Staying up all night to study is not a simple endeavor. If you attempt to pull an all-nighter in your bedroom, chances are your drowsy mind will escort you to your bed sooner or later. You’ll be fast asleep before you can finish the homework assignment that’s been weighing you down for the past week.
As the homestretch of the fall semester enters full swing at Eastern Michigan University, the stress in everyone’s faces becomes more visible.
Luckily for you, fellow exam crammer, you have the opportunity to avoid studying next to your tempting mattress and cozy covers. On Dec. 12, there will be a Snack and Study event from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. in the Student Center Grand Ballroom.
The event is coordinated by “EMU After Dark” and will include stimulating treats like live comedy, deejays, free food and giveaways. Put on your thinking caps and bring your homework and books; this Wednesday night the Student Center will be electrified with brain power.
The event is open to the public and admission is free. There will be a breakfast bar to keep your studious mind well-nourished as well as quiet areas to encourage optimal studying focus. If music helps you to study, then the area with the DJ will be accommodating to you.
Catch up on reading, writing and online tests — whatever you have chosen to procrastinate on.
Cramming isn’t the best way to lock information into your brain, but sometimes it’s necessary. If you need a break, there will be free-giveaways and other activities to distract you, but hopefully not for long. This event is practical, but only four hours in length, so use your time wisely.
While it is helpful to study in an environment encouraging you to do your work, it’s really up to you to take care of business. Some tips to studying are always good to keep in mind.
Start out by studying the most important information; remember to learn the general concepts first. Don’t worry about learning the details until you have mastered the main ideas.
Take notes and write down a summary of the central ideas as you read through your study material.
Take short breaks frequently. Your memory retains the information better when it isn’t overloaded with too much information all at once.
Most importantly, remember to go easy on yourself. If you don’t understand something immediately, try approaching it differently, don’t just give up and declare stupidity. Your thoughts influence your focus, and if you just beat yourself up for not comprehending the material, nothing will get done.
