Midterm Selfcare

Tip #1: Create a schedule

When keeping a mental to-do list, it's easy to forget things. Creating a physical schedule is a great way to stay calm and track all your assignments. 

How to schedule:

The way you format your schedule is personal, meaning you can write as little or as much as you want. On top of class schedules and due dates, Some people find it helpful to schedule in time blocks, such as downtime, study locations and start dates for projects. Time blocking is especially helpful during busier parts of the semester when due dates are close together.

If you like writing on paper, Samru offers free school planners outside the campus store on Main Street during certain times of the year. You can also find free, printable planners online!

In addition to my schedule, I find it helpful to keep a daily/weekly paper to-do list. Keeping a paper to-do list helps me to balance all my assignments across five courses and check my progress at a glance.

Expert tip: At the start of each semester, put all your class times and syllabus dates into a Google calendar. Doing so creates a basic schedule you can add assignments onto later. Google Calendar can be accessed on any device, meaning you can stay organized on the go!

Tip #2: Take advantage of office hours

Every professor has some form of posted office hours, usually located on the introduction page of the course syllabus. While some professors have specific blocks of time for their office hours, others are by appointment only. By taking advantage of office hours, you get face-to-face time with your professors and can ask specific questions about assignments. During office hours, you can get a prof to review your work, read an essay or explain a concept taught in class. One-on-one conversations are a great way to clear up any confusion about the course material. Take advantage of office hours!

Tip #3: Change up your study spots

Have you been sitting at your room desk in the west residence for the last eight hours? After a while, it can be hard to produce quality work. Stop breathing that stale dormitory air and find a new study space! Getting outside and breathing in the fresh air can give you a new perspective and has a second wind effect (no pun intended), providing you with more energy. There are plenty of fantastic study spots on campus to choose from but here are two of my favorites to try out: 

The Table: 

Bring some noise-canceling headphones and try out ‘The Table’ on the second floor of Mainstreet. Although it is loud, it can be a nice change of pace from studying alone. 

Pros: great people-watching and upbeat environment 

Cons: loud, no wall/floor outlets to charge your laptop or phone

Riddell learning Center: 

This is an obvious one, MRU’s newly renovated state-of-the-art library. With an infinite number of places to study and four floors based on sound level, you cannot go wrong with this study spot. The learning center is also home to Barrow Coffee Roasters and the second-floor learning services. Students can grab a latte before heading upstairs to get a second set of eyes on their essays through an appointment-based meeting with a writing specialist. 

The library’s first floor is open 24/7 to One Card holders, making it a great place to catch up on work no matter the time of day. 

Pros: bottom floor open 24/7, Tons of seating

Cons: it can get loud on quiet floors, top floors are only open until 10:00

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