1) Make a study schedule. Make a list of the things you need to get done and plan out when to do them. This will help you keep on top of your work and not leave everything until the last minute. It will also help you visualize exactly how much you have to do.
2) Take breaks. Don’t force yourself to work all week without stopping. Take small breaks ever hour or two to walk around, get a snack, or say hi to a friend. Check out some of these quick exercises you can do in your room. Taking longer breaks can help too. Just finished one of your final papers? Go off campus for dinner or watch a movie.
3) Limit your unproductive internet access. You know how much time you spend on Facebook and Tumblr. Now double that and you’ll get how much time you’ll spend when you are shut in the library for a week. Don’t let yourself! Either maintain your self-control and stay away, or work out another system to keep yourself productive. Extensions like StayFocused let you set an amount of time for distracting sites and will then block them when your time is up.
4) Make connections. Form study groups with people in your classes! This will both peer-pressure you into working and help make the whole process easier and more fun.
5) Eat. Sleep. Shower. With Stim Table, Midnight Breakfast, Feeding Frenzy, and all the other free food events, you have no excuse not to eat! Ideally, make sure you are getting foods that are high in proteins and vitamins but honesty, if you need that Nutella-cheerio-liquid caffeine sandwich, it’s at least better than nothing. Try to get a good amount of rest, especially the night before an exam. Finally, take the time to shower (if that’s your kind of thing). You’ll feel better and more productive.
6) Treat yourself. There’s nothing wrong with getting yourself a fancy mocha in the morning (read: 3am) or listening to your favorite really awful pop music. Do little things to make yourself happy while you work, or bribe yourself to get things done. Relatedly, Written? Kitten!
