Although the end of first semester and Demonstration of Learning week won’t be until January, it’s always good to get a head start on preparing for exams. Here are some helpful tips to set yourself up for success next month!

1. Prioritize rest and take care of yourself

We all know sleep helps with performance in school, work, and your life in general. However, it’s especially important during exam season, when your brain will be working extra hard. Try to avoid cramming and going to bed super late, and make sure you are eating enough to fuel all your learning and studying.

1. Don’t hesitate to ask for help

The last thing you want before going into exam season is to feel lost and like you don’t understand your classes. If there are any classes you’re struggling with, know that you can always ask your classmates and teachers for help, or go to the tutoring center to get help outside of class. 

1. Take advantage of online resources

In today’s day and age, many online resources are available to help you understand your classes. Whether it’s the Organic Chemistry Tutor and Heimler’s History on YouTube or Khan Academy’s free practice questions, as long as you have access to the internet you are guaranteed access to a neverending library of information to help you succeed in your classes.

1. Create a study schedule

Time management is hard for many students, but being able to create and follow a schedule can help you avoid procrastination. It can be as simple as writing a few goals for your day or creating an hour-by-hour schedule—either way, having a goal in mind and a set amount of time to accomplish it can be very helpful.

1. Take breaks to stretch and meditate

Don’t overwhelm yourself with schoolwork! Your health should always be your number one priority, and often, taking breaks can help you study. Use studying techniques like the Pomodoro method and take breaks in between sitting at your desk on your computer to get up and move around.

Try to keep some of these tips in mind as we approach exam season and good luck!