Midterm week is fast approaching, and the pressure is building. I'm starting to see the stress level among students increase. As a senior, I've been through my fair share of midterms and finals and I'm starting to get the hang of it (
It's about time!). Here are my best tips for exam weeks and my favorite study places.
1. Plan Out Your Week-- Have multiple tests in one week or back to back? Take time to sit down and see what needs to be covered. Make a study outline of what you need to accomplish each day. Keep your goals reasonable. If you have a game plan and know what's coming, the load will be more bearable.
2. Cram Over Two Days-- Earlier, I've said not to cram, but if you have no choice, be smart about it. Start "cramming" two to three days in advance. If possible, try to at least learn most of the material a day in advance, that way the night before can be focused on the concepts you don't understand.
3. Relax and Do Something Fun-- I think this is one of the most important rules. If you've been studying all day, every day, take a break! Go outside and throw around the Frisbee, watch a movie, do something enjoyable for a bit. Taking a few hours off might seem crazy, but when you come back you'll be so much more productive.
4. SLEEP-- Since I've been in college, I've only pulled one all-nighter, and it did me no good. Your brain doesn't function without sleep. When you start to get sleepy, don't reach for the Red Bull, allow yourself to have a good night's rest. Having a clear brain during a test will go so much further than those few extra, exhausted, hours studying.
5. Break up your studying-- Studies show that taking breaks every so often will help you learn the material better. After an hour of studying, take a ten to fifteen minute breather-- but make sure you get sure you get back on track.
6. Give Yourself Time in the Morning-- Wake up a little earlier than normal on the day of a big test (you did follow rule number 4 right?) This way, you will have time to look over your notes one last time, make sure you have the necessary supplies for the day-- LSU ID, scantron, blue book, pencil, etc.. Grab some breakfast from your res hall lobby-- they serve breakfast in most lobbies during midterms and finals! Take a few minutes to relax before leaving for your test, then you'll be relaxed and focused, instead of stressed and rushed.
7. Find Your Study Haven-- Studying is a whole lot better if you are in a comfortable place. Whether it's Club Middleton, the Quad, your bed, or your favorite coffee shop, find the place where you study best. Set up shop and get comfortable-- feel free to move from study spot to study spot. I always find a change of scenery helps. Don't have a favorite study spot? Here's a list of my favorites!
Parade Grounds-- Nothing beats this on a beautiful day!
Evangeline Lobby-- Prestigious and serene, I always feel the wisdom of the ages here!
459 Commons or The 5-- what's better than studying next to an endless supply of delicious food?
Live Oak Lounge-- If you like to study with people around, this is the perfect place!
Acadian Courtyard-- Need your own oasis? Nothing beats the serenity and beauty of this study spot!
xoxo-- Girl in the Purple Polo
