It’s finally that time of the school year: the excitement of welcome week has faded away, you have to wear a jacket shirt outside, and sadly, Oakland University students are drowning in homework and exams.
It’s during this period — around weeks seven and eight of the semester — where everything falls apart. You have two back-to-back exams on the same Monday, a group project is due Tuesday night, and you’re struggling to keep your grades up to pass your classes.
In light of this, let’s talk about some study tips for getting through the last half of the semester.
Pay attention
I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to actually pay attention in class. In most cases, for most courses, what you learn during class time is the same content that is being tested on the exam. If you pay attention in lectures, take meaningful notes and try your best to learn the material, chances are you will get a better grade.
Your professors are also one of your most valuable resources at OU. Take time to visit office hours and get personal time with experts in the field. If you did poorly on an exam, visit office hours to talk about the exam and ways to improve for next time.
Break it down
If you’re taking multiple classes, like most OU students are, break your schedule down. What assignments are due on what days? What assignments will take the most amount of time to complete?
Take some time in your week to map out all the assignments and upcoming exams — that way, you have an orderly list of everything you’re responsible for. Everything can seem super overwhelming when looking at multiple assignments and classes all at once, but break it down and tackle it piece by piece.
Do something that isn’t school-related
It’s easy to make your entire life about university. You go to campus, and you do your homework — it can seem like your whole life. Find something that isn’t academically related. It feels like a different world when you spend time doing something that isn’t school-related, and in most cases, it’s a much-needed break.
Take breaks
I always go on a walk between study breaks. There’s something about fresh air and a break from looking at my laptop screen that does wonders for my focus. Sometimes the best thing you can do for yourself is walk away from your work and come back with fresh eyes.
In fact, when I’m on campus for the two-hour-long classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays, around the hour mark, I’ll always go for a walk around the hallways, check my phone and fill up my water bottle. During long classes, taking a walk break for two minutes can help clear your mind.
On top of all this, be sure to take care of yourself. Drink water and get enough sleep. Your mind works better when your physical body is in good shape.
Reward yourself
After a tough midterm or difficult project, it’s a good idea to reward yourself. Get yourself a nice coffee or sweet treat. I have hundreds of tabs open on my Safari of clothing items I want, and after a rough day, I’ll order one.
