Now that we’re already in week 4 (!!!) of the semester, syllabus week is long over and it seems like all the papers and exams are starting to pile up. Between football games, club call out meetings, and The Office on Netflix, it seems like there aren’t enough hours to get all your work done. Sometimes it feels like all the professors got together and planned to have their tests on the exact same day, and the all-nighters in Trumper are becoming way too real.
Of course, it is possible to avoid late-night cramming with just a little time management and good organization. Here a few tips to keep you on track this summer and save you from spending all your munch money on Starbucks Doubleshots.
Staying Organized
- Color code your planner: Not only does it look more fun, but being able to instantly see if something is related to homework, extracurriculars, or appointments is really helpful in keeping your stress levels down when it looks like your planner is packed.
- On that note, make to-do lists reasonable. When a list starts to look overwhelming, that’s when you start to procrastinate. Who wants to get started on a big, time consuming list? When tasks look more manageable, you’re more likely to get them done.
Studying
- Study for 50 minutes, then take a 10 minute break. Taking a 10 minute break in between study sessions is just enough time to let information sink in and relax your mind without losing focus or motivation.
- Devote time every night to reviewing your old notes. Often times, we take a test and forget everything we studied after, but there is such a thing as finals! Studying for finals will be easier if you’ve reviewed consistently during the semester.
Time Management
- Get started on big tasks ahead of time. The big research paper on your syllabus may seem like ages away, but it’s also hours of work, 50% of your grade, and sneaking up faster than you think. Get started now to avoid espresso-fueled all-nighters!
- Carry textbooks with you. They may be heavy, but whenever you have a few minutes of down time, whether it’s time between classes or extra time when you finish a test, it’s nice to pull out your book and get a jump start on any assigned reading.
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