How to make the most of precious study time with the help of the library
Although it might seem like the semester just started, we are in fact ending midterms and approaching finals. This time of year is always stressful — with classes, assignments, and heavily-weighted exams all happening within a short period of time, it seems as though there just aren’t enough hours in the day. I get swamped easily during these times — in my mind I feel like I don’t have the time to complete everything I need to with a high degree of quality, so I sometimes think it’s better if I just ignore it. However, this really is not the best way to alleviate crunch-time stressors.
As a student, I always believed the library was a place where I could find assistance academically. I had never considered that getting help with studying and learning fell under this umbrella. My studying methods had always been an amalgamation of writing cue cards, procrastinating, and watching videos to better understand concepts five minutes before my exam. Needless to say, it’s not the most effective way to study.
What I wish I had known sooner in my university career is that, like writing appointments, students can book free studying appointments with a peer. I found that after meeting with one of the learning peers last winter, I had a better understanding of why I was procrastinating so much, and learned strategies to combat it. The peer suggested that over the course of the semester I was writing notes without reviewing them, so when it came time for the exam I had to re-learn large amounts of information, rather than just solidifying the tough concepts. She had tips about avoiding memorization and replacing it with understanding, and other study strategies. She made a conscious effort to accommodate my personal learning style and we came up with a game plan to tackle upcoming exams.
One of the tips the peer gave me was to start scheduling my days so I would feel more accountable for what needed to be done each day. I started by printing off some of the library’s “daily task lists” and filled them out accordingly. I found it was a great way to have an overview of the week, without things becoming unmanageable and overwhelming. I have since graduated to using a daily planner. It’s nothing too fancy, but it allows me to keep all my scheduling in one place, instead of on a loose piece of paper. Because I am currently on co-op at the library, I don’t have nearly as many due dates to remember, but I still catch myself filling out my planner.
If you are struggling with procrastination or time management, I would suggest looking at some of the online resources. The library’s course guide on time management was a great jumping off point. It has a bunch of tips and links to other websites that have beneficial information. The best tip I read there was to avoid taking breaks that are too engaging — like checking Instagram or watching Netflix. I tend to take these “breaks” for longer than I want because I end up spending an hour watching calligraphy videos (which are surprisingly satisfying). Instead, try taking a 10-minute walk around the block or campus to clear your head and get some fresh air — it really works for me!
If there’s one thing I’d love for you to take away from this article, it’s that managing your time is a process. It’s ultimately a lifestyle change that can take some time getting used to. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you slip up — everyone does. Just know there are resources to help you build the skills you need to get your time under control.
Next week I’ll be writing about what writing appointments at the library are all about!
Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons/Edited by Alora Griffiths