Finals Tips

Dare I say it? It's time once again for finals. The spring semester can be especially brutal because it's starting to get nice out and harder to concentrate.

Here are my best tips for staying focused and acing your exams.

Eat Healthy & Schedule Exercises// Eating healthy and exercising will actually keep your energy up, and help you stay alert during study sessions, group meetings and your actual test.

Have a Daily Schedule// This may seem weird, but map out your day. Don't over schedule yourself, but give yourself time blocks to study and complete group work.

Work 45 minutes, take a 15 minute break//  This is the easiest way to study for hours and not have your neuro pathways fried. A break could be painting your nails, socializing with a friend, or watching one of your favorite Youtube videos!

Switch Up Locations//  Don't just sit at your favorite table at the library! Go to a little coffee shop, or study outside. It can actually help you concentrate.

Have a Study Kit// When you go to study, bring all your books and notes for your scheduled study time. Also have on hand: flashcards, highlighters, different colored pens, extra paper, and extra pencils. Make sure to also have snacks, water, and money for coffee!


Good luck with your exams! What are your favorite study tips?


xoxo

Time Management Tips

Each semester I have to adjust my schedule and be flexible with my study habits or I would go crazy trying to fit it all in. Here are some of my best time-management tips.

Create a Schedule// I have a weekly schedule that I create in Microsoft Excel every semester that I carry around with me. It has all my classes, work shifts, and internship hours on it. I also put meeting times, which can include group meetings, organization meetings and work meetings. This is my lifesaver when I need to sign up or volunteer for something.

Use "in-between" Time// During your day you are bound to have some time in-between classes. I would recommend using this time wisely, whether it be reading, doing homework, working on tasks for your organization or applying to internships. Use this time to call your mom or print things off. Make a list of tasks you want to do during the day, and use that time to complete them!

Prioritize// This is the most important when it comes to time management. Sit down and decided what is most important to you. Here are some ideas to start your list: school, future career (internship opportunities, free-lancing, job shadows etc), part-time job, family, health, activities and traveling. Once you have your priorities, it can be easier to make to-do lists and make commitments.

Relax// This may seem like a weird time management tip, but I'm most effective when I have down time to just relax without worrying too much about my to-do list. It recharges me and allows me to be the best version of myself!

Daily To-Do Lists// Every night before bed I make color coded to-do lists. While making these to-do lists I make sure to remember how much time I actually have to complete tasks, and how much mental energy I have. This semester I spend most of my weekends completing homework and tasks because that just seems to be easier.

How do you manage your time? Any other tips?

Study Tips: Reading

This semester I have so much reading. It's really only for the first half of the semester, but it's still a lot. I've had to come up with a way to quickly read yet get a good grasp of the material. My professors go over the material in class, but we are expected to be able to participate. Here are some of my tips for when you have to read a lot of material for class!

Use Post-it Notes// In my communication law class our textbook cites Supreme Court cases that I like to use Post-It notes to write down the name and the reason it's a ground breaking case. For other classes I write down tips or tricks that I think will be helpful in my group project or paper. I then put them all on a piece of paper in my binder and label at the top which chapter they're from.

Highlight// On my Kindle App on my iPad, I have a couple of textbooks that were cheaper to rent as an e-book. I can read them pretty much anywhere, and I highlight and bookmark important passages. I use notecards to write down important steps and strategies from my books.

Notes// I don't like taking notes while reading because I'm too impatient (#badstudyhabits) However on of my professors is difficult, and I normally take notes in order to add to them during class. I take my notes in black pen and add to them with a different color, normally purple.

Look for bolded terms// Most authors will bold terms or phrases that are particularly important in that chapter. I take note of them and will review for the test in order to be the most prepared that I can be!

How do you get through a lot of reading?

xoxo

Fall Semester Finals Survival Guide

Honestly finals are tough for more than just academic purposes. They're so close to Christmas, and you usually don't have that much time in between Thanksgiving and the start of finals to do much. You're worried about packing for home, seeing you friends, buying Christmas presents and more. Here is how I get through finals!

Packing & Christmas
Packing during your study breaks! Bring home pjs, whatever clothes are appropriate for your climate and what you'll need for holiday parties!

When it comes to gifts start a list of who you need to buy for and when you'll give it to them. Next start a list of what you should get them. Decided before you leave for Thanksgiving break so that you have time to shop while your at home (in your pjs if you prefer to online shop like me!)

