We are officially approaching midterm season! The good news? Now is the prime time to set yourself up for success.
Starting Small
It can be hard to balance multiple classes’ worth of projects and midterms, let alone just regular coursework. The best place to start is going through all of your syllabi and writing down when all of your bigger assignments are due. Getting these tasks on your radar sooner than later will help you stay organized and plan accordingly.
When it comes to methodology, it’s completely up to you; whether you’re a chronic Quizlet-maker or a flash card stan, everybody learns differently. If you want to spice up your old study habits, you could try making a Kahoot and inviting some friends over for a study night. Another major tip I have: schedule study dates. Regardless of whether you’re studying together or doing individual work, marking down some dedicated study times with a friend helps keep you accountable. You’ll thank yourself later for setting aside some time!
Conversely, if the problem seems to be content-based, seek help. Take advantage of your professors’ office hours, your teaching assistants and . All of this is to say that gradual preparation is key to dominating midterm season!
Study Spots
A change of scenery can sometimes set you free when you’re feeling stuck. Getting yourself into a productive and focused mindset starts with your environment. One of my favorite study spots on campus is Food.com in Newhouse. I highly recommend you check out your ; it’s the perfect place to grab a coffee or a snack and hone in.
If you’d rather head to the library, Bird is an excellent candidate. The noise level decreases as you go higher up in the building, with . Bird also has you can rent, and its own cafe, . For those of you who need silence to get in the zone, check out . Being surrounded by other working students can give you that extra push of positive pressure to get to it.
On the other hand, if you’re craving a break from campus, some of my favorite close-by coffee shop study spots include , , and .
R and R
Know your limits and recognize when you need to take a step back. Midterm season can be a demanding time and it’s very easy to overexert yourself. Prioritizing your self-care is pertinent to being at your best during midterms. Be sure to take breaks between study sessions—take a , throw on some Netflix or run an errand with a friend—anything to give your mind a break. You’ll be surprised at how refreshed and refocused your brain will be when you get back to work. It’s easy to forget the necessity of breaks when you’re overloaded with work—that’s where scheduling can be quite handy. Plan out time for yourself, whether it’s a night out with friends, a relaxing evening in or a lazy Sunday morning. Squeezing in some time for a workout can also be a great way to relieve stress. Take a trip to the and schedule a , go for a run around Ìýor go on a hike at . Getting your body moving and breathing in some fresh air will help put you in a better mood and ready to tackle your assignments.
Accepting Defeat
Midterm season is one of the biggest hubs for germs; a bunch of sleep-deprived people living in the library for days and days. One person gets sick and before you know it, you likely do, too. Quality sleep and constant hydration can help reduce your chances of getting super sick, but to be frank, it’s almost inevitable. If you’re feeling under the weather, grab a warm tea from , , and then go home and get some rest. In the long run, accepting defeat and prioritizing your health and wellness will ultimately help you be at your best for the remainder of midterms.
In a few weeks, you’ll look back and smile: midterm season isn’t so bad.
Written By Maggie AndersonÌý’25, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications
This article is for reference purposes only and is not deemed an endorsement by ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ.