1. Naps.
Naps are huge. If you're anything like me, you like to put your homework off until midnight the night before it's due, which leaves you exhausted basically all the time. That’s why it’s so important to set aside at least a half an hour for naps every day--but make sure you don’t oversleep!
2. Whiteboards.
Whiteboards are probably the most helpful thing I’ve ever brought home from Target. They’re fantastic for writing to-do lists since it’s so easy to add, erase and move things around! They’re also great for writing outlines of essays in your earlier drafts; a wide array of colored expo markers makes it easy to plan ideas!
3. Quiet space.
It is so important to have a nice, quiet space to focus. Some people don’t mind studying in a place with high foot traffic, like the cafe, the dining center, etc., but when you’re getting closer and closer to your deadlines, a quiet setting--like the library or your dorm room--is great for keeping focused!
4. Reward system.
Nothing helps you reach a goal better than a little incentive. I use this one all the time. For example, say I finish three things off my to-do list before the deadline. I’ll reward myself with a well-deserved marathon of "The Walking Dead," a shopping trip, or a dinner date with my friends. When you have a tangible outcome to a goal, it’s a lot easier to attain it. We all want that A, but sometimes a new outfit can be a little more convincing when it’s time to get to work!
5. Netflix.
Taking breaks during your study sessions is important for your mental health, especially when you’re under pressure. Netflix is a great way to relax for a little while, giving your mind a break. I’m a firm believer that there’s nothing a little binge-marathon of "Grey’s Anatomy" can’t fix! But make sure you’re not spending all your time marathoning--remember, it’s just a break!
6. Comfort food.
You’ll need some fuel to keep you going through those late night cram sessions, so you might as well grab something you love! Chocolate has always been my go-to for a sweet treat to get me through a 10-page paper or studying for finals. Find your favorite snack and stock up!
7. Music.
There’s nothing a good playlist can’t get you through! Spotify is my favorite platform for streaming music online--they’ve got tons of ready-made playlists for all sorts of moods--including studying. You can even build your own! No matter where you listen, find a few of your favorite songs to get you going. Just make sure you don’t spend more time singing along to your own private concert than you spend studying!
8. Study buddy.
Study buddies are so helpful when cramming for exams. Not only are they there to keep you going and to quiz you on all those definitions for Anatomy, they’re also a built-in distraction for when starting at your textbook just gets to be too much. Anyone can be a study buddy, whether they’re a classmate or a friend, as long as you’re motivating each other to keep going!
9. Office hours.
Almost every professor has an allotted time on the syllabus for office hours--and if they don’t, they’re always open to making appointments. Most students don’t participate in office hours, despite the fact that it’s the perfect opportunity to get one-on-one help from your instructor. If you’re struggling in a class, or with one particular concept, I highly recommend you pay your professor a visit! Believe it or not, most professors want their students to succeed, and they will be more than happy to work with you until you get it. Plus, they’ll appreciate the visit!
10. The Writing Center.
Another helpful tool is your campus’ writing or tutoring center. These places have trained employees that can help you edit papers and essays, offering everything from help with grammatical errors to constructive criticism on content. Many departments also have tutoring centers you can visit for extra help!
11. Motivation.
This is probably the hardest thing to keep hold of at the end of the semester, but you’re in the home stretch! You can’t give up now! Think of how great you’ll feel when that research paper is printed, when that presentation is over, and when that final is finished. It’s going to be worth it, you just have to remind yourself of that!
12. Knowing it’s almost over.
In the same breath, you’re almost done! This is the home stretch. The final countdown. You’re counting down the days until you get to go home, until vacation. You’re so close you can almost taste your mom’s home-cooked meals. Whenever you feel like giving up at the end of the semester, just think: I’ve made it this far, I might as well go all the way. You got this!
