It’s that awkward period between Thanksgiving break and winter break. For college students, I like to call it “GPA Awareness Season”. As the semester is coming to an abrupt end, students begin to realize that not doing that extra credit assignment, or putting off your final essay, was probably not a good idea. So, what can you do to finesse your classes and head into Christmas worrying a little less about school?..
1. Create Lists
Remember that free planner that you were given in the beginning of the semester? Find it and use it! This is great habit to have. The best way to relive stress from school is to organize yourself and pre-plan. Make a calendar that includes when all of your exams are, when papers are due, and when you plan on studying for the exams. This way, you stick to a schedule, and are not worried about forgetting anything important.
2. Limit the Netflix watching
As much of a Netflix-addict I am myself, I have found that putting a temporary pause on all my Netflix shows around exam season has been a definite must. Binge watching not only effects the amount of studying that you get done, but it also is a killer to your sleeping schedule. Too many times I find myself clicking the next episode at 3am.
3. Coffee/Energy Drinks
Though many people will only tell you bad things about energy drinks, I will be real and say that there is no problem with chugging a few RedBull’s to keep you alert throughout the day. Caffeine is a college grade game changer and is definitely an essential weapon to reach a 4.0 GPA.
4. Meet with your TA
This tip may just be the most important one on the list. Meeting with your TA, and showing them that you genuinely care about your performance in the class, is a great way to earn some extra points. Many times I have reviewed my past exams with my TA’s and earned back points that I challenged to be correct. Take some time out of your schedule to go to office hours! And if you really need to get on their good side, bring a cup of coffee to their office hours.
5. Change up the way you study
This tip has definitely proven to work for me. If I am always studying in the same atmosphere, it begins to bore me, which eventually leads to me being a lot less productive. So, if you always study by yourself, try studying with a group of classmates. If you always study in your room, change it up and study in the library.
6. Reward yourself
There’s no better feeling than finally finishing a long assignment, or long study session, and just relaxing. As you begin to study for finals, think of the things you will do after leaving school, or after acing the test. Use these things as motivation. You will definitely work a lot harder, and be more successful.
7. Good Nutrition
You don't need to be a bio major to know that your brain needs food to work. So try to wake up early enough to make it to breakfast at the dining hall. Missing meals is one of the worst things you can do if you are trying to have a productive day.
So, as you're pulling all nighters, and questioning your entire future, use some of these tips. Good luck on exams!
