The end of October marks a time for SU students that the beginning of the dense testing season has begun. Colds run rampant, lights are kept on all night, and friends disappear into the library only to emerge once again during winter break a little mentally unstable. However, midterms do not have to be the end of your social life at SU. Here are three tips to keep you sane and healthy during the midterm rush.
- Plan it out.
By taking time to schedule time for studying and time for friends, you should hypothetically be able to make time for both. Sometimes a spontaneous party every once in a while is the best treatment for stress, but if you have a midterm the next morning, it could be detrimental to your GPA. By making time for your friends, it shows them that you still love them even during midterms, and that you respect them enough to carve out a piece of your busy schedule just to be with them. Planning also allows you to get the most out of your study time because you know exactly what you are studying and when. Sticking to a schedule during midterms will help you balance your social and academic life.
- Get some sleep.
This is much easier said than done, especially if you have a test the next morning that covers half the semester. However, if you attempt a midterm while sleep deprived, your answers on the test may sound like they came from Tommy Boy instead of Einstein. Getting enough sleep keeps you sharp while keeping crankiness away. It will also help you to reenergize yourself and stave off sickness. Sometimes a nap is all that is needed to make your world a happier place.
- Organize your life.
During midterms, your syllabus should be considered more precious than your Michael Kors watch and be kept near your person at all times. Organize everything including your desk, calendar, purses and backpacks so you have no possibility of losing something or missing a deadline. Even organize your closet so you lose no time in searching for your Ralph Lauren infinity scarf on a blustery cold test day. Organization will keep you sane and at the top of your game.
Midterms may feel like the end of the world and cause chaos throughout campus, but you can stay cool and collected by taking time to think about what your next move will be. Just remember that midterms mark the halfway point and how far you have come. Also keep in mind that finals will be coming soon, creating a new wave of panic for students. You do not want to burn yourself out when an even bigger test is just a few weeks away. By staying calm, you will have the upper hand over all your classmates, and it will be reflected in your GPA.