Love it or hate it, we are now in the last month of school. While the anticipation of three months free of cramming for exams, slaving over 10-page papers, and arguing with group members over projects is almost too much to handle, these last four weeks are some of the most crucial of the semester. For some, grades hang in the balance and the opportunities to change them for the better are becoming fewer and fewer.
Sleeping until noon and tanning on the beach will come soon enough, but here are some tricks to help keep your head in the game until May 5th rolls around.
Make a To-Do List Each Day (and Add Some “Have-Dones”)
If you’re anything like me, one of the greatest feelings is the satisfaction of being able to cross off a task from my list. That’s why when I create my to-do lists I often include one or two tasks that I have either already completed or am almost done with. This way I don’t feel controlled and overwhelmed by an endless list of things to get done. By making a list every day, each list and the tasks included can be a bit shorter-- instead of putting “write English paper,” try breaking the major project down into making the outline, creating your thesis, meeting with your professor about it, and so on. Not only will this keep you sane during the writing process, but it will also create a huge improvement in your writing.
Set Little Goals (and Accomplish Them)
Step number one to setting goals is making them realistic. If you try to commit to studying for your entire Calculus exam from 8 p.m.-12 a.m. the night before, there’s a large chance that you’ll burn out before you get it all done. Instead, try starting to think about a study schedule for your exam a week or two out.
A key aspect of motivation is feeling like the work you’re doing is beneficial, significant, and will help you out in the long run. Starting to study a week or two in advance allows you to create feelings of accomplishment as you tackle each chapter that will carry you through to the day of the exam.
Treat Yourself
Although spending hours in the library may seem like the answer to a 4.0 GPA, our brains actually need breaks from processing new information in order for the information to be encoded and stored into long term memory. Lucky for you, this means including breaks is actually a critical aspect of your studying. Our brains can’t go forever, so in order to get the most out of the hours spent in ZSR, break them up with little treats to reward yourself after a good study session. Try getting a pedicure, a Brynn’s run, or a little retail therapy. Just make sure your study breaks include leaving the library and not just sitting at your desk, mindlessly scrolling through Instagram!
Get Outside and Get Moving
The next four weeks are full of exams, papers, and projects-- all of which are pretty much accomplished by sitting on our butts. When you start feeling jittery and can’t handle sitting still any longer, get up and move around. Daily exercise will help increase energy levels, making studying (slightly) less miserable. Not to mention that April weather in North Carolina is pretty much as good as it gets. Break free of the confines of the library and spend some time outside. If intense exercise isn’t your thing, simply going for a walk through the Reynolda trails will instantly boost your mood and get your legs moving. If you turn to exercise as a stress reliever, try an Intensity class in the Miller Center, or find a kickboxing class in Winston to really release all your pent up anger towards the endless stream of assignments.
Dedicate Some Time to Friends
Studying for finals can be pretty isolating, lonely, and obviously boring. Plus, it’s time to face the fact that we only have a few short weeks left living next door to our best friends. While working hard is important, make sure to make spending time with your friends a priority as well. We only have four short years to take advantage of everything this campus, this city, and these people have to offer, so don’t let any of that time go to waste. Have some of your study breaks include adventures with your friends, whether that’s hiking Hanging Rock or exploring hidden gems in Winston-Salem, to ensure your sanity remains for the last month of school.
