It’s almost midterm season! Here are 7 tips to help you catch up in all of your classes before the chaos of midterms begins:
1. Get a planner and use it!
Planners or agendas are crucial for staying organized. They’re helpful when you want to keep track of your deadlines, upcoming exams, meetings, and homework assignments. I am currently using this Anthropologie planner, but last year I used a Lilly Pulitzer planner and loved it just as much. If written planners are not for you, use an app like iCalendar to keep track off all of your commitments. I like doing this as well because you can set reminders through iCalendar to ensure you don’t forget anything!
2. Schedule your studying time.
Find a time that works for you and plan on studying during that time. I cannot stress enough how beneficial this tip has been for me. If you incorporate studying into your schedule, you can’t make any excuses not to do it because you know there’s nothing else you should be doing during that time – it’s just time for you and your books.
3. Go to the library when it opens, or stay until it closes.
This is something that is schedule dependent. I personally have a lot of morning classes, so some days I’ll wake up a little extra early and study for 30 minutes before class in the library. Other days, it’s productive to work for hours at night until the library closes.
4. Know what study habits work best for you!
Do you get distracted easily in your room? Do you get cabin fever when you’re in the library too long? Do you like listening to music or prefer silence? Are you able to work with Netflix in the background? Be honest with yourself. I know I always tell myself I can get work done while watching Netflix, but I always end up more focused on the show than my schoolwork. Figure out what works for you and then create that environment for yourself when you decide to study.
5. Work in intervals.
Research shows that students can only stay focused on a task for 20 minutes at a time. When you’re studying, set a timer for 20 minutes and work really hard during that time! No phones or distractions allowed! Then when your timer goes off, take a 5-minute break. Scroll through Instagram, chat with a study buddy, etc. then repeat! This method works really well if you need to stay focused for extended periods of time.
6. Study a little bit every day.
Sometimes it can be overwhelming to look at everything from the semester all at once. Instead, break it up and study your notes right before or after the lecture. It’s a good review and helps keep everything fresh in your mind.
7. Do something you enjoy every single day!
This is SO important to keep you happy, healthy, and stress free. Spend 30 minutes to an hour every day doing something just for you. Whether that’s coloring, working out, doing yoga, or reading, give your brain a break and take some much needed you-time.
Good luck collegiettes! Spring break will be here before you know it!
All photographs by Jen Piserchia