SMART STUDYING TIPS TO ACE THAT NEXT TEST Whether it’s a pesky pop quiz or that dreaded final exam, we all like to be prepared when it comes to tests. Throw in a few of those classic college distractions, e.g. friends, campus activities, or just dormroom lounging, however, and studying for your next big test can quickly become a cram session-turned-disaster. Stick to these smart, simple tips for studying and your GPA will thank you: CHANGE UP THE SCENERY While it may seem silly to opt for your local library versus your campus library, dorm room or campus center, the switch might do you a world of studying good. When you walk into a campus library during finals week, the air is tense, people are cramming, and running into your friends might pose a distraction. The overall environment at a local library is usually a bit more serene and can provide just the right atmosphere for optimal studying. HEALTHY BODY, HEALTHY MIND Be sure to keep plenty of healthy food and snacks around you during serious study sessions. Eating fruits and vegetables, like carrots, avocadoes, nuts and seeds, will give your brain that extra boost it needs to keep going. Drinking lots of water is also important. Dehydration can you make you feel light-headed, causing you to lose focus, so make sure to keep that ugly plastic water bottle your aunt gave you for Christmas by your side and drink up. PLAN AHEAD, REWARD YOURSELF If you’re struggling to fit in a study session because of all of the way-morefun than-studying activities around you, set yourself up for success by scheduling a specific block of your day for studying, and rewarding yourself with some fun afterward. LOG OUT Procrastination thrives via the internet and social media pages specifically. Try not to log on to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or any of the million other social media pages you can easily distract yourself with. Stay focused, stay serious, learn the material, and then you can go see what new out-ofcontrol thing Kanye West is going to say next. BY ANNA SPIVAK
ASPIRESPRING2016
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