Non-freshmen are probably agonizing the amount of weeks left in the semester. This time last year the first quarter would almost be done. We may be on a semester schedule but it’s still very important for students to stay focused and make it through the weeks to come. For students who are clueless as to how they will finish the semester in good spirits, here are a few tips that can help.
1. Recommit. If you’re barely passing in all your classes, it’s not too late to pull off an A, or at least bring your grades up. Remind yourself of the goals you made during the first week of classes. Are you achieving them?
“Stay organized and try to resist the urge to relax too much,” professor Heather Patton said. “Quarters are like a mad spring, and semesters feel like a never-ending marathon. The key is not to stop running either way. Stay on top of assignments, keep going to class every day, don’t be afraid to ask for help if you feel overwhelmed.”
2. Get Your Priorities Straight. On your list of everything going on in your life, keep school at the top. School is a full-time job. You should devote a total of eight hours a day to school work, whether that be studying, preparing for presentations or reviewing notes. Employees can’t be on Facebook or watching TV all day; the same rule applies to school.
3. Keep a Schedule. This helps you to remember school tasks. If you can program your phone to wake you up in the morning and remind you of your BFF’s birthdays, you can do the same for your schoolwork.
“Stay organized however you can,” Patton said. “Use a planner, get a dry erase board for your room or put reminders in your phone. Do whatever works best for you. I’m surprised more students don’t use calendars or apps on their phones to keep track of things or remind them when assignments are due. The only one I’ve heard of is myHomework, which is free, that reminds you about tests, assignments or even simply going to class on time.”
4. Meet with Professors. If you don’t understand something, speak up and get clarification on the topic. Talk to your professor about exactly how he or she prepares their tests (multiple choice, short answer or essay) so you know how best to study the material.
“The biggest thing I’ve noticed so far during this semester is the absentee rate and the tardiness occurrences,” Dave Baxter, Lecturer of Mass Commutation, said. “I didn’t notice these issues being nearly as pronounced when we were still on quarters. And, several of my colleagues have indicated the same things. My advice to students is to attend every class and be there on time. And don’t get up and leave early. It’s rude to the teacher, it’s disruptive of the class and the student will miss material, which in my classes, could be on exams.”
5. Form a Study Group. Meet with other classmates who really understand the material or who need help.
6. Know Your Learning Style. Some students learn better visually, so they can use flashcards and power points to study. Some students learn better being hands-on, so they can use objects to remember the material. And some students learn better hearing the professor, and in that case it may be wise to have a recorder.
7. Find a Place to Study. Students’ dorm rooms may be cozy and relaxing, but there are too many distractions. The library might be the best place to study.
8. Have Breaks and Rewards. No one can stay focused for hours and hours without taking some type of break. Too much information processed at one time, can be overwhelming for students. It’s important not to cram before tests, but study gradually a certain amount of time each day. The night before finals, take 10-15minute breaks every hour. Students should reward themselves after finals are over by going out with friends or doing something that makes them happy.
9. Sober Yourself up with Why You’re Here. When debating whether to study or not, students should try to remind themselves why they are in college in the first place. That reason is to get an education and get a job. Can you get a good job without your college degree? How is your life going to be without a degree? Those are questions students should ask.
10. Take Time For You. It’s important for students to have at least 30 minutes to an hour a day devoted to something that allows them to relax. That could be watching TV, chatting with friends, listening to music or working out. Becoming overwhelmed and stressed can damage your health mentally, physically and emotionally.
Students can look forward to the holidays and have a feeling of comfort knowing they only have one more semester to go, and they are half way done with the school year.