Studying: 
Make sure you know what projects and papers you have to do before you leave for Thanksgiving break! Create a study plan like you did for your mid-terms before you leave so you come back to school somewhat organized.

Not unlike mid-terms, make sure you start a week before. However you might be covering more material than last time. Allocate for that.

Some people may have papers or projects in place of a final, or both. Make sure to be on track with papers and projects before you leave also.

Study like you would any other test, using note cards for vocab and concepts. Highlight important concepts or facts in your notes.

Make sure that you take a deep breath and remember that while school is important, it does not define your worth!

What do you do differently during finals? What are you most excited for during winter break?

xoxo

Mid-Term Test Tips

I can't believe it's mid-term time already! Here are my test tips, everything from what to wear studying, to snacks to when to start!

What to Wear Studying:
Don't get me wrong, I am all for super comfy clothes, but I have to wear something that I wouldn't want to fall asleep in. It usually means jeans and a sorority tee with some sort of sweatshirt, or leggings with a chambray shirt and rain boots.


Snacks:
A seriously underrated part of studying, here are some snacks that won't make you bloated, give you a sugar crash and taste good.

-Apples & peanut butter
-Almonds, cranberries and sunflower sends
-Cherries
-Cucumber & dressing
-Crackers and cheese



When to Start:
Start studying a week before each test, or a week and a half depending on how difficult the material is. If it means only reviewing your notes for twenty minutes, or working on your study guide for a short period of time each night. (not including weekends unless your test is on a Monday)



What to Do
Create a study guide for your self
If your professor doesn't already have one, or has a very limited study guide create one for yourself.

Calendar of topics 
This doesn't have to be anything fancy, maybe just written on a sheet of scratch paper or outlined in your head (but you really should write it down).

Study for 45 minutes, take a 15 minutes break. 
This can include checking social media, calling a friend for a quick chat, making a snack, a run to Starbucks, a quick workout or watching part of your favorite show!

Study with a group:
Study with people who have different strengths in the class from you.  This way you have some one to bounce questions off of, and they do as well. Make sure that this group can actually focus, otherwise you're just wasting your time!

Night Before/Day Of
Night Before.
Go to bed at a reasonable time, and make sure to have everything you'll need for the test either packed or in a packable position.

Review the material right before you go to bed for 20 minutes. Do this right after you get ready for bed so you have a little break!

Day of
Eat something and drink some water along with that caffeinated drink. Your stomach won't be grumbling and your mouth won't be dry this way, and you can focus on the test!

Get up 15-30 minutes early to review the material one last time.

Arrive a little early to ask any last minute questions of your TA or professor.


What do you do to prepare for mid-terms? I know they are a little harder to study for because you still have events, extra-curriculars and a job/internship to worry about!


xoxo

A Note-Taking System

Since I love to see how other people organize their agendas, notes and life in general I thought that I would post my system for taking notes!

I use loose-leaf in a binder for all of my classes. This way I can add paper when needed! I also only take notes on my laptop in non-major courses because those classes are typically lower-level and don't require me to concentrate as much. (I tend to Pinterest a lot)
Also, make sure to check your syllabus to see in

First start with the date of the class. It's easier to reference later and helps you keep your notes in chronological order when studying!

Label the top of your notes with what the title or topic of the lecture is. Make this bigger than the rest of your notes.

Start taking notes. I take mine in bullet style.I start with the main idea on top then indent with each supporting idea.

*While your professor is speaking, make sure to make note of anything they say that isn't on the screen. Most professors post their presentations online, so you can leave room and fill in the information later. You usually aren't able to listen to what they have to say again.

Use different colors for different ideas or facts. Underline or circle key concepts in a different color pen

Leave the highlighting for when you study!


Different Ideas:
If your professor posts lectures beforehand, print them out and takes notes on the side of what the professor says.

Take notes on your computer instead of on paper and use the same guidelines by either printing them off or underlining on your screen!

How do you take notes? Do you prefer your computer or laptop?

Back To School: Setting Up Your Agenda

I just gave one of my closest friends a Lilly Pulitzer Agenda for her birthday! My inner organizational freak decided she could also use the Lilly Pulitzer Greek sticker set.  Since I pride myself on a well-kept agenda, I thought I would share some pointers on setting up your agenda!


The great thing about this lists is that you can mix and match tips that fit your lifestyle.

