Top 10 tips on how to tackle this mid-semester break
The life of a university student can be quite stressful, especially around mid-sem exam time, so the mid-semester break can be a saviour. Social Media reporter Brie Eyre offers some easy hints and tips to make the most of this week, maximising relaxation without compromising your studies.
- Take this time to reassess what assignments and exams you have coming up. That way you can form a better understanding of how long they may take and what you should do to prepare. The course profiles generally have in-depth assignment outlines, which will be helpful.
- Compile a to-do list for the tasks you need to catch up on, or be ahead of, before uni goes back. Things like required readings or lecture notes. Hint: Some classes have past lecture captures in the EchoCenter at Learning at Griffith.
3. Go for a walk, do some exercise, just go outside! Your body will love this after the past nine weeks of studying and exam cramming. Take in some of that sunlight outside your study area.
4. Watch a movie, let your mind relax and enjoy the little free time we students have. Although it’s probably best not to start a new TV series, because you might get hooked and carry the addiction into the rest of the semester.
5. Do that thing you have been waiting to do! Maybe that’s just a sleep in, or going to that trendy café or bar you’ve seen all over Instagram. Treat yo self!
6. Have a look for local events to visit. Many of these are free or at very low cost. Maybe even go to the theatre or a museum. Cultural experiences like these still stimulate your brain and allow you take your mind off uni.
7. If applicable, you might be able to pick up an extra shift or two at work. But make sure you do not overwork yourself; this week is for catching up on uni and relaxing, not becoming more stressed!
8. Attempt something out of the ordinary. Baking a cake? Slow cooking a roast? Think of something that usually takes too much time and give it a go. Hint: You can cook while watching a movie (two in one score!)
9. If you’re a planner like me, write out a calendar for the next few weeks and add in the tasks you want to have completed (or at least started). By having a timeframe worked around your studies, it limits the stress of the unknown and definitely helps you out in the long run. Hint: You can print out free calendar templates from Google. They always help me visually plan ahead.
10. Revise what you have already learnt so far this semester. This knowledge is generally called upon in end of semester exams and assignments, so you may as well start now to allow for a greater chance of it sinking in.
Remember, overall this week is a ‘study break’. If you utilise your time well, you can have a super enjoyable week AND get ahead on uni work. This week allows you to study around YOUR personal timetable and gives you the flexibility to do exactly what you want.
-Brie Eyre
Illustration by Nicole Clowes