desk for a certain amount of time before I start to feel restless. I also feel the same way about the spaces I study on-Grounds—I need a new environment for a new burst of motivation. If you need to work for a few hours on a paper, consider trying a different library or a different floor of your favorite library. Alternatively, set up in Starbucks or Grit for a lighter ambience. Surrounding yourself with other people who are working might just be the motivation you need to tackle your own assignments.
- Keep a fun beverage with you while studying
While studying, I must always have a refreshing beverage with me. I am either sipping a hot coffee, enjoying an iced coffee, chugging a La Colombe, having sparkling water, drinking Diet Coke, or (hopefully) hydrating myself with a cold glass of water. The point is—having something to sip on while you are working is a great way to make the overall experience more enjoyable. It can also be a reward system—if you read 20 pages, then it is time for a coffee break.
- Make a plan… and stick to it
I aim to make my weekly to-do list each Sunday. After reviewing what my week entails, I break down my big tasks into smaller chunks and plan which day I will do each task. This has been a game changer for me—I find it infinitely easier to get big tasks done this way. A key part of this strategy is the commitment to follow through with your plan as best as possible. Bonus points if you use a cute paper planner and decorate your to-do lists with stickers (my favorite way to brighten a busy week).
- Set study boundaries
Having study boundaries may seem counterintuitive at first, but I think it is vital to my overall well-being. It also ties very well into making a study schedule and sticking to it. For example, if you tell yourself that you would like to stop studying by 10 p.m., not only will you have greater motivation to be productive earlier in the day, but you will also benefit from getting enough sleep and having time to do other things for fun. Having boundaries with schoolwork emphasizes the importance of remembering that there is more to life than just studying, which can be extremely difficult to remember when in a competitive environment like UVA.
- Switch up your playlist or podcast of choice
I love listening to music while I write papers because I feel inspired by certain songs, and it helps block out the noise of others in your study space. Listening to a different playlist can be a fun way to spice up your study session by incorporating something that feels new and exciting into a mundane situation. Right now, I am loving the song “ceilings” by Lizzy McAlpine and the podcast“Brooke and Connor Make a Podcast.”
Happy studying!