Smart ways to clear your schedule and keep up during the midterm season.

As reading week approaches, it seems that Halloween vibes are making a comeback a tad bit early. However, instead of treats, the midterm week is at your doorstep, knocking on your door calling only for tricks.

We begin to feel the pressure as time slips away, and the challenge of studying effectively can make it difficult for us to achieve our desired results. Juggling school and work, in addition to managing chores, are all factors that contribute to students’ struggles during midterm week.

But hey, fear not! There are ways that you can tidy up your schedule, making it a breeze to prepare, study effectively and ace your midterm exams – all while staying on top of work and home duties.

Communicate with your manager

Staying on top of your game during exam season is crucial, and keeping your manager or prof in the loop is key.

Balancing life can be challenging, so it’s important to be open with your manager and have an honest conversation. Whether you need some time off or are aiming to switch shifts with your coworkers, communicating the situation with your manager is a great way to find a win-win solution.

We all understand how hard it is to balance school and work. By talking to your manager early on, you can work together to come up with a plan. Switching your shift schedule could give you the time you need for school, while still allowing you to cover your expenses. Being proactive and communicating with your manager is the best way to navigate this situation successfully.

Cook smarter, not harder

Ever considered resorting to fast food during midterm week because it’s quick and affordable, and cooking just eats into your study time? Hold off on that idea, I’ve got a better solution for you.

Meal prepping is your ultimate cooking hack for crunch time. Meal prepping is making a meal and portioning it out, so you’ve ready-to-go meals for the week. I do it myself, and trust me, it’s a game changer. Not only does it save me money and time but it also significantly cuts down kitchen waste.

Instead of scrambling to make lunch every morning, prep your lunches for the entire week all at once. It’s super easy, efficient and keeps you fueled and healthy during exams week – something you really need!

Get your grocery shopping done

One thing you certainly don’t want is to take time off from your study sessions because you forgot to buy something.

Ensure you stay on top of your grocery list and buy all your essentials before the big midterm week. Having a list not only helps you stay organized, it also saves you money and time, making your grocery shopping experience way less stressful! There’s nothing worse than rolling back from the store, and bam, you realize you forgot at least three items.

There are some great tips on how to make a grocery list that works for you – like breaking down your list by sections in the store and keeping lists of each grocery shop are some. This way, you’ll have all you need for the week and you can direct your focus on what matters the most, acing your midterm exams!

Finish your cleaning chores ahead

Your study game is heavily influenced by the environment you are in.

Getting your space in order before finals week is a must for supercharged learning. It helps you to concentrate, remember information and keep you pumped. You know the saying, “A tidy home leads to a tidy mind.”

So don’t procrastinate until the exam season arrives, start cleaning up your space now! Follow some cleaning tips, get your room sparkling and light up your learning zone.

We know midterm week can be stressful, but don’t worry, you’ve got this!

If you are looking for more than just these tips to gear up and feel more prepared for your exams, visit the IGNITE Sleep Lounge and the IGNITE Zen Zone, to escape from the campus noise, and grab warm delicious soup from the IGNITE Soupbar, which will keep you healthy and full before your next test.

Feature image courtesy of IGNITE.

Did you know that the Headspace app can help you maintain a healthy schoolwork balance? Here’s how!

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