Top 5 Study Hacks to Crush Exam Season
I just have to tell you guys, I am SO happy about this post. If you’ve been hanging out with me for a while, you know my friend Keri, and you also know what a big fan I am of her. We’ve done a few blog swaps before, so you can read her previous posts here and here. However, the last time she’s hung out with us was before the pandemic, and that was just entirely too long for me.
I have to say, my favorite thing about guest posting is that since she’s got a whole other skill set, she can share with you some tips and ideas that I couldn’t give you. She’s truly a gift, and I hope you all enjoy this post! After you’ve picked up all the best study habits, head on over to Coffee With Keri, subscribe to her blog, and read my post tomorrow!
It’s mid-October, which is my favorite time of year. We’re in the midst of fall, and the holidays are right around the corner.
But, if you’re in school, this time of year also means mid-terms, papers, quizzes, and presentations.
If that is you, I feel you.
And I’ve got you.
Although I graduated college a while ago, I recently decided to pursue a master’s degree, so I’m right back to writing papers, taking exams, and giving presentations. So fun, right?!
I wouldn’t consider myself a study expert, but I’ve endured my fair share of late nights, study sessions, and paper writing. Through my experiences, I’ve discovered five hacks to crush exam season. And you’re in luck because I’m sharing those study secrets with you today! (Cue the applause.)
So without further ado, here are my Top Five Study Tips To Crush Exam Season.
Your atmosphere is everything.
Assignments and exams require lots of focus. Your atmosphere is crucial to a successful study session. For some, a coffee shop may be the perfect place to get work done, while others may prefer absolute silence. Some may be more productive in the morning, while others may opt to study at night. You know yourself best, so identify the best place and time that works for you and make that your go-to study setup whenever possible.
I prefer writing in the morning, but that doesn’t always work with my schedule. So when I have to write at night, I opt for other ways to make my atmosphere a productive space to get work done. For ultimate productivity, I make sure I have a soothing Spotify playlist (this one is my current favorite), a comfortable outfit (no jeans allowed), and a place where there are little to no distractions.
Time blocking is your new BFF.
Similar to creating the right atmosphere, time blocking is crucial to study success. Instead of fitting in homework “when you have free time,” intentionally make the time by scheduling an allotted amount of time aside only for studying and completing schoolwork. Since I work full-time, this means 7-10 p.m. on weeknights and 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Saturdays as needed. Blocking time helps me not feel overwhelmed because I know I’m intentionally setting aside hours to complete my assignments.
Use those handy-dandy post-it notes.
Around this time of the semester, it can be easy to forget that the light is at the end of the tunnel. You’re in the thick of things with no end in sight. BUT, the end of the semester is coming! One of my favorite ways to visually show my progress is using post-it notes. Write each assignment (big or small) on post-it notes and stick them near your desk space. Every time you complete one, throw the post-it note in the trash. You’ll slowly start to see your progress. You got this!
When in doubt, plan it out.
If you know me, you know I love a good organization system. Make sure you are adding every assignment, exam, presentation, and study session to your planner. This helps you get thoughts out of your mind and onto paper, so you have them all in one place. To take it to the next level, write down your grades, too.
Proofread (always proofread).
The worst feeling is sending an email and then realizing you had a very obvious typo in the message. Noooo! If only I had proofread the email! Don’t submit your paper unless you’ve proofread it and had at least one other person look at it, too. One of my favorite free Google Chrome extensions is Grammarly, which looks at your writing for grammatical errors, typos, misspellings, confusing sentences, etc. It’s a lifesaver.
Bonus tip! Give yourself a break.
This season can be stressful. There’s a lot to do, and it may feel overwhelming at times. Don’t forget to give yourself a break. Focus for 50 minutes, then take a 5-10 minute break before continuing. Get up from your desk, walk around, grab a coffee or a snack (or both!)
To do your best, you have to take care of yourself, too. Assignments, exams, and presentations are important, but so is your mental health. If you are using your time wisely and following my top study tips, then a little break here or there won’t affect your grades or your work. Take time for yourself because you deserve it!
@KeriPapili
Coffee With Keri is your go-to lifestyle blog for organization hacks, productivity tips, book recommendations, fashion inspiration, and more. Grab a cup and stay caffeinated with new posts every Friday at CoffeeWithKeri.com.