Study Tips

It’s that time of year again! In the midst of end-of-the- semester panic and paper writing, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Here are a few study tips to help see you through this stressful time. 

    1) Atmosphere-Find the place that works for you: Having the right space to work in is a small but crucial step in helping you focus on your work. Some people prefer absolute silence, some want a little music in the background, and others need the sounds of other people around them. Campus is full of comfy spots (and- gasp!- the library is not just a place to print off your papers. They have research material there as well.), and the weather is nice enough to take your books outside. Whatever works best for you, find a spot where you can get your work done. 

    2) Keep Healthy Snacks On-hand; It’s easy to get so wrapped up in what your doing that you forget to eat. Keep a few snacks around, in your desk drawer or book bag, and remember to refuel once in a while. 

    3) Don’t Forget to Take a Break: It’s easy to experience burnout when you’re working hard. Some students spend hours, days, or weeks perfecting final papers and preparing for final exams. While hard work is often expected of us, don’t forget to look after yourself. Get up and walk away from the screen for a while, go talk to a friend, or even watch an episode of your favorite show. 

    4) Block All Social Media From Your Phone...For a While: I turned off the Facebook app on my phone for a few days and was surprised at how much more productive I became as a result. We tend to underestimate just how much time we waste on internet. Now, I’m not suggesting going dark entirely and cutting yourself off from your friends and family, but it is important to limit the number of distractions when you are trying to work.

    5) Remember Your Passion: This is one that I don’t think is really stressed enough. Remember why you’re studying the subject you are and what drew you to it in the first place. Take a few minutes and remember that you are working toward a much larger goal. While the assignment in front of you may be frustrating, it’s not necessarily indicative of what your life is going to be focused on. It’s just a step in the process of getting you closer to your goals. 

    6) Ask For Help: No one starts out knowing everything. We have tutors standing by willing to help. Check the listings posted online and all over campus. If you would like to be connected with a tutor, or have other concerns about your grades, please feel free to drop by the Academic Success Center. 

    Good luck everyone!