Happy Midterm season, everyone! With exams looming and time flying when we need it to slow down the most, everyone is attempting to figure out their best studying habits. Whether you have stuck with the same routine or you’re trying something new, here are some options to mix up the way you study these next few weeks.
Study with friends … or, alone
Some people work a lot better when they are surrounded by other people. Having students working equally as hard can motivate someone to do work, rather than being stuck getting started. However, others may find this distracting and prefer to study alone. It is important to put yourself in an environment where you will get the most out of your time. If that means renting out a room in the library with your friends or powering up your laptop alone in a lounge, you do you.
Focus on one assignment … or, many
Busy-minded individuals occasionally prefer to go back and forth on assignments. Even though there is not much completion, there is a lot of progress. Other students, like myself, are determined to finish assignments, specifically, so they can check them off a list. Seeing completion, rather than progress, can help motivate you to get even more assignments done.
Take many short breaks … or, one long one
Focusing for long periods of time can be difficult, and some students prefer to split up their time to work more efficiently. By taking many breaks, they are regaining spurts of energy that allow them to work for a longer period of time as a whole. Alternatively, long breaks are better suited for concentrated students, sometimes with a fast-approaching deadline. One big break means working for longer, but this can be helpful for those who can sit down and focus.
Work with music … or, quietly
Working with music can eliminate silence that causes the mind to drift. It can be a driving factor to work hard if the music itself reflects that and energizes the listener. On the other hand, changes in pitch or surrounding sounds can cause distractions. Additionally, lyrics can confuse students that are writing papers and need to concentrate on word choice. Ultimately, this depends on your ability to focus and whether or not you prefer to work in a quiet environment.
Study in an academic building … or, in your dorm
Students can feel stifled in their dorms, or too comfortable to get any work done. Academic buildings, such as the Dolan School of Business, Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing and Health Studies, the DiMenna-Nyselius Library or even a classroom in Canisius Hall provide a classroom environment that encourages you to work hard. Nonetheless, others find studying in their dorms comforting; away from the prying eyes of fellow peers and the distractions of a new environment.
Get some rest … or, caffeinate
For some people, a good night’s rest is all they need to wake up refreshed and ready to work. For others, burning the midnight oil is their go-to in order to complete big projects. Whatever you do, do it healthily. Don’t oversleep, or you might become extra tired throughout the day, but don’t over-caffeinate and cause your nerves to go into a frenzy. Either of these, if done properly and in moderation, can aid in your studies!
Lastly, though I’m sure it will fall on deaf ears, try not to procrastinate. That being said, as long as you find the proper study habits that work for you, midterms will be a breeze. I wish everyone good luck!
Leave a Reply