Written by Dom Moreno, Edited by Lauren Eisele-Yocum, Transfer Jacks Peer Mentors
Here at Northern Arizona University we are quickly approaching the 8-week-mark, or the beginning of midterms. Midterm exams are used by most professors as a check-in for the semester to see your understanding of the course content. These exams can be in the form of traditional writing tests, essays, projects, or practical evaluations. Regardless of what form your midterms may take, here are some tips for better management.
Get Organized, Break it Down!
Depending on your class load, this time of year can result in a significant increase in coursework. It is important to not let yourself drown in assignments or deadlines – staying on top of your work is essential. Take some time to sit down and go over each class individually, set realistic goals for yourself and what work you will complete each day. Using tools such as planners or sticky notes can help visualize what needs to be done.
If you have bigger assignments such as study or review guides to complete, try starting earlier rather than later. Do a little everyday to better learn the material, rather than cramming all of your work into one night. Studying in general is incredibly important to your success as a student here at NAU, and our next section talks at length about effective study techniques.
Study Outside Your Dorm!
It is no surprise that people often find it easier to study outside of their home, with so many extra distractions it’s easy to get sidetracked. Consider a new location for your next study session and you might be surprised how refreshing it can be! Some study spaces here at NAU we recommend include; Cline Library, the Health and Learning Center, Communications building, IMQ space in the Fieldhouse, and many more! At the end of this article is a more comprehensive list of study spaces here on campus.
Studying off campus can also provide a rewarding change of scenery! There are great options in Downtown Flagstaff which is just a short walk or bus ride from campus. Some of our personal favorites include Steep Leaf Lounge, a cozy warm atmosphere ideal for studying alone or with friends and Late for the Train Coffee, a bright environment with an outdoor patio that’s even open until 9 pm on Friday and Saturday!
Outside of study location, your approach to the practice of studying matters. Have a list of topics to cover and plan out your productivity time. Don’t try to tackle it all at once! It’s more than okay to take breaks! Activities such as short walks or simply stretching can help fight fatigue and boredom. Browser apps such as Pomodoro can help you to better segment your time by breaking it down into chunks of productivity interwoven with breaks. It’s also recommended to study with friends and try teaching each other the material, even if your majors don’t overlap. If you run into a topic or question you don’t quite understand, take note of it and reach out to other resources, such as your professors, TAs, SIs, or tutors in the Academic Success Center.
Contact Professors!
Your professors want you to succeed, don’t be scared to ask for help! Most if not all professors will have their office hours clearly marked on the syllabus or Canvas modules. Office hours are portions of time your professor sets aside to be available as a resource for you. They will often be in their office at the designated time and available by appointment or drop-in, some professors even offer Zoom office hours! Any questions you may have or guidance you may need for your midterms can be covered at length during these office hours. Most professors prefer reviewing material one-on-one during their office hours rather than at the beginning or end of a class. This kind of individual help can be intimidating, but it is very helpful!
Be Kind to Yourself!
Above all else, when it comes to midterm season, go easy on yourself! This time of year can be stressful for a lot of students, and you’re not alone in this struggle. Reach out if you need help and give yourself grace. Don’t forget to practice self-care – get plenty of sleep, eat good food, move your body, and practice some mindfulness exercises! You’ve got this! Below are resources related to many of the topics covered above and more!
NAU study spaces: https://in.nau.edu/its/lumberjack-spaces/
Steep Leaf Lounge: https://www.leaflounge.com/
Late for the Train: https://lateforthetrain.com/
Pomodoro: https://pomofocus.io/
NAU Counseling: https://in.nau.edu/campus-health-services/nau-counseling-services/
CARE Center: https://in.nau.edu/dean-of-students/care-center/
Academic Success Center: https://in.nau.edu/academic-success-centers/
– Tutoring: https://in.nau.edu/academic-success-centers/tutoring/
– Writing Commons: https://in.nau.edu/university-writing-commons/