You’ve probably heard it a thousand times, but I’ll say it again: these are trying times that we are in. The COVID- 19 crisis has dominated the news and our semester for months now, and this fall semester has been anything but ordinary.
For some students, online and distance learning can be a totally new way of learning. You have probably seen a ton of blogs that offer tips for taking online classes, or have heard about how they can have many benefits, such as the ability to pace yourself and be flexible for your schedule. However, doing a semester completely online is a completely different story than signing up for one or two during the semester.
With all of the changes to your classes and schedules, it is as important as ever to know your college resources and ace those final projects and exams. Here are some ways to help you finish the semester strong.
- Keep in Communication with Your Professors
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Like students, many professors are in the same boat of trying to adjust to online classes and all of the changes to the semester. Your professor wants to see you succeed, so it is important to let them know if you need extra help or clarification on due dates.
Emailing your professor to ask a few questions or clarify class material can go a long way when it comes to studying and preparing for finals.
- Find a Study Routine that Works for You
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By this point in the semester, you have gotten very familiar with Canvas and Zoom, but chances are you might need to switch up your study routine for final exams. By assigning a specific area in your house/apartment as your work area and having a solid study routine does a world of good when it comes to staying motivated with your work. Try getting creative with your space by organizing your supplies, using a calendar and decorating to make your study nook more inviting. Making sure your coffee mug is always full while studying for finals doesn’t hurt, either.
- Take a Break from the Screen
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Chances are you spent enough time posting, texting and refreshing your social media feed even before classes went fully online. Since many students are spending even more time in front of a screen now, taking breaks while you study can actually make you more productive. It allows your mind to take a rest and gives you more focus and energy while you work. Before you zoom away from your computer, it doesn’t hurt to set a timer on your phone so you’ll know when it’s time to get back to work instead of getting distracted and staying on an extra-long break.
- Use Campus Mental Health Resources
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As students we understand that there are many factors that might hinder you from being able to function at your best during this time, such as mental health issues, financial or food insecurities and other circumstances. If you ever need to talk to someone, use campus resources in order to do so.
I wish you all the best, and hopefully these tips will help you finish the semester strong.