MIDTERMS ALREADY?

It seems like only yesterday that it was beach weather and time for relaxation.

Now, only a month has passed since summer, and it is easy to tell by looking at the expressions on faces around campus that the dreaded midterms are right around the corner. While they are intimidating for many, there are some sure ways of surviving them.

One of the most common difficulties in preparing for midterms is lack of concentration. It is most important to find a place to study that is free from distractions. If you are a freshman, good luck. Many Temple upperclassmen vividly remember their freshman years when finding a quiet, comfortable place to read was no easy task.

But over time, many Temple students have found that there are certain places on campus that are well-suited for studying. The second and third floors of Paley Library, amongst the gargantuan bookshelves, are good. The couches on the upper-level floors in Tuttleman Learning Center also serve well.

One’s own room also can be a good place. But in some cases, it may not be. A dorm room has the potential for many distractions.

For example, music is fine when played in the background, in reference to CDs and not MP3s. We all know that once the computer gets turned on, it will be difficult to stop playing with Napster. The next thing you know it’s five hours later and you’re at hamsterdance.com. Then you realize you don’t know how you got there, and it’s highly unlikely that this site will prepare you for your anatomy and physiology midterm. You get the point. Distractions must be eliminated.

It is always good to take a break here and there to get the mind circulating and reawaken the body. Many students find it useful to get up to move and dance around every half-hour or so. (Provided that you are in your own room, of course.)

“Partying a little at night is fine, as long as you get your studying done during the day,” said sophomore Communications major Tina Moran.

Eating healthy, well-balanced meals is another important aspect of getting through midterms. Junk food and drinks such as Mountain Dew and Jolt are always good for a little energy “kick”, as long as they are used in moderation.

Cassandra Sutton, a sophomore education major, said, “Pixi Sticks are the way to go.” What better way to sustain us through midterms than consuming pure colored sugar?

Sleep is also essential to surviving through midterms. That is, as long as it’s in your own bed and not in the lecture hall during the actual exam.

Believe it or not, there have been those who have been on the verge of dozing off during exams, which can hardly be beneficial in achieving a high grade.

In addition to these tips, keeping positive thoughts in mind is one of the best strategies in dealing with midterms. For instance, while those beach days are over, keep in mind that getting through midterms will bring us one step closer to that time we’ll all be looking forward to: winter break.