The academic aspect of the college experience is the epitome of going from "zero to one hundred real quick." For the first few weeks, you are assigned strictly textbook readings, which are a lot more work than you would assume they are, and maybe a few minor assignments. Everything is moving swiftly, but all of a sudden one week you find yourself overwhelmed with endless papers and exams, and pulling numerous all-nighters. I did not expect this to happen because like high school, I assumed all of my major assignments and tests would not fall within the same school week. Unfortunately, I was wrong. I just experienced my first true stressful week of college, and learned quite a few things that might help you make it through yours:
1. Study hard, but not too hard
Of course studying hard is important, but at some point you will stop retaining information if you study too hard for too long. Instead of studying for hours on end without any breaks, try to logically break up the way you are studying to do so more effectively.
2. Avoid cramming for an exam
Everyone crams for exams, in fact, I think it is inevitable. Although, this is not an excuse to only cram. You should do your best to study at least a few days in advance just so you do not stress yourself out too much. This is not always a likely scenario for college students since we can easily be overwhelmed with loads of work all at once, but if you have the time beforehand to study, utilize it correctly.
3. Prioritizing is key
If you know you have a paper due and an exam tomorrow, get the paper out of the way first so you can spend the rest of your time preparing for the test. With this being said, do not rush writing your paper, but you know what you are turning in ahead of time, unlike a test when you do not know what you are walking into.
4. Find time to step away from the books, and do something fun or relaxing
To reiterate, the worst thing you can do is study straight for hours. Sometimes taking your mind off academics for a while and doing something you enjoy can help you return to studying later on. Whether it is going out with your friends, or simply taking a shower or nap, find your escape from studying. It will benefit you in the long run.
5. Make sure you are still taking care of yourself
The most important thing to do during an extremely stressful week is to make sure you are still taking care of yourself. No one except you is making sure you are eating properly and getting enough sleep. This can even apply to bathing when students study into the late hours of night, and cram sleeping for as long as possible until the last possible moment that will not make them late for class. These are three basic, everyday tasks that are not only essential to your health, but will make you feel a lot better too, and most likely have a positive impact on your studying.
Try to keep in mind during your first stressful week of college, and the many upcoming stressful weeks after that, that you will make it through. Best of luck!
