When you’re in college, the end of the semester can often feel slow or overwhelming. You’ve already been through many weeks of studying and hard work and probably feel ready for a long break. While summer may be the light at the end of the tunnel, you don’t want to lose focus.
Motivation may be complex for those experiencing “senioritis” or burnout. On the other hand, plenty of students feel increasingly stressed toward the end of the semester. But it’s important not to lose track of your goals and all the hard work you’ve put in so far. Especially if you’re beginning your college career, keeping yourself on task as final exams approach is crucial.
You’re not alone if you’re struggling to stay motivated or overwhelmed with end-of-year projects. This is a challenging part of the school year, but there are plenty of resources and strategies to utilize to help you end the semester strong. Here are just a few ways to make the most of the last couple months:
1. Maintain a Calendar
It can be a lot to juggle for those involved in multiple school organizations during the school year. Many school groups have special events at the end of the year, while classes have finals simultaneously. Creating a calendar for yourself will prevent you from falling apart during the most busy times of the semester. In your calendar, record all vital school and organizational due dates. Putting all critical dates in one place will help you manage your time better and prioritize projects without getting overwhelmed. Using a digital calendar like Calendar or Google Calendar can boost your efficiency by giving you access to your schedule across devices.
As you create this calendar, prioritize by creating daily itemized task lists. Making a point to work on big projects weeks in advance will prevent you from having to put in a lot of work at the last minute. Prioritizing by deadline will also prevent you from missing due dates. It’s also essential to allocate time to study for upcoming tests or quizzes. Organizing this way will prevent you from forgetting anything important and ensure your time is spread appropriately between different classes.
2. Take a Break
For those struggling with stress, breaks are fundamental. Taking an hour or two away from work will prevent burnout and will contribute to maintaining your mental wellness. Even if it’s the weekend before finals week, it’s still important to make time for rest. Taking a break during a weekend of studying will help you relieve stress. A full night of sleep is essential. It may be tempting to study all night, but your brain needs to recharge to recall facts and stay prepared for the upcoming week.
Regardless of your due dates and your grade confidence, everyone deserves time to refresh and put in self-care. Whether it’s spending time with friends or just a quiet evening watching TV, this time is incredibly important for your mental health. Including breaks in your routine may also help you strategize and work when you feel most motivated. You have a better chance of exhausting yourself when you work all the time. Taking time to yourself will help you stay strong throughout the end of the year.
3. Collaborate With Peers
If you’re in a slump, chances are your friends and social groups are on a similar page as you. Plenty of people struggle to stay motivated throughout this semester, but you can use this to your advantage. Study groups are a perfect way to hold yourself accountable when trying to reach your end-of-year goals. When you have plans with someone else, you have less chance of abandoning your intentions for the day. Find friends from your major studying and working on the same project as you. If that’s not an option, pick a group that can focus and won’t be too distracting.
Doing schoolwork with friends also makes the entire task more enjoyable. Schoolwork doesn’t have to be painful or tedious as long as it’s productive. Don’t forget to include snacks and music while working on projects together. Choosing a fun destination, like a coffee shop or outdoor space, will also make your time together more exciting. Make fun plans with the same friends after your study session for more motivation. Make it a goal to go out for dinner or watch a movie together afterward to reward yourselves for all your hard work.
4. Set Boundaries
Not everyone feels that they’re a part of the unmotivated crowd, but instead, on the opposite side of the spectrum. Many students become stressed and stretch too thin at the end of the year. In this case, it’s important to recognize what’s most important in your schedule. If you’re involved in many social groups, you may need to choose to be less involved as you gear up for the end of the year. Fun events on campus are always tempting, but you don’t want to lose sight of your academic goals.
Again, setting dedicated times for work and relaxation can be incredibly helpful in setting boundaries. You do not need to study for hours to succeed, but you also don’t need to attend every party or end-of-year celebration. Make it a goal to create a good balance of work and play. Say no to social outings near deadlines, but don’t isolate yourself completely. Opting out of social events may even be appropriate to save time for yourself. Social activities may require a lot of energy, so sometimes, a quiet evening at home is just what your brain needs.
5. Use Campus Resources
When you’re having difficulty managing your workload or struggling in a class, you don’t have to face it alone. Most universities have various options to support students, as they want to see their undergraduates succeed. Tutors are a major resource that may be beneficial during the semester. With most college campuses offering free tutoring groups, it’s an accessible tool to help you feel more confident in your classes. Tutors may also help you study for exams and provide any tips they have for courses you’re taking.
On-campus counseling services are a great resource if you’re feeling particularly stressed, anxious, or depressed this semester. Counselors can help you develop coping mechanisms and provide suggestions on how to improve your experience on campus. If your mental health is taking a toll on your productivity, you can connect with professors to work on new timelines. This isn’t an option for everyone, but it’s always good to consider if you’re at a mental low point.
Finish Strong
The stress of final exams and projects doesn’t have to hinder your success this semester. Semesters tend to get more difficult as you progress in your academic career. Staying organized and planning your time will help you manage your workload during your time in school. The above strategies and resources will also help you maintain mental wellness throughout the school year. By maintaining a good balance and surrounding yourself with supportive individuals, you will surely end the semester on a high note.
Featured Image Credit: Photo by cottonbro studio; Pexels
Angela Ruth
My name is Angela Ruth. I aim to help you learn how Calendar can help you manage your time, boost your productivity, and spend your days working on things that matter, both personally and professionally. Here's to improving all your calendars and becoming the person you are destined to become!