Tips to Start Your Final Term Off Right

Coming back to school after the holiday break can be daunting. You feel like you’ve just unwound from the Term before and are really starting to get into relaxation mode, when you guessed it! School’s back. The final Term of school can be particularly tricky, as you’re beginning to feel tired from a long year. But there are some simple tips to help you bounce back into the final Term, feeling prepared and ready to finish the year off strong!

1. Plan ahead

Make sure to read your unit overviews early and check the calendar for important dates and deadlines! You don’t want to end up having to do all your work for multiple classes the day before they’re due or realise you have a big test this week that you had no idea about. Write these notes in your diary or study planner so you can be prepared for everything that is coming up this Term.

2. Start organising early and keep up with good habits

While you might not have a lot of work assigned during the first two weeks of classes, it’s a great time to start new study habits before you feel overwhelmed. Keep up to date with your homework by completing it the day it is set, not the day it is due, start revising for exams early, and start researching for your assignments as soon as you get them. Don’t leave things until the last minute, as this is a short Term, and you’ll find yourself overwhelmed with due dates!

3. Know your resources

Your school has great resources to help support you too! Junior and Senior Study is on offer in the afternoon, you can organise a time to ask your teachers for help outside of class time, and the iCentre is always here to help with all your research and study needs! Be sure to use the buddy system in class if you miss any work, have someone who can email you or fill you in before the next class, so you don’t fall behind.

4. Take breaks

Don’t forget to take breaks when you need them. Even though it’s a short Term, prioritise, and pace yourself. If you plan on studying too much in one day, you can burn yourself out. It’s not a good idea to overwhelm yourself, and if you feel like you’re starting to get tired or frustrated you should take a break. Grabbing yourself something to eat, watching an episode of your favourite show, or taking a short walk can really help your brain rest and boost your concentration. Practicing self-care and doing activities that you enjoy can also prevent you from feeling burnt out at the end of the day.

5. Don’t be afraid to ask for help

Get ahead of potential problems and issues by asking questions right away. Whether you have questions about a specific assignment or need help understanding lesson material, it’s always best to ask questions or seek help as soon as possible. Waiting until the last minute might prevent you from handing in your work on time. And always remember, if you are confused, others probably are as well. So by asking questions, you are not only helping yourself, but you’re also helping everyone in the class stay on track and succeed!

We wish everyone a great Term 4! Remember to pop into the iCentre if you need help with researching or referencing or submit an enquiry to Ask a Librarian.

References

Hart, K. (2021). 5 Study Tips to Start Off the Semester Right. Binghamton University Blog. https://www.binghamton.edu/blog/blog/story/19440/5 -study-tips-to-start-off-the-semester-right/

Harvard Extension School. (2021). 8 Tips to Start Your Semester Off Right. Harvard Division of Continuing Education. https://extension.harvard.edu/blog/8-tips-to-start -your-semester-off-right/