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October is finally here, so you know what that means: exam season is upon us.

Like every other semester before this, pre-finals period always feels the most hectic. My days are spent going to classes whilst also catching up on study sessions and assignment deadlines. So, it’s pretty easy to feel burnt-out by the end of it. 

Over the years, I’ve tried whatever there is to try to make my study sessions as productive as possible but here are some of the things that actually worked for me.

Having a study plan – as messy as my desk may be at times, I’m actually a rather organised person. I like structure, so study plans are a lifesaver for me! I feel like knowing what I have to do on the day helps avoid burnout because I won’t be over-studying, nor will I be under-studying, so I won’t end my day feeling bad about not doing enough. I just have to stick to the plan.

I have a monthly overview of deadlines, study sessions and exam dates on my calendar, as well as a daily to-do list of topics to study and things to do. I try to keep my list as realistic as possible because if you load too much on it and end up crossing only one thing off the list, trust me it doesn’t feel good. I’d rather have two things on my list and focus deeply on it, then 10 and rushing through everything.   

Breakfast is key – I’m guilty of skipping breakfast, usually on days when I’m rushing out the door to get to my 9am classes. Then by 10am my stomach is rumbling with hunger, and I don’t have the energy to focus on my studies. So, I’ve been making it a habit to grab a quick bite every morning, even if it’s just as simple as having buttered toast or cereal – as long as I’m not starting my day on an empty stomach. 

With that being said, it’s also important to fuel yourself throughout the day with snacks too!

Schedule breaks – as important as it is to study, it’s also just as important to take breaks. Now is not the time to burnout! Besides taking constant short breaks throughout my day, I’ve also made it a point to unwind a little on the weekends by maybe going out for dinner on a Friday night or visiting the markets on a Sunday morning or even just allowing myself to wake up a little later on a Saturday. Your studies should not stop you from having a break! 

Have a study group – I know this is not for everyone and trust me, I used to think it wasn’t for me too until I found a friend whose study style was compatible with mine. I think finding the right group of people (or even just one person; I think the smaller the group, the better) to study with is imperative. It’s good having someone to hold me accountable and make studying less excruciating.  

With only a couple of weeks left until we sit for our final examinations, our study mode has been reactivated and intensified. We’re reclaiming the libraries and study spaces from those high school kids that come in after school hours and dusting our textbooks off the shelves. It’s game time, people!