1.Color coding is your friend. At the beginning of each semester assign different activities colors and make a key in the front of your agenda. An example is below. I don't color code my classes but rather use black ink to write down my assignments for the day and then highlight the most important tasks each day.
*If you want to color code even more, assign colors for each of your classes!

2. Write down all important due dates. At the beginning of each semester go through my syllabi and write down every paper, test and project date. I suggest using red so that it stands out from other commitments and I know how to schedule my weeks to add in increased homework time.

3. Write down everything you have to do each week for each class. Each Sunday  go through all my syllabi and write down every assignment due, test to study for and project step to complete. If you have a position in an organization write that down too. Don't forget internship application steps and other important application to-dos.

4. Assign each task a day. Once you have a list,write each homework item or to-do item on a day. If you have a consistent weekly schedule take that into account when you will have the time to do each assignment. You can always move things around later on.

5.Use post-it notes for extra to-do's or changes. During the week use post-it notes to add daily to-dos or to note changes in your schedule! This works great because you can add or remove as many post-its as you need.

6.Add stickers for fun. This may not be an organization tip, but I love that Lilly gives you the ability to use stickers to mark things on your calendar! I use it to mark special events and birthdays of loved ones. It makes my agenda a little more cheery.

7. Re-evaluate your week Thursday or Friday nights. Every Thursday or Friday night (afternoon) go through and make a to-do list of everything you have to do that weekend. It's easier than forgetting something Sunday night right before you fall asleep.

My agenda isn't nearly as busy as it is during the school year, so if you want more detailed photos just let me know in the comments


What other tips do you have for setting up your agenda?

Finals Panic Help

I'm not sure how many of you have finals coming up, but I know that the last two weeks of classes for Communication majors at UW-Green Bay is basically an extended finals week. Projects, presentations and papers happen in every class. While finals week is a breeze, my life is more stressful than usual leading up to it
I have to get through the next two weeks and after a small meltdown Tuesday night I thought I would share for you my tips on how to calm some of your finals nerves

{one} Take a Deep Breath and Visualize Success
You've been through hard tests before, and by this point finals before. You always get through it. Take a couple of deep breaths and visualize yourself doing well. Visualize yourself studying, finishing those papers, and presenting like a orator.

{two} Look at your Calendar
Do not attempt if you are still going to panic when you look at your calendar.

Now that you're able to look at it, start making a list of everything you have to do. Don't panic again until the end of the steps!

Calendar view 

{three} Plan Out Each Day
This is really what helped me. I went through my list and wrote down everything that is supposed to happen every day. That includes birthdays, social events, regularly scheduled meetings and to-do lists for the day.
I did this because each day I don't have to freak out about my to-do list. I can just sit down and structure my day around it.

Close look

Week view

This is what works for me, but some people have to take it day by day. I do better having a long-term plan and then taking it day by day until I get there. I would recommend this plan for large projects at work also!

What are your tools for dealing with finals panic?
Have a great week!

xoxo

PS I apologize for my absence, I have been pretty sick, and because of a sick day I had to catch up on my school to-do lists. I hope to be back regularly this week!

Midterm Study Tips

I know some of you might have had midterms already, or are in the middle. But here are some tips to use now, and later!

I usually create a "study plan" for each test. Here are how I study for most tests!

Essay Tests:

Start with each question. If you don't have them, look for key themes in your notes and textbook (even if you didn't read look at the titles of the chapters). 

Write each key concept down on a piece of notebook or computer paper. I use computer paper because it's thicker and I like to use Le Pens when I study. 

Under each theme, write down everything that you know on that topic. You this to review your notes and your book. Use lecture and book outlines, as well as Google. This helps you brainstorm information to use in your essays.

If you have the questions I would than write them out, or at least outline your answers in this format 

A. Theme/Idea

   i. supporting fact

   ii. supporting fact

   iii. supporting fact. 

   iv. conclusion. 

Repeat this paragraph structure for as many as you need to. 

Multiple Choice Tests:

Depending on the difficulty of the test, and how well I know that subject. Lets say it's one of the most difficult professors in my Communication department. We had one book to read, and so I went through and outlined each chapter.

Use flash cards to review key terms or facts if it's applicable.

My best test tip? Study Ahead of Time.

Don't cram. It won't do you any good. Start studying two or three days before. Study for half an hour and I guarantee you'll remember more.

Also, I would recommend studying with music, not television. I usually have Netflix on when I do my regular homework(I know bad habit) but when I study I make sure to have just music on.

How do you study for midterms?

Good Luck!

xoxo