Written by: Mekenzie Moffet
Somehow, we’re already at the point in the semester where every class seems to have an exam, paper, or project due at the same time. As an upperclassman, I definitely understand how overwhelming that can feel, especially when you’re also balancing work, clubs, and everything outside of class. Between being a student and working as a Peer Navigator, I’ve learned that having a plan and knowing where to find help can make exam season a little more manageable.
First, you still have time, so try not to put off studying until the night before an exam. Reviewing a little each night gives you more opportunities to work through the information and figure out what you don’t understand. Start by writing down your deadlines and breaking bigger assignments into smaller tasks. “Review one lecture and answer five practice questions” feels a lot more manageable than “study for chemistry.”
If the ship has already sailed on starting early, don’t fret! Start with the time you have now. Identify the topics you’re struggling with most and make a realistic plan instead of spending that time stressing about when you should have started.
It also helps to switch up how you study. Reading your notes can be a starting point, but give yourself a chance to see what you actually remember. Try flashcards, practice problems, or explaining a concept out loud without looking at your notes. You can also write down everything you remember about a topic, then check what you missed. Studying with friends can be helpful too, especially if you quiz each other and explain your answers. Just make sure the study session includes some actual studying!
Where you study matters, too. Ellis Library has designated quiet areas for anyone who needs a silent space to concentrate, including Room 114 and the Grand Reading Room. If you work better with a little background noise, there are also group study spaces throughout the library where you’ll hear that familiar buzz of chatter. Study rooms are a hot commodity during midterms and finals week, so book a space early. (You can also stop by the “Check Us Out” table every Thursday in the library to enter a drawing for your very own study room for an entire day during finals week!) Find the space that works for you, and remember to respect the noise expectations wherever you settle in. From my time working in Ellis, the library can sometimes be less busy between 7 and 10, so it may be worth trying a different time if your usual spot always seems full.
For those papers coming up, take advantage of the Writing Center in Ellis Library, Room 115. You don’t need a finished draft to make an appointment. Tutors can help you work through ideas, organize your paper, and revise what you’ve written. Getting another perspective can be especially helpful when you’ve been staring at the same paragraph for too long.
Our research librarians also deserve a shoutout! If you have subject-specific research questions, are struggling to find sources for an assignment, or need data and statistics specific to a business or community, reach out to a subject librarian. You can book a free research consultation in person or on Zoom and get help figuring out where to start or what to try next.
The Learning Center is another resource to keep in mind. Mizzou offers tutoring in several main subject areas, along with course-specific exam reviews for select classes. If you’re in one of those big introductory courses, check what support is available before your next exam – the reviews are designed by the Learning Center in partnership with your professor and specifically target what will be covered on the exam. Having someone work through a difficult concept with you can make a difference.
And please, ask the questions. Go to office hours, email your professor, or speak up when something doesn’t make sense. As an upperclassman, this is one of the biggest pieces of advice I can give. You don’t have to wait until you’re completely lost to reach out, and there’s a good chance someone else has the same question.
If a coffee break is part of your study routine, Starbucks in Memorial Union is right next to Ellis and open until 7 p.m. Monday through Wednesday. We also have Bookmark Café on the ground floor of Ellis, making it easy to grab coffee and settle into a study spot without leaving the building. It’s currently open until 8 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and 2-3 p.m. Thursday and Friday.
Most importantly, take a breather. Studying nonstop and giving yourself absolutely no breaks will do you no good if you’re too exhausted to focus. Take a walk, read something that isn’t assigned (a perfect opportunity to check out our wellbeing collection), spend time with friends, or do something you enjoy without thinking about school for a little while. Give yourself some time each day to unwind, and make room for sleep, too. Taking care of yourself belongs on your midterm and finals to-do list just as much as studying does.