Hey Warriors! It’s that time of year again. The snow is falling, Mariah is warming up her vocals, and everyone is getting ready for exams. As we head into one of the busiest (and most stressful) stretches of the year, hear some tips and campus spots to help you power through. 

Finding Your Perfect Study Spot 📚

A good study session begins by picking the right study spot. The SLC is one of my favorite places to study because of the varied environments in one building. 

 My go-to-spot is Lounge on 3 because of all its seating options. Egg chairs, booths and regular sitting so you can switch things up depending on what feels best for that day. The beautiful windows let in lots of natural light without being distracting 

If you prefer a quieter, more private space, you can book a study room through the Turnkey desk. Book right away for one hour or in advance for 3 hours. Personally, I like to book for the next day to keep myself accountable and committed to that study block. Another trick? Invite a friend (or many since the max occupancy for study rooms is 4-16 people)! There is nothing like the crushing feeling of letting someone you care about down to help you make it to that study room booking. Learn more about SLC Study Rooms. 

If a rowdier environment is more your speed, try the SLC Marketplace. Tables, both short and tall, are scattered throughout the area—some even have built-in outlets! Best of all is its proximity to food and beverages. The high traffic area is also ideal for spotting friends. It’s great for low-effort tasks like organizing notes or answering emails. Eat, socialize, and relax as you cross tasks off from your to-do list. 

Bonus spot: St Jerome’s library is the best library on campus. It’s modern, fresh, and just across the bridge if you exit the SLC through the Flock Stop doors. The tables have individual lamps, and the couches near the faux-fireplace have the perfect cozy vibe. 

Your Guide to More Effective Studying 🍅

Study methods range far and wide. They should be tailored to your field of study and the style of test you’re taking. The way you study history shouldn’t look the same way you study math. So, trust the tried-and-true study strategies in your program and don’t be afraid to ask friends what worked for them. 

That being said, time management techniques are something you can use across disciplines. One of my favorite strategies is the modified pomodoro technique I found in the ancient texts (a screenshot of a Tumblr post on Pinterest) 📜.  

Here is how it works: 

• Study for 50 minutes, then break for 10 
• Study for 40 minutes, then break for 10 
• Study for 30 minutes, then break for 10 
• So on and so forth until you study for 10 and break for 10.  

Voila—you studied for 2.5 hours! The decrease in study time matches the decreasing focus, and the ten-minute breaks are long enough to be satisfying, but not so long it kills your momentum.   

Lightning Round Tips:  

• Write notes by hand (information is stickier this way!) 
• Multiple study sessions over time are better than cramming it all into one session 
• Sleep! 

Campus Bites to Keep You Going 🍣

Another perk of studying at the SLC? The snacks! 

Fuel your brain with one of my favorite treats: the butter chicken poutine from Chaska (especially with the SWAP Chick’n). Open later than the other eats in the SLC; it’s warm, savory and tender—just joy in a bowl.  

Flock Stop is open 24/7 and perfect for the “Oh no, it’s 3 am and I’m only halfway through the course content” kinds of nights. An energy drink plus discounted sushi has powered me through some dark academic times. 

Services That Have Your Back

Feeling overwhelmed? We are here to help! Explore some of the resources we offer through the WUSA 101 article series: 

• Academic Policy Support  
• Mental Health Supports 
• Student Services 
• Turnkey Desk

Final Thoughts Before You Hit the Books 💭

I hope you found a new tip or two to make exam season a little more manageable. Before you go, here are some of my pre-exam affirmations. I hope you say them to yourself and really take them to heart—because they’re 100% true!  

You are intelligent.  

You are prepared.  

You are going to succeed. 

Your worth is not defined by any grade. 

Your future is bright and full of promise. 

 

Silvia Randazzo Carrie  

Communications Assistant