It’s midterms season at Connecticut College: read some of the tips our writers suggest for getting through it!
My biggest tip would be to be kind to yourself. Itâs so easy to be hard on yourself when you have a long to-do list and arenât as productive as youâd like. Remind yourself that itâs okay to take breaks, and focus on the work you DID get done, rather than the stuff you didnât. Also, make sure to prioritize self care. Youâre going to slay your midterms!
- Allie Ziegler â27
I have learned this one through a LOT of trial, error, and unplanned library naps because I worked myself way too hardâ schedule in breaks! Put them on your calendar if you need to, or set a timerâ I often use the âfocus timerâ feature on the self care app I use, as I have a tendency to either get extremely scattered and distracted or lock in to something so hard I end up with 15 pages of a 6 page paper and nothing for any other class. Trust me, as someone with diagnosed ADHD, I know how hard it can be to manage time and foster a healthy balance between working and caring for yourself, but even five minutes of a breathing exercise or mindless mobile game can work wonders!
- Caroline Snyder, â26
Take things one step at a time! Itâs easy to get overwhelmed by a massive to-do list, but you will check everything off eventually! Donât be hard on yourself if you take a break, they are needed for brains to work efficiently and at their best! View breaks as a tool that will help you study instead of viewing them as a result of laziness. Make sure you donât let the stress of midterms consume your entire day because that wonât help you. Study for a few hours, then take a break to refresh, and repeat. Youâre strong and youâve got this!
- Shannon Brock, â28
My biggest midterm survival tip would definitely be to not neglect your physical health! Pulling all nighters, skipping meals, and not drinking enough water can be seen as inevitable consequences of exams season, and itâs all too easy to glamorize those stressed-college-student cliches. Trust me, though, thereâs nothing impressive about not taking care of yourself. Especially while studying for exams, the energy you get from sleeping and eating enough is absolutely crucial to success!Â
- Tessa Stayton, â25Â