10 Study Tips For COMS Students
Updated: Apr 27, 2020
By: Catherine Johnson
1) Wear your COMM hoodies!
What better way to stay warm, cozy and relaxed with a COMS hoodie? Look the part and wear it to your exam, who knows, maybe you’ll get a bonus mark!
2) Study in Reader’s Digest
We are so lucky to have this facility, where students can use study rooms, quiet spaces and large tables for group work. Distracted at home? Why not come to Readers and study somewhere that is not as overwhelming and busy as the library.
FYI: You can book study rooms in person, on the day of, right before you want to go in! No need to go online.
3) Give yourself enough time to study
Don’t leave studying till the night before. Print out your notes early and read a bit each day. Doesn’t sound like much fun, does it? Why not read on the bus on your way to Carleton. Spending an extra 20 minutes a day will prove to be beneficial closer to exam time.
4) Get a good night’s sleep
Remember, even if you cram, you still need a goodnight sleep. Staying up till 4am and getting 3 hours of sleep will not benefit you in any way. Plan out your time accordingly to make sure you get enough sleep. Perhaps, get up two hours earlier and stay up two hours later than usual. This way, you’re spreading out your time rather than staying up all night.
5) Take breaks
Realistically, you won’t study for 16 hours of the day. You need to take breaks to study productively and properly. Do you have a friend that wants to go get a coffee, or see a movie? Why not! It’s 2 hours out of your day, where you can relax and take a break. Then, when you get home, back to studying. Your studying will be more focused and productive by taking breaks at appropriate times.
6) Set goals
What mark would you like to receive at the end of the semester? Setting goals is a great way for self-motivation during exam period. Setting goals will help you through those distracted moments when you just want to watch Netflix. No more Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life, I want that A+!
7) Exercise
One of the best stress relievers is exercise. Studying on campus? Why not take advantage of how conveniently located we are to the Canal. Go alone or go with friends, and use that time to clear your mind and enjoy the fresh air. It can be difficult to leave the house during exam season, let alone exercise, but even if it’s a walk, you’ll feel better and less stressed.
8) Remember, it’s only an exam
Yes, University is stressful and there’s a lot of pressure, but at the end of the day, if you try your best, you have nothing to be disappointed about. Try your best, study hard, ask questions and have confidence.
9) Eat before your exam
No matter if your exam is at 9am, or 6pm, make sure you eat a proper meal. There’s nothing worse than having your stomach grumble during an exam and only being able to think about food. Not only is it torture for you, but it’s distracting to the people around you. Why not pick up a bagel and ice cap from the Tim Hortons in athletics?
10) Stay positive
Always remember during this stressful time of year, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. This light is a few weeks off to celebrate the holidays with loved ones! Stay positive, work hard and be happy, because at the end of the day, these exams don’t define who you are. Remember that University is meant for learning, and if you’re learning, you’re succeeding!