How to get through your midterms and finals
Being a student is never easy – you’re balancing work with your class assignments, and trying to find a balance between having somewhat of a social life and your grades. During the semester comes a time where every major essay and exam seems to be due, making you sick from all the stress. You may want to lie on your bed all day contemplating how you got here, and that it is going to take a miracle for you to absorb all the material in time for your exams. But don’t you worry; here is a seven-step guide to help you stay healthy and ready to take on your workload.
Plan ahead
Yes, we’ve all heard this since elementary school, yet we end up opening our textbooks the night before the exam, every semester – opening your notes and feeling a flush of anxiety, or opening a new blank document, thinking that this is the last time you’re going to leave it to the nigh before. Write a deadline in your agenda or iPhone, and prepare to go over your notes and read your chapters well before the last class, so you have time to absorb all the information and don’t get overwhelmed.
Go to office hours
If you prepare ahead of time, you’ll realize what concepts you fell asleep during, or were perhaps texting your friends. Going to a couple office hours before your exam ensures you can get some insight from the professor, and this will make you feel like you took an extra step and are ahead of the game. The teacher will know how determined you are, and this can always help your participation grade.
Work with classmates
Study groups are great because it helps you not procrastinate or make excuses to get a snack and spend time on YouTube, like you do when you’re alone. If you partner with another friend and are on a deadline, you can split a book in half and take notes for one another. Studying with your classmates at the library is great because you guys can focus, make brainstorming maps, and use Google documents, so that everyone can add important questions and concepts on the go.
Schedule breaks
Making an unrealistic day schedule with back-to-back blocks of studying will just get you more stressed when you don’t follow it. Schedule breaks to chill, go to the gym, eat meals, and take naps. This will help you work hard and maintain your studying schedule, and in return, you can reward yourself with
a 20-minute break to watch Netflix or do something you enjoy.
Eat healthy
We’ve all been there where we have just ordered fast food out of tiredness, and felt sick after. Drink water and fresh juices, and eat vegetables to make sure you keep your energy up and your brain sharp. You’ll feel better, and also avoid feeling more stressed that you’ve added a couple extra pounds.
Exercise
Whether you do yoga, go for a walk, go to the gym, or any other exercise activity you prefer, you will feel more energized and refreshed to take on your classes.
Have fun
It’s easy to get so consumed and just focus on memorizing instead of actually understanding the material. When you start early, you’ll be able to actually understand the material and add less stress onto your plate. Remember it’s important to work hard, but it’s not the end of the world if you try your best and not get an A. There are more important things in the world, and you will survive and strive.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Anoop Virk is one of Canada’s Top 20 Under 20, a Three Dot Dash Global Teen Leader, BC’s 24 Under 24, and an Ambassador for the Minerva Women’s Foundation. She was invited to Rideau Hall by the Prime Minister and Governor General for the celebration of exceptional Canadian service, and was selected to give a gift to the Royal highnesses, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. At the age of 21, Anoop has connected with some of the most influential movers and shakers around the world - Ndaba Mandela, Chelsea Clinton, Prince William and Kate, and Stephen Harper,to name a few.
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