How To: Survive Reading Period

Alas, midterms are out of our minds and we’re moving on to finals season! Of course, if it were up to us, we would simply ignore the existence of finals season but unfortunately, that is not in our nor your hands :(. So to prepare you for reading period, we, at Flyby, have gathered a list that will help you *lock in* and grind out your upcoming exams or final papers, smoothly and effectively. Without further ado, readers, hold on to these tips to avoid being a proclaimed Lamonster or a victim of the “Sunday Scaries!”

Plan Out Your Time

As college students, we tend to have too much on our plates and that can be difficult to manage. To avoid jumbling up your schedule and innocently forgetting schoolwork or meetings, mark down what you have to do and when you have to do it along with time increments. This may be easier said than done, but scheduling your time can reinforce your priorities and help you be ahead in the game and on top of your classes. I like to plan out my schedule on Google Keep, but many of my other peers would prefer a physical journal or Google Calendar, go with what works best for you!

Take Breaks

Tackling on schoolwork all at once is not the most effective way to complete or retain material. Ten hour cram sessions in Lamont are, in fact, not healthy. Shocking! Setting aside free time and going back to school work later can help your brain feel refreshed to power through assignments. So go ahead and listen to that podcast, laugh at the comedy show, or chat with friends during a brain break!

Resources

When it comes to this period of the semester, it is not strange to ask for help from faculty at Harvard as they are advised to help you with your academic and emotional needs. If you ever need help, office hours, ARC tutors, the Writing Center, and CAMHS could be a great resort for you to receive feedback on studying methods, course material, writing skills, and mental health. It’s ideal to seek these resources earlier than later, as in the last weeks of the semester spots tend to fill up as other students are in the same boat too.

Set Motivators

If you ever feel discouraged from studying or completing assignments, set rewards for yourself after accomplishing your to-lists! Trick your mind into thinking that tasks need to get done before you can indulge in activities like feeding into your online shopping addiction, going into Boston with friends, or getting a slice of pizza at Pinocchio’s. If you have crippling FOMO like me, your agenda will get done in no time!

So as you go ahead and battle through the reading period, remember that it’s not just about acing exams or final papers. It’s about finding a balance, taking care of yourself, and recognizing that your worth isn’t defined by a grade. With these last few weeks of the semester, approach your courses with confidence, and know that Flyby is cheering for you! Happy Primal Scream!