Golden Guide to Finishing the Term Strong

Follow these steps to ensure you are prepared to manage your time and complete all assignments, readings, and tasks to finish this term strong.

Get Organized

  • Create a study space: find a place where you can limit distractions and aim for a space that is comfortable, distraction-free and equipped with what you need. 
  • Make a plan: List all your academic tasks that you need to complete.
    • Include all of the chapters you need to review, practice problems to run through, etc.
    • Priorize the list and start with the most important task.  
    • Use this handy assignment planner to get started and calculate where you currently stand in each course and what tasks you have remaining.
  • Use the Weekly Schedule to block off time in your day to complete your tasks.

Stick to the Plan

  • For each one-hour block, use the Power Hour technique to stay on task: 
    • Start with a goal of what you want to accomplish, work with focus for 45 minutes without distractions, take a 10-minute break, review your goal, and then assess your progress before moving on to the next task.
  • Use the Tomato Timer to set a timer and study with focus.
  • Put your phone away, disable pop-up notifications on your computer and turn off Netflix.
  • Do it for the grades! 

Get'er Done

  • Strategies to help you get started:
    • Create a schedule every Sunday for the upcoming week.
    • Schedule short blocks of time (one to two hours) for study sessions to complete readings, review material, and test your knowledge.
    • Be realistic. Schedule breaks between study sessions for rest, physical activity, and meals.
    • Add some necessary (and well-deserved!) “me” time to the schedule. Add breaks between study sessions for rest, physical activity, social time, and meals.
    • Plan to go to sleep and get up at the same time each day. We’re creatures of habit, so it’s important to stick to a routine.

Remember:

  • Take breaks: Going on a walk, grabbing a snack, doing a 7-minute workout, or just chatting with a friend can help you stay on task longer and ultimately be more productive but make sure your breaks don't turn into hours of lost time.
  • Procrastination is not helpful: Everyone has procrastination triggers - those things we choose to do instead of the work that has to get done. For example, we know you may rather watch a T.V. show or listen to a podcast over completing your assignment but pushing it off will not help you! Instead, use that as a reaward once you complete your assignment and you can enjoy your free time without the assignment stress looming over you!
  • Monitor your progress: It’s not about achieving perfection – it’s about developing your skills and knowledge. This may take some practice! Monitor your plan and note what’s working and where you may need to adapt your strategies.
    • Some questions to ask yourself:
      • Have I planned too much, too little, or the right amount of time to complete my tasks?
      • What do I find challenging?
      • What am I enjoying?
      • Am I making enough time to take care of myself?
      • Whom can I contact to ask for support?   
  • Practice self-care: It’s crucial that you maintain consistent sleep patterns, eat healthy, and practice self-care.
    • Everyday self-care strategies include: 
      • Going for a walk outside/ getting some sunshine! 
      • Practicing deep breathing throughout the day. 
      • Connecting with friends and family.
  • You got this: Stay focused, work hard, and reach out for support as you need it.

Looking for additional support?

Visit the Student Success Portal to register for a Exam Preparation workshop or book an Exam Preparation appointment with a Learning Consultant or Peer Academic Coach.