It’s a stressful time of year with midterms approaching, but there are plenty of resources available to help! Make sure to take advantage of the many support options on campus to prepare for your exams and papers during this busy season.
The Writing Centre, located in the Academic Support Help Hub, room M16 of the R.P. Bell Library is a great, free resource for all Mt. A students. You can bring in papers, literature reviews, lab reports, or any other projects you are working on in any subject area (excluding tests, quizzes or take-home exams). When I was in my first year, I used the Writing Centre a lot to ensure my essays flowed well and I was on the right track.
Many subjects also offer Academic Drop-In Help Centres, like Bio/Biochem/Chemistry, Commerce, Computer Science, Economics, and Math, where upper-year Teaching Assistants (TAs) can help you with any difficult problems. You can find the help centres and their schedules in the Library basement (beige floor). The Academic Advisor in your on-campus residence may also organise some of these help sessions, or be able to help you otherwise if you cannot attend. If your subject does not have a formal help session, your class may have a TA who will likely be more than happy to assist you. The MASU also offers Nimbus Tutoring, a peer-to-peer learning service that allows Mt. A students to receive course-specific help during the academic year. You can access Nimbus through the Nimbus App. For more details, you may visit the MASU website and search for “Nimbus Tutoring”.
When you are feeling overwhelmed, it can be easy to overlook your basic needs, but doing so can actually harm your ability to study effectively. The HALT acronym is a helpful reminder to check in with yourself:
Hunger: Do not neglect eating! Proper nutrition fuels your brain. Plan snacks in advance (I love chocolate-covered almonds or pretzels while I study). Make sure you eat before your midterm or upcoming test as well!
Angry/Agitated: It is normal to feel frustration or stress, but it is important to manage these emotions in a healthy way. Consider taking a few minutes to disconnect, utilising meditation, a quick walk, or simply stepping outside for fresh air.
Loneliness: Studying for hours can make you feel isolated. Reach out to a friend, schedule a social break, or connect with others to maintain a sense of balance. If you need more support, the Wellness Centre is available from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. for any mental health concerns.
Tiredness: Long study sessions can wear you out. Make sure to take regular breaks, and remember that studying while exhausted is not effective. While pulling an all-nighter may seem like a good idea, it is usually better to prioritise sleep. If you need a quick energy boost, do not underestimate the power of a nap!
Achievements, no matter how small, are worth celebrating! Acknowledge the progress you make in your studies by treating yourself to something you enjoy. For me, when I am working hard for a test, a trip to Cranewood for a coffee and baked treat is the perfect reward. Remember, it is about recognizing the effort you are putting in, not just the big outcomes.
Study hard, take care of yourself Mounties!