By: Julia Amting
The cold weather is upon us and the end of the semester is near. CMU students are shuffling around campus in winter gear with full backpacks and busy schedules. Mid-November is confronting us with all that still needs to be done, all the projects to finish and all the information we have to remember.
Exam season tends to be a source of anxiety, but fear not. Here are some tips to prepare you to ace your exams and thrive while doing it.
Start early
Most stress about exams comes when you’re in a time crunch. Being aware of deadlines and how much preparation you need for each class will limit surprises later on. I know it might feel unnecessary when it seems like there’s a significant amount of time left - trust me, I understand. However, this time of year commitments tend to pile up. Getting ahead of the game instead of running to keep up helps with mental health, your confidence and your grades.
Organize your space
Everyone studies differently, so pick a space that works well for you Some people like the silence of the library and others enjoy the white noise of coffee shops. Sometimes a space at home or in your dorm is best as well. Keep that space organized by throwing away old papers and having a place for everything.
Wherever you choose to work, it’s important to understand how your space affects you. Cluttered spaces are proven to cause stress and negatively affect mental health. When your space feels out of control, it is more difficult to stay focused on a task. Open and organized spaces radiate peace and safety in an environment where you are required to problem solve and think creatively - a practice worth carrying into a home and office of a busy professional.
Make manageable goals
The mountain of tasks leading up to exam week can seem insurmountable. Facing the music is the best way to handle it. Take time to look at the tasks you need to complete and create doable daily goals. If it’s a big project, take a step each day. Write these goals down and cross them off when they’re done. This way you have a daily sense of achievement instead of feeling discouraged at what’s yet to be done.
Find support
If there is a subject you are struggling with, studying with others can help. It can give you a group of peers to commiserate with and provide a resource for information you might not understand. Additionally, collaboration is a huge part of any PR career. Learning with others and observing how they work can help you with your professional development.
Teach your material
Teaching a concept or a process to your roommate or a friend can help you remember it better yourself. Speaking ideas aloud repeatedly helps them cement in your mind in your own words. This method brings to light the aspects that might be challenging to understand and shows you where to focus your studying.
Take care of yourself
Take breaks, even if it feels unproductive. It can be easy to put your health on the backburner when there seems to be more pressing work to be done. However, recharging will help with your mood as well as your memory. Drink plenty of water, and practice positivity. When you’re overwhelmed it’s easy to focus on everything that still needs to be done instead of what you’ve already accomplished. It’s important to use self-care as a choice and not a method of procrastination.
These tips will set you up for success as you approach exam week, and help you to thrive and not simply survive.