Surviving the End of the Semester

We are now quickly approaching the end of the year. If you're in the same boat as I am, you couldn't dread that any more, from finishing course content, assessments, and end-of-semester exams to then working during the holidays just to pay off student loans. However, there are several ways to make getting through these last few weeks a little bit easier.

1. Where to Study

Now, this is something that is completely underestimated in relation to how it will affect the overall effectiveness of your studying. You should most definitely have a study space that is distraction-free, that inspires you, and, most of all, that you're comfortable in. Therefore, your dorm may not be the best place to plan a study spot—you may get distracted by your roommate, TV, or even that fresh book you just purchased.

Find somewhere quiet, somewhere calm. This will act as a mirror for you to bounce off of, creating an overall productive environment for you to work in. You may find this at the library, a study nook, or even a quiet coffee shop.

2. When to Study

This is a question that can easily be answered with, "Just after I finish this," or even, "Tomorrow." Scheduling study time can cancel out these issues as you can mentally and physically prepare things to make sure you study during this time.

The most critical thing to assess is what part of the day works best for you. Some people work better during the day, whereas at night they are unable to effectively study, and vice versa.

3. Mind over Matter

YOU CAN DO THIS! The way you approach studying matters, and approaching it with focus on the ways it can benefit you will improve the effectiveness of your study (and the overall engagement and enjoyment of it).

Mindsets to avoid:

• Catastrophic thinking: This refers to when you completely put yourself down before you even start: "I have too much to do, I'm going to fail!" Instead, try out some positive thinking: "I have a lot to do, but I'm going to get it done!"
• Comparing: This refers to when you compare yourself to others—please, don't do this! You'll just end up feeling bad about yourself and not making progress (whilst that person you're comparing yourself to probably has!).
• Absolute thinking: This promotes emotional distress (particularly anger), which you and I both know is not a mindset you want to be in when studying. Remind yourself of your skills and abilities. Have confidence in yourself.

4. Ways to Study

Discover your learning style! This will benefit you beyond any other advice I can provide you with.

• Auditory learners: These people learn best by actively listening! These types of learners don't find reading textbooks and writing notes to be terribly effective. Some study options that would be highly recommended for these learners are reading notes aloud, discussing topics with others, or even watching educational videos.
• Visual learners: These people learn best by physically seeing what they need to know. Generally, schooling is very accommodating to these types of learners by using diagrams and graphs. However, some recommended strategies besides those are making flash cards, using colour to highlight main ideas, and taking lots of notes!
• Tactile learners: These people generally like to do things hands-on, and therefore are not typically suited to a traditional classroom setting! However, some ways to combat this include taking breaks when learning (move around during these breaks), role-playing, and volunteering to be a part of demonstrations!

5. Treat Yourself!

Last but not least: treat yourself! Reward yourself during this chaotic time (that may be having a bit of wine and cheese, or even grabbing some of your favourite take-out!) and, most importantly, take care of yourself—it's time to hit the gym or head out for a nice afternoon yoga session!

During this hectic period, please know that people are here to help you through this! Nothing will ever be too far out of your grasp! Talk to some friends, family, or even support services at your school/university about how you're coping. Your emotional health is so important!

Good luck with what the rest of the year brings. Remember to breathe!

—Ariel x