And so, the seemingly never-ending study season begins with the onset of midterms. The growing pile of coursework combined with a lack of any sun can make the task of studying feel completely unachievable. Here are some top tips to help you beat those winter blues and finish those coursework essays before they finish you.
- I am a big believer in the power of a physical diary. Call me old fashioned, but few things beat the satisfaction of literally ticking things off a to-do list. Having everything in one place can also help the tasks at hand feel more achievable, as you can see all the things directly in front of you instead of filing the fifteen folders on Learn.
- The Pomodoro method has also been my best friend for a good few years when it comes to studying. Set a timer for 25 minutes and work with no distractions. Get as much done as you can in that time then take a five-minute break. Repeat this two or three more times before taking a longer break of 30 minutes, before starting again. This technique helps to prevent burnout and allows you to be as productive as possible with whatever time you have available, whether that be an hour or a full afternoon.
- What you do away from the desk can also have an impact on your productivity, which is why it is really important to keep up your physical activity during study season. It can be as simple as a short walk or run around the Meadows, or you can hit the gym for a quick session before heading to the library. Whatever your favourite way to keep active is, I have always found getting in my daily exercise and releasing those endorphins can really help me focus more when studying.
- Don’t do it alone! Nothing beats a good study date and doing it with a friend allows you to share ideas about the topic at hand and help you understand the content more thoroughly with a different perspective. Or they can listen sympathetically as you complain about the essay deadline that is suddenly getting very close. Hit up the library for a more serious study sesh or your favourite local coffee shop for a more social and relaxed time.
- Finally, what comes after the studying is almost as important as the actual event. Having something to look forward to after studying like a coffee date with a friend, your favourite chocolate bar or an episode of your favourite show can make the endless readings all on the same topic slightly more bearable. This time of year is all about having a little something to look forward to each day, and this is never truer than when it hits midterm season.
Whatever your preferred method of studying is, remember to be kind to yourself and push through. You got this!
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