Dead week is upon us and unlike Mulan and the rest of the recruits in Disney’s film, we don’t have a cute general to whip us into shape to get an A in our classes. Nor do we have an adorable little dragon to encourage us to persevere, or even a tiny cricket for luck. However, just like Mulan had to prepare to fight the Huns in battle, we have to study in order to beat our exams and win that A. With finals coming at us left, right and center, it’s time to study. But if you’re like me and are a queen of procrastination, anything and everything can get you off track. I have way too trouble sitting down and getting work done.
Studying is the last thing I want to do right now. I don’t know about you, but I will come up with any excuse not to study. So, for everyone out there in the same boat as me, here are a couple tips to buckling down and studying.
1. Find a place to study.
The best place to study is somewhere you can concentrate. If you don’t mind the walk and can’t study in your room, I recommend making the trek down to Rawls Hall, which is connected to Krannert. There’s a ton of tables to spread out on and every time I’ve gone there, it has generally been quiet and the perfect place to get stuff done. You can also go to Third Street or the upper floors of Krach. On the other hand, if you don’t want to move or make the journey in the cold, your room is a great place to study. I love studying in my room sometimes because I know it will be hard for anyone to bother me. However, there is always the comfort of my bed, calling my name to take a nap rather than open my textbook and study.
2. Get a Study Buddy
Study buddies are awesome as you can keep each other in check to make sure that work is actually being done. Also, studying in groups can be much better than studying by yourself because someone else might understand something you don’t.
3. Get some snacks
Power snacks like nuts, fruit, veggies, and more can help to improve your memory retention.
4. Study playlist
This can be both helpful and insanely distracting. I don’t about you, but when the Queen B plays, I must sing along. Spotify is my go-to, to create playlists and listen to music. There’s also premade playlists that can help set the tone for studying.
5. Put away your phone
Your phone is a huge distraction. There’s social media, texting, games, and so much more! I can go on my phone just to send a text and end up on it for hours. Put your phone on Do Not Disturb mode and get it out of your sight.
Unlike Mulan, we don’t undergo one of the best training montages of all time, but we can still train our minds to win against our battles against finals next week. So lets all crack open our textbooks and study our butts off. Let’s get down to study!