Berry professors have a typical
system; cram a lot of information in the first few weeks and then schedule
tests, quizzes, papers and projects for week four, commonly referred to as, “hell
week.” This would be that week for me.
Here are a few tips to hopefully help
you avoid sleeping through your lunch break in Kilpatrick Commons.
-
Don’t
procrastinate, just don’t do it. At the time it seems perfectly reasonable,
until like me, you’re up at 4 am on the day of a big quiz still studying. You
may feel like you’re learning, but trust me, come time to take the quiz your
mind will be comatose and you’d probably have done better simply not studying
(which I don’t recommend either
- Frequent
study breaks. After sitting .n one place for so long one’s mind glazes over
like a Krispy Kreme donut, scrumptious but not useful concerning your GPA. I
stray away from social media during study breaks merely because an hour goes by lickity split. To rejuvenate the mind, I do yoga. If warrior and
tree pose aren’t your thing, try cartwheels. Those are always entertaining. Or a
brisk walk. Any form of exercise works. For an extra bonus, try inversions
(handstands). These are thought to give you a new view on life or maybe just a
brighter perspective on that test tomorrow.
- Find your study spot. It’s difficult to
find one readily available location that harbors productivity every time you
visit it, but when you find it, utilize it. It’s taken two years of trial and
error but here are a few of my favorite study spots
-Third floor science study rooms.
They’re spacious with a beautiful view. Since I’m never in science it provides
a fresh atmosphere making studying less burdensome.
-Outside. Weather permitting;
studying outside is the most refreshing route to go. Find a shady spot under a
tree, Kilpatrick Commons or the roof of an academic building (kidding).
-Your desk in your room. Crazy
concept, I know! Create a study space unique to you that will help focus and motivate
you even when sleep beckons to you like d-hall cookies.
Hopefully these tips will prevent studying
casualties such as, naps in the library cubicles, in class and through your
lunch break; coffee overdoses, inversion mishaps, and picking grass at 2 a.m. for
a forgotten agricultural science project. But, in case you do find yourself
burning the late night oil, keep in mind what tomorrow holds, for a nap in
Kilpatrick could be closer than you think.