The Ultimate Guide in Surviving Spring Semester
After a well-deserved holiday, you return to the university with an overwhelming feeling. It's the spring semester, the most challenging part of the term. The deadlines to your assignments come in succession, and you have examinations to take in between paper writing. Don't discount the possibility of taking two or three tests in a day. It can happen during your final week in college, which shouldn't make you panic at this very moment.
The first thing you need to do is to adopt a positive mindset. There are older students who have been in this situation, and they manage to make it through the so-called ordeal. In other words, this is the perfect time to cry for help. (And it's not a joke.) You may think that a period of eight weeks seems a very long time, but it's not. Time will be a huge issue, such that you must make lots of sacrifices. You might not glimpse at your social media accounts now and then, but the coursework can be compared to a demanding mistress. You rather think about writing, which you can't get enough of it.
10 Ways to Motivate Yourself After Spring Break
Evaluate your performance on finished essays and past examinations. This should determine if you must do lots of catch up or keep up your consistent performance. If you have problems with reading comprehension, then you need to spend more time on reading. It means looking closely at those assigned texts on weekends. If you're having trouble in finishing your assignment ahead of the deadline, then you have all the time during the weekend. If you're pursuing a dual degree, then you can only wish for an extra day. You must be glad about Sunday, but don't overdo it. You need a good rest, as you look forward to the next week.
Look for a study place. Spring might prompt you to go outside and bask in the sunshine. It may be too cold. You can end up struggling to concentrate on your reading (or assignment). Try to look at your study table differently. You're inspired after sitting down, and it won't take long before you're thinking of different ideas (for your different papers). You're raring to go.
Find a study partner(s). You can get distracted easily, you can get bored in a matter of moment. Invite your coursemate(s), but make sure that your roommate won't mind at all. There's strength in numbers, but there's a downside. One question can lead to a conversation that is not related to the module at all. Have the presence of mind.
Meet your tutor. It may not be the best time to arrange an appointment with your tutor, who might be thinking of a different teaching style. Your tutor is also assessing the term (like you), so show some consideration. There's nothing wrong in revealing your trivial problems related to the coursework, but it will be better to seek guidance when you're overwhelmed by the bulk of papers and tests.
Don't be afraid to seek help from your professor(s). It means swallowing your pride, which might be a hard thing for teenagers. There's no room for sensitivity in this kind of scenario, which doesn't mean that you must force yourself to be an adult during this time. You want to get it done, but you're uncertain of finishing it in a few days or less. The members of the faculty have experience on their side.
Ask about the extension of the deadline. If you think that you can't make it, then don't hesitate to get in touch with the secretary of your department. You're not the first one to do it.
Sleep early, rise up early. It's the only way to have more time for your demanding coursework. Forget video streaming (of your favorite TV shows). You can watch a movie at a later date. Spring semester is not the best time to indulge in social media. Lack of sleep can affect you.
Always look at your planner. Prioritize the deadlines for your assignments. You might not have much time to pen a lyrical analysis of an assigned text, if not do lots of research (to bulk the body of your essay). You have the option to write it simply, finish the draft right away, and proofread it a little bit later.
Keep yourself active, but don't forget to take a rest. It's the only way to be energized, also get motivated for this important part of the term. Don't overdo it, though. Spring is not the best time to get sick.
No harm in meeting your friends every now and then. Socializing doesn't have a time period, as an hour or less can be good enough to forget the coursework. You might look at it differently (after the break), which you need to write a more compelling paper.
How to Enjoy the Spring Semester
Ask your coursemate if it's possible for a sleepover. Go to a theater (and watch a play). Take a long walk, as you relish the spring season. You need to have some fun, which can help you to be more motivated to finish the spring semester with flying colors. All of these don't take the entire day.
