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

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

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?

Tips for a Successful Semester

If it isn't obvious already, I love the start of each semester. It means new clothes, new books and new opportunities to learn. I sound like a nerd but I thoroughly enjoy my majors and most of my classes!This is how I set myself up for success each semester.

1.Have a calendar system: It doesn't matter if you use your Google calendar, Apple calendar or an agenda. Make sure that you have a place to reference due dates. This will help you organize yourself every week and stay on top of assignments and studying for tests! This post can help you set-up an organized agenda!

2. Have a note-taking system: You can take notes on your laptop, or with a pen and paper just make sure to have a system. For my general education requirements I just use my laptop, but with my major courses I use pen and paper in order to concentrate more easily.

3.Create a semester schedule: Create a semester schedule that includes classes, regular meeting times and even your work out schedule. If you have a job or internship in which the hours are the same, put those on your schedule too. Have a copy of it on your phone or in your agenda so that when you need to go to a group meeting or attend an event you know if you're free! Check out this tutorial on how to make a calendar in Excel!

4. Create a priorities list: This may seem a little silly, but I found this really helps me when I need to make decisions with my time. For instance this past semester I had so little time for socializing that I prioritized socials with my sisters over extra credit in classes. I'm not saying that this should be your priority, but you should have a written list of what more important to you.

5. Create a morning routine(s): If you have a routine down, you're less likely to forget something and more likely to be prepared. Last semester I would get up 30 to 60 minutes earlier then I had to and I was more productive in the morning! I love my sleep, but it was a great way to start my day!

6. Set goals for yourself for the semester: Not unlike New Year's resolutions, semester goals are great, but easier to manage. Set at least three goals for yourself: one academic, one career orientated and one personal. Every week reflect on what you're doing to achieve your goals. It's not as hard as it seems and you'll get a great confidence boost at the end of the semester when you see the results!

Now that you have these six things, you're ready for your best semester yet! I can't wait to see where you all go!

Is there anything else you do to prepare for a new semester? What tip have you  never thought of before?

Good Luck!
xoxo

P&P Studies Abroad

If y'all don't remember this post from March, I'll be studying abroad! I have surprise for y'all this coming August, but until then I am going to be posting about my steps leading up to studying abroad this semester.

{Passport} I've had a passport since I was 16, but for those who don't, you'll need that before you can really do anything else. Walgreens is where I got to get photos, but a quick Google search should give you other options!

{Visa} Make sure to know about what is required for your visa and what is not. It is a lot of paperwork and should be started ASAP! I would recommend getting everything done right away. I procrastinated a little bit on mine and am definitely regretting it. You have to wait for some paper work but have everything ready right away.

{Flight} Once you get your passport, I suggest looking for flights. They can be really expensive, and depending on whether or not you have a lot of time. I would search student discounted sites as well! I didn't know about these until just recently.
If you're going for a semester like I am, and plan on traveling after your semester don't book a round trip right away. I'm traveling with a friend at the end of my semester and we haven't completely planned our trip yet so I'm waiting to buy a one-way ticket back!

{Credit Card} Try and find a credit card that won't charge you exchange fees. Also, request that the company give you a microchip in your credit card. Long story short you might have your credit card information stolen in Europe if you don't have the microchip.


Sometimes we all forget about these big things in the excitement of studying abroad! Are you studying abroad? Where?

xoxo

Finals Week Essentials

My extended finals week is about 1/3 of the way over. Lots of chocolate, coffee, and time on my MacBook Air is the recipe for my success (hopefully)

Here are some of my essentials for finals week!

Coffee: I limit myself to three cups a day! I usually drink a cup in the morning, a cup around 1 or 2, and one around 5 at night! It's been pretty chilly here, so I've been sticking to the warm version.

Diet Coke: Total White Girl Move, but I limit myself to only 16 ounces a day. This is for when I'm want something bubbly, and cold!

Water: I am almost always drinking something, so my water bottle or mason jar glass is almost always by me. You can easily be dehydrated by all the caffeine you're consuming, and that can make you tired. This is obviously the opposite reason for you drinking all the caffeine you can. Drink some water. You'll thank me.

My Lilly Agenda: Basically my best friend and worst enemy during busy weeks. I write literally everything down. Having a plan a way less stressful (my how-to in this post)

Le-Pens: The perfect pens for studying! I create really colorful study guides that are perfect for keeping me alert during long study sessions. (here's a how to for essay test-study guides)

Spotify: Find my productivity "homework" playlist here. It's the perfect mix of my favorite music, fast and slow.

Self-Control: This app is perfect to keep me focused, I tend to take too many little breaks checking my social media accounts and the latest news.

Sleep: I know that this is really hard, but if you can't remember any information you studied if you're too tired!

A can do attitude: This is cliche, but don't defeat yourself before you even start. You don't have to be über cheery about it, but don't be negative either.

What are your  go to finals week essentials?
Good Luck!
xoxo

Finals Week Prep

Here we are again, the bi-annual torture fest that is finals week. 

I have a weird finals schedule here in GB, and I have three papers, three exams, and two presentations this week. Our official exam schedule is this week Thursday, Friday and next week Monday-Wednesday. (Weird right?)

