Midterm season can seem daunting at first but if you prepare yourself, it won’t be so scary! Finding study techniques that work for you is very important because it will help you succeed. Remembering to take care of yourself is also beneficial to help you retain the information and ease the stress.
Preparation is Key
Managing your time effectively is the key to staying on top of all your tasks. At the beginning of the semester it’s a good idea to add all of your assignments and exams to your schedule. Google Calendar is an easy scheduling tool to keep track of classes and tasks. Some people prefer a physical planner and those work too!
Whether you type or take physical notes, when starting to study, collect them all together so you have them in the same place. If your class uses a textbook, gather that as well along with any other study tools you may need.
Effective Study Techniques
Finding a learning strategy that works for you is important when studying because it can make your midterm seem not so bad. Online tools like mind maps or quizlet can be very beneficial to reiterate and quiz yourself on the material.
Working in a group is a useful tool because your classmates may remember other information and you can help teach each other. Talking out loud can also be helpful for memorization because hearing the information can be a memorization tool. Creating a group study goal can help you stay on track and be productive while working with others.
Maintaining Mental Health
Taking care of yourself is the most important thing to keep in mind during midterm season. If you aren’t getting enough sleep, you won’t be at your best to study. Prioritizing sleep, nutrition, and exercise can help you to stay on top of things by being in a good space. There are supports on campus to help you deal with stress like the Wellness Centre.
Time Management Hacks
Creating a list of the tasks you need to complete and highlighting the most important ones can help you prioritize the order in which things need to get done. The Pomodoro technique has been a very beneficial study tool because you can break down your tasks into study chunks.
Day of Exam
The day of your exam may seem scary and overwhelming but if you have a good breakfast and practice mindful breathing it can help your body to relax. Keeping a positive mindset going into the exam can train your brain to stay calm.
Your first midterm season doesn’t have to be as scary as some people make it out to be. Keeping on top of things and remembering to stay calm will ease any issues that arise. Once you find a study routine that works for you, things won’t seem too overwhelming!
Written by Future Student Ambassador, Kira Schmidt
