ACADEMIC SUCCESS GUIDE RESIDENT LIFE | Fall 2023
Dear Amazing Undergrad Terps, As you approach the final stretch of the fall semester, we want to remind you of your incredible journey so far. You’ve worked hard, overcome challenges and grown in ways you may not even realize. As you tackle finals, remember that your efforts are a testament to your dedication and strength. As final exam season approaches, we offer you some tips, resources, and reminders to help you through it. Remember, take breaks when needed, practice self-care and believe in the knowledge you’ve acquired. Reach out for help when needed! You are capable of rising to any challenge that comes your way. Surround yourself with positivity, and know that the finish line is in sight. You’ve got a whole community supporting you, and you should be proud of your accomplishments. Best of luck on your exams and projects. Finish this semester strong—you’ve got this! Cheers to a well-deserved winter break ahead. Rest up, recharge and come back ready to conquer whatever lies ahead. You’re not just students; you’re resilient, determined individuals. Keep shining bright!
TIPS TO CONQUER FINALS It may be difficult to know how to prepare for Finals. Here are 10 tips to make sure you are ready to conquer! •
Start Early: Begin your preparations well in advance. Cramming at the last minute can be stressful and less effective than spreading your study sessions over several days or weeks.
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Create a Schedule: Plan your study sessions and allocate specific times for each subject. This helps you cover all your material and avoids last-minute panic.
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Break it Down: Divide your study material into smaller, manageable chunks. Focus on one topic at a time to make the information more digestible and easier to remember.
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Use Active Learning Techniques: Engage with the material actively. Instead of just passively reading, try techniques like summarizing information in your own words, teaching the material to someone else or creating flashcards.
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Prioritize Topics: Identify the most important topics and allocate more time to subjects or concepts that you find challenging. Ensure you have a good understanding of the key concepts.
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Take Regular Breaks: Breaks are essential for maintaining focus. Use techniques like the Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes of focused study followed by a five-minute break) to stay productive.
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Stay Organized: Keep your study materials and notes organized. Create a system that works for you, whether it’s using folders, notebooks or digital tools.
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Utilize Resources: Take advantage of any study resources available, such as textbooks, class notes, online resources and study guides. Don’t hesitate to ask your professors or classmates for clarification on challenging topics.
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Practice with Past Papers: Practice with previous exam papers. This can help you understand the format of the questions and familiarize yourself with the type of content that may be covered.
Remember, everyone has their own unique study style, so feel free to adapt these tips to suit your preferences. Good luck with your finals!
EXPERIENCE IS A HARD TEACHER BECAUSE SHE GIVES THE TEST FIRST, THE LESSON AFTERWARDS.” -Vernon Sanders Law
YOUR EDUCATION IS A DRESS REHEARSAL FOR A LIFE THAT IS YOURS TO LEAD.” -Nora Ephron
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MENTAL MAINTENANCE Taking care of your mental health during final exams is crucial for maintaining overall well-being. Here are some tips for students to help manage stress and prioritize mental health during this challenging time:
PRIORITIZE SELF-CARE •
Ensure you get enough sleep. Lack of sleep can negatively impact concentration and memory.
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Eat a balanced diet. Proper nutrition supports brain function and overall well-being.
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Make time for activities you enjoy, even if it’s just a short break to do something fun.
PRACTICE MINDFULNESS AND RELAXATION TECHNIQUES •
Take short breaks to practice deep breathing, meditation or mindfulness exercises.
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Progressive muscle relaxation can help release tension. Start from your toes and work your way up to your head, tensing and then relaxing each muscle group.
STAY ACTIVE •
Incorporate physical activity into your routine. Exercise can help reduce stress and improve mood.
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Even a short walk or some stretching can make a significant difference.
CONNECT WITH OTHERS •
Don’t isolate yourself. Reach out to friends, family or classmates for support.
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Share your feelings and experiences. Sometimes, talking about what you’re going through can be very relieving.
SET REALISTIC GOALS •
Break down your study sessions into manageable goals. Avoid overwhelming yourself with an unrealistic workload.
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Celebrate small achievements to boost your confidence.
IT’S NOT WHETHER YOU GET KNOCKED DOWN, IT’S WHETHER YOU GET UP.” -Vince Lombardi
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TAKE BREAKS AND REST •
Ensure you take regular breaks during study sessions. Overworking can lead to burnout.
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Schedule short breaks to do something enjoyable or relaxing.
POSITIVE SELF-TALK •
Be kind to yourself. Replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations.
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Acknowledge your efforts and progress, even if things get challenging.
PLAN AHEAD •
Create a study schedule well in advance. Procrastination can contribute to stress.
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Break down tasks into smaller, more manageable steps.
SEEK SUPPORT •
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to seek support from a counselor, therapist or mental health professional.
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The University of Maryland offers counseling services for students. Take advantage of these resources.
CELEBRATE THE END •
Plan something enjoyable for when finals are over. Having a reward or celebration to look forward to can motivate you to push through.
Remember, it’s okay not to be perfect, and it’s normal to feel stressed during finals week. Taking care of your mental health is an important part of academic success. If you find yourself struggling, reach out for help and support. You’re not alone in this.
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UPCOMING ACADEMIC SUCCESS EVENTS WEEKLY VIRTUAL WELLNESS SERIES FROM THE COUNSELING CENTER @ 4 P.M.: MONDAYS: Coping Skills TUESDAYS: Academic Success WEDNESDAYS: Relationships and Communication THURSDAYS: Resilience and Adaptability Visit the Wellness Series Schedule to learn more and register for sessions.
THE BEAUTIFUL THING ABOUT LEARNING IS THAT NO ONE CAN TAKE IT AWAY FROM YOU.” -B.B. King
YOU ARE BRAVER THAN YOU BELIEVE, STRONGER THAN YOU SEEM AND SMARTER THAN YOU THINK.” -A.A. Milne
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STAYING ORGANIZED Staying organized during finals can significantly reduce stress and help you perform better. Here are some tips to keep everything in order:
USE A PLANNER OR DIGITAL CALENDAR •
Record all your deadlines, exam dates and study sessions in a planner or a digital calendar.
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Set reminders for important dates and tasks to stay on track.
CREATE A FINALS SCHEDULE •
Make a comprehensive schedule that includes all your exams, project deadlines and any other important commitments.
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Prioritize tasks based on deadlines and the level of preparation required.
BREAK DOWN TASKS •
Divide larger tasks into smaller, more manageable parts. This makes it easier to allocate time and track progress.
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Create a to-do list for each day to ensure you stay focused and organized.
DESIGNATE STUDY SPACES •
Choose specific locations for studying. This helps signal to your brain that it’s time to focus when you’re in that space.
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Keep your study area organized and free from any unnecessary distractions.
GATHER STUDY MATERIALS
THE CURE FOR BOREDOM IS CURIOSITY. THERE IS NO CURE FOR CURIOSITY.”
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Collect all the materials you need for each subject or exam in one place. This includes textbooks, notes and any other relevant resources.
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Having everything in one spot minimizes the time spent searching for materials.
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-Dorothy Parker
I DID THEN WHAT I KNEW HOW TO DO. NOW THAT I KNOW BETTER, