With midterms just around the corner, students here at LHS are cramming in all of their assignments and preparing for the end of the semester. Although studying can be a hassle at times, it can be such a handful that it’s hard to know where to start. Freshman Alyson Stratton said, “I’m absolutely terrified because I don’t know what it’s gonna look like; I don’t know how much stress it’s gonna be.” So how can anyone find the motivation to study if they don’t even know where to start? Here are some study tips to help you at the end of the semester.
First off, get yourself organized. Get your notes prepared and tackle any missing assignments. Studying is much easier when you don’t have any missing assignments dangling over your head. Secondly, prioritize your work; what’s most important and what’s least important? A good way to keep track of your priorities is to make a to-do list, highlighting your top priorities. With an organized to-do list, it’s time to start studying.
Of course, it’s not always easy for some to just jump in and study; many people have different preferences for how they retain information. When studying, it’s best to find out what study method works for you. Several study methods that tend to help are flashcards, the Feynman technique, testing yourself, and many more.
The pomodoro technique, a study method that was developed in the late 1980s, is a technique that has been scientifically proven to help manage time and work with few distractions. The technique requires use of a timer set for 25 minutes, and in that time span, you work on a task until the timer rings. You then get a five-minute break before starting again.
Of course, there are simpler ways to study. Many students use websites that help with studying and are also entertaining. A majority of students at LHS use many of these websites, such as Kahoot, Quizlet, and Blooket. These websites are a great tool for students who have trouble staying motivated when it comes to studying.
However, this can still be stressful for some, especially for freshmen who are new to midterms. Thankfully, there is a solution. The LHS Link Crew is hosting a Cocoa & Cram, a great opportunity for freshmen to study with their friends, enjoy some hot cocoa, and get advice from juniors and seniors. The Cocoa & Cram is December 19 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
When asked if she would attend the Cocoa & Cram, Stratton said, “Yes, I’m going to everything I can go to to get help with finals.”
Although there are many ways to study, one of the greatest tips to follow is to take care of yourself. Getting a good amount of rest, drinking enough water, and getting some brain food will help stupendously. Don’t stress too much, take a breather and start fresh. With these study tips and some self-care, you’ll be able to go into midterms with confidence.
