As time ticks closer to the end of the semester, students become more and more excited for the summer break. I mean, come on -- no school work, nice weather and vacations... what's not to love? While summer break truly is perfection, there is one horrible hurdle that students must overcome to get to it: finals. If you're a student like me and you feel swamped by the menacing pile of papers, tests and projects in front of you, here are five quick tips to help you tackle the upcoming weeks head on!
1. Make lists
Before getting started on that mountain of projects that are due on varying days throughout the next few weeks, take a few minutes to make a list of all of the things that need to be done. This can include both academic things and non-academic things (cleaning your dorm, washing the sheets, etc.). Another mini-tip here is to organize the list in the order in which things need to be done, with things due first at the top and things due later in the week at the end.
2. Eating is important
Sometimes at the end of the semester you have to spend many consecutive hours on your work. As a result, going to the dining hall or out to eat may seem like a waste of precious time. However, eating and drinking adequately can actually help you power through those extra long study sessions. Sometimes that 45 minute trip to the dining hall will make a huge difference as you study into the night. If you don't have time for a full meal, make sure you're snacking throughout the day and staying hydrated too!
3. Take breaks
Most studies show that studying is best done in intervals. After a while of staring at the same textbook or computer screen, your brain may begin to lose focus; you will retain less information or begin to do work that is not your best. It is said that 90 minutes is the most you should work without a break, though an hour is more ideal. When you decide it's break time, get up, stretch a little bit, get a snack or drink and do anything else to help clear your head. Ten minute breaks are generally the best bet.
4. Study actively
Don't simply read directly from your textbook. While this may seem very studious, you are not absorbing the maximum amount of knowledge that you could be. Instead, highlight key points to review, go over important terms with flashcards or rewrite your notes from class. By using these more active study techniques, you will retain more information for that big test.
5. Reward yourself!
Sometimes it can be hard to stay motivated, especially when it seems like there is so much work ahead of you. When these feelings start to creep in, try to set rewards for yourself. After a hard day of studying, treat yourself to your favorite meal, or take a relaxing bath after finishing that long chapter.
No matter how difficult and daunting finals week may seem, you can get through it. Even on the days that it seems extra hard, it always pays to keep pushing. Before you know it, summer break will be here and you'll be curled up in bed watching Netflix, laying on the beach relaxing and enjoying a schoolwork-free summer.
