Midterm season is upon us. It came way too quickly and seems never-ending. I didn’t feel ready at the beginning of midterms, but now, as I get into the swing of things, I’ve learned a lot of techniques and the best ways to study/remember things to do. Everyone is different in how they study or focus on productivity, but I thought I could share some of my habits to see if they could work for you.

Writing Down Everything to Do

This was something I had a hard time figuring out: which method works best for me. You can use task apps like Google Tasks, write them in your notes app, etc. However, every time I tried to go digital in writing my to-do lists or homework lists, I’d forget about it and soon would rush to finish homework. I finally found what was best for me through a physical list. I have a small notebook-shaped list that allows you to add tasks on specific days. It’s completely undated and small enough to take around with you without taking up too much room. With my list being physical, it reminded me, since I’d see it and it took up space, allowing me to remember it easier.

Study Spot vs. Relaxing Spot

I found myself doing homework in the dorm, which made my studying less productive and my sleep more stressful. When your wind-down area and studying area are so close, I was in constant “I need to be doing something” when I was trying to go to sleep. In the same sitting, when I’d be doing homework, I’d rather sleep than focus.

Whenever I wanted to study in the dorm and didn’t want to move, I started studying in the lounges, which provided me the difference of cozy vs. productive while still being “at home.” Once I started doing my productivity in the lounge, it was easier to do things faster and go to sleep with no anxiety.

Rewarding Yourself

A lot of times, I want to do something fun rather than do microeconomics homework. Who doesn’t? I’d find myself procrastinating homework and playing my instrument or reading without finishing my work.

So to stop that, I would purposely put a Post-it note or a reminder that I can do this after I finish assignments. For example, I would put a Post-it note on my desk saying, “Finish these two assignments to play your bass!” By having something that reminded me of my fun thing to do, I would focus more on my assignments rather than have the urge to go play bass. When someone (or something) points it out in front of you, it takes up less room in your mind if you don’t.

Those are some of my new habits that seem a little silly, or aren’t usually recommended, but have worked wonders. See if it would help you, or see if you have the same issues I did, and figure out how to adapt and change habits. Thanks for reading!