Five tips to help you through dead week

The Student Advisory Board at CoJMC works with the dean and associate deans to promote educational quality in the college.
The Student Advisory Board at CoJMC works with the dean and associate deans to promote educational quality in the college.

Presented by the CoJMC Student Advisory Board

1. Take advantage of the study spaces in Andersen Hall

Got a project due soon? Are the Learning Commons too full? Andersen Hall is open 24/7 to all CoJMC students. Take advantage of the new media hub in the basement and the lab computers to work on your projects and study for finals without distractions.

2. Maximize your work and break times

According to the article “A Formula for Perfect Productivity” from The Atlantic, the most productive way to work is to focus on your task for 52 minutes and take a break for 17. During your break, choose an activity that gets you away from your computer. Waiting for that big idea? A Stanford study revealed that walking improves your creativity. Setting aside specific times for working and for taking a break will help you.

3. Make your physical and mental health a priority

It’s easy to get stressed during the last weeks of the semester, but it’s also important to remember to take care of yourself. Make getting a good night of sleep a priority and remember to drink plenty of water and eat balanced meals. Try getting some exercise, too. If you don't have time to go to the Rec, walking up the stairs in Andersen is also a good way to get moving.

4. Plan ahead to prevent procrastination

Create a calendar or a to-do list and outline the specific steps you need to take to finish your projects and papers. Doing just a little bit each day will prevent you from pulling an all-nighter and rushing to complete your project last minute.

5. Get a study (and support!) group

Finding the motivation to study or work on a project is difficult, but you don’t have to tough it out on your own. Grab some friends from your classes and start a study or work group. Your classmates will hold you accountable and can provide feedback on your work.

Follow the CoJMC Student Advisory Board on Facebook (facebook.com/SABCoJMC/), Twitter (@SAB_CoJMC) and Instagram (sab_cojmc) for more tips like this, and contact them at sab.cojmc@gmail.com if you have any questions about CoJMC.