I thought I would share with you some finals tips. 

{1} Make sure to have everything you have to do written out ahead of time, that way you don't forget anything that is due. 

{2} Get enough sleep. Seriously there is studies upon studies that say you will retain more information than if you stayed up all night study. Sleep those extra four hours, don't study!

{3} Eat real food. Take a study break and eat something healthy! You're less likely to get sick, and being full will allow you to concentrate better. 

{4}  Use your flashcards, and create study guides. Carry them with you for a quick brush up on the material. 

{5} Break up studying as much as you can. If not take a break every 45 minutes! Paint your nails in the newest Essie Nail Color or read a fun book. Even take a quick break with Gossip Girl. (My personal favorite)

Have a wonderful finals week, and may the curve be ever in your favor! 

xoxo

Midterm Prep

Middle of the semester already? Say it isn't so!

Here are some study tips! 

{First} Read through your study guide. Or create one based on what you think is most important on the test. 

{Second}  Highlight in your notes what is on your study guide

{Third} On note cards write down concepts that are on your study guide and that you highlighted. (I separate mine by chapter) This way you can test yourself to see if you actually know the information. 

It works for me! I would start studying a couple days ahead of time. But if you're a crammer, then cram away!

Good Luck on Mid-terms

xoxo

My Tote: Be Prepared!

Back to school! I know some schools down South have already started, but here in the Midwest we don't normally start school until the week before or after labor day. (normally)

I am ready to go back to school, mainly because my internship is over on Friday and most of my friends have left. 

10 days until move in! 

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Here are some of my essentials when it comes to my tote

1// My tote is Longchamp in camel and I am in love with it. I have been using it since I returned from Germany (A very funny purchase story btw). It fits my Toshiba laptop, binders for class, agenda, iPad and food for the day!

2// An agenda. I use the Lilly Pulitzer Agenda , but last year I used the Vera Bradley Student Agenda, which was great too! My agenda is my life, and I have no idea what I would do without it!

3// Food. No joke, I need fuel during the day, so I tend to eat snacks through out the day instead of one big lunch. I usually have a salad with me too. (I am determined to eat healthy again this semester, this summer I've fallen off the wagon)

4// A "what if" bag. I have bobby pins, hair ties, gum, feminine  products, change, & headphones in here. I hope to get a Lilly iPhone charger so that I can charge my phone on the go!

5// iPad. It's basically a mini laptop, and I use it for various activities. Reading blogs, & checking on my own is easier to do on my iPad rather than my iPhone. I also have textbooks on my Kindle app, not all of them but enough for it to be useful!

6// A notebook: A little notebook is perfect for all of my thoughts, rather it be a todo list, blogging notes, or even something to ask MB next time we talk. (I have a lot of random ideas, and to remember to tell him all of them can be a challenge, but he's always a good sport) I was about to order one from May Designs that you can personalize, but I found one with a Jane Austen quote on it in a local boutique, so I had to go with that one! (PS Check out their journals, they have diet journals, address books, & budget journals!)

7// Pencil Bag, binders, & laptop. These are all basic school essentials, but I try to make them fun. I made Lilly print binder covers,( post later), and have a super cute pencil bag. My laptop is kind of boring, but I might be getting a monogrammed sticker or something for it. 

What do you carry with you at all times? Did I miss anything?

xoxo

aVe 

Purple & Pearl Goes Back To School: Dorm Room Essentials

Happy Sunday y'all! Yep it's time for school already, and if you haven't noticed stores stocking up for the school rush. Here is a new series called Purple and Pearl Goes Back to School.  I am going to start with Dorm Room Essentials. Here are some things I didn't think I was going to need, and ended up needing.

 Here are some fun ideas!

 Jewelry Dish by Belle in the City// I had no nice place to lay out my essentials in terms of jewelry, so I am going to make this! (At some point)
Brita Water Pitcher// The dorm's water? Ew! This is perfect for water to drink in the middle of the night, or even for water when you're too lazy to walk to the bubbler (water fountain).
Looseleaf & Colored Pencils// You never know when you'll need them for a project, or a late night study sess break.

Best Study Tips!

Finals week! AH! Here are some tips that I have compiled to aid you!

1. Start studying ahead of time, and if you can't do that or forgot to take short study breaks. Go on Twitter and Facebook or even Pinterest for five minutes. 

2. Keep your phone out, but on silent so that you can check your messages, but wait until you take your break to text back!

3. Make a list of everything you need to study, and cross each item off as you review them

4. Use notecards to summarize not to review. That way if you are able to summarize the concept, you know that you can cross it off your list. Also they are a lot more portable!

5. Schedule study time like you would work.

6. Remember to talk to people! You won't feel as tired if you socialize a little bit!

7. Find a couple of your favorite study spots and move around between them! You have a change of scenery, you move around to keep you awake and you have time to grab a snack!

8. Review your notes quickly before bedtime and after. Studies show that you remember the most at night right before you sleep. Also, your brain has the most short-term memory storage in the morning to turn into long-term storage. 

9. Most importantly SLEEP. You won't be able to remember everything that you've studied if you are sleep deprived!

Good Luck on exams, and if you've already survived them good for you!

xoxo

AV