Hibernation season is quickly approaching; the time of year when students realize that classes are almost over and final exams are not too far ahead. With assignments’ and essays’ due dates drawing nearer, you want to ensure that you’re able to keep on top of your work without going insane during these next few weeks. Here is a list of suggestions that will keep you as stress-free as possible while this semester starts to wrap-up, and help you end it successfully.
Write everything down.
Seriously. Grab a pencil, your calendar and a blank sheet of paper; it’s time to put your life into perspective. Readings, essays, assignments, quizzes, final exam dates… they should all be in your calendar. Done? Excellent, that’s just step one. Now use a blank piece of paper to plan out how long each of these items will take you to complete and what resources you’ll need in order to complete them. For example, your essay requires some additional research, an outline… oh, and maybe a topic! Once you’ve completed this task, give yourself a pat on the back! You’ve just created your to do list, now it’s time to make a schedule.
Set a schedule.
The easiest way to avoid procrastination is to use your time wisely. Have an essay due in three weeks? Don’t panic, setting a schedule and following it can and will get you the A grade that you desperately want. Setting aside time in your schedule to get each component of your essay done is step one… following it is step two. When creating a schedule, make sure it’s realistic. In order to do this you need to know your prime study time; we’re not all night owls. Find the time of day that you can focus and get most of your work done, and use this time to complete your most strenuous assignments. Make sure that you also set time aside in order to fix mistakes and to get some extra study time!
Find your study space.
One of the worst situations of this season is when you’re ready to work on an assignment, but can’t find a place on campus to get down to business! We know that the Concourse and 24 Lounge can get busy, and the library isn’t everyone’s scene. So where’s the middle ground? Well, timing is everything. Have you ever seen the concourse on a Sunday morning between 9am-1pm? It’s absolutely blissful. There’s seating available, it’s not too quiet and not over-crowded with students. It’s time to do your research. If you find the place where you’d like to work, swing by at an unconventional study hour.
Don’t be afraid to change it up! Sometimes we get bored studying in the same location all of the time, so be creative! There are cool cafes in Uptown, and there is a Starbucks across the street that’s quiet in the morning, if you’re an early riser/studier. Again, it’s finding the time and location that works best for you!
Find the right tune.
You’ve found your prime study location and know what you’ve got to do. Now you need the motivation to do it! We’re always on the search for the perfect playlist that will help us concentrate while studying. It does differ for each of us, but I do have a recommendation that has been getting excellent feedback so far. Introducing, Study an app that provides 45 minutes of scientifically designed productivity-boosting sound that can reduce fatigue, improve your focus and help block out ambient noise. Try it! You won’t be disappointed.
Eat right.
Pizza always sounds like the best option, and why not? It’s easy, convenient, and timely. But, ordering out consistently as things start to get busy cannot only put a hole in not only your wallet but have a negative effect on your health as well.
Grabbing your roommates and taking a trip to the grocery store is not only a great opportunity to stock your fridge with healthy essentials, but can also serve you as a much needed study break. Try to cook large meals, such as lasagna, in order to help you save time later on during the week.
Chill.
All work and no play is so not okay! Try to plan something fun with your friends to look forward to as the days of work go by. Sunday movie nights, for example, are a great way to keep you motivated throughout the week. Popcorn, wine and Johnny Depp? Yes please!
Get enough sleep.
At university, sleep is usually one of the first things to go. Self-care should be your number one priority, so make sure not to lose any of your much needed Z’s.
Reach out.
If you feel as though it’s all still too much to handle, you need to reach out. Whether it’s booking an appointment with a counselor, talking to a friend, Don, or family member, it’s always better to speak to someone instead of locking yourself in your room.
Life is about to get crazy Golden Hawks! The days will get shorter, the pressure will increase and you’ll wonder how the semester went by so quickly. Use this guide as an opportunity to keep on track and reduce stress later on. Remember, the Winter Holiday is so close! You’ll be drinking eggnog by the fire and catching up on some Netflix before you know it.
How do you organize your time as the end of the semester draws near? Let us know!