Student Blog: Midterms Survival Guide

There's something brewing in the air, and it's not just the odd wave of cold weather that's descended on my college's campus this week. As students begin turning in for the night earlier and my favorite study spaces become more crowded, it's clear that midterms season is upon us. Don't worry, though! Although it may seem daunting, here are 6 tips for surviving the next couple of weeks as midterms kick into high gear.

1. Make a plan.

In the weeks leading up to midterms, I like to take a look at all the material I need to study and break it up into manageable chunks. Cramming has never worked for me, but I've found that if I study just a little bit every day, I not only retain the material better, but am also able to preserve much more of my sanity. Make a plan (I love and live by my planner) and schedule out when, what, and how you're going to cover the material. This way, you won't have to worry about whether you'll cover it all in time!

2. Find a good place to study.

I believe that where you study is just as important as how much and what you study. Personally, I love to study outdoors (I'm blessed with the wonderful SoCal weather). For me, studying outside gives me a nice dose of fresh air and just enough ambient noise to focus. Figure out what works for you: outside, the student center, the library, etc. I would recommend, however, to avoid working where you sleep (aka your dorm) as you might just be tempted to take a nap instead!

3. Take breaks.

Just as putting time into your studies is important, it's just as essential to step away. Make sure to take time to properly nourish yourself and remain active. Getting a full nights sleep is also crucial. Taking these necessary breaks will give you more brain power and also keep you healthy. Trust me, the only thing worse than dealing with midterms is dealing with midterms while sick or sleep deprived.

4. Find a study buddy.

Midterms can be super isolating, with everyone disappearing into the depths of the library, but they don't have to be. Grab a friend or classmate who won't distract you (emphasis on won't distract you!) and find time to study together. Study buddies are great to bounce ideas off of, ask questions, and hold you accountable to your study plan.

5. Download a study app.

This has honestly been the biggest game changer in my studying. If you're like me and have a slight phone addiction (I'm working on it, I promise!), checking for notifications every 5 minutes often gets in the way of work. I recommend downloading an app that "locks" you out of your phone. I use Flora, which grows a little plan every time you make it through the timer without going on your phone, but there are tons of different apps out there. It's a great way to get rid of distractions and give your studies your full attention!

6. Remember who you are outside of academics.

College, especially during midterm season, can quickly become all-consuming. It's important to remember that, while academics are super important, they are only a fraction of who you are. Make time to do something you love outside of learning, whether that's reading, crocheting, talking to friends, baking, or something else, even if only for 20 minutes a day. School is important, but your mental health comes first!

I hope these tips have been helpful. Try not to stress too much and remember you've got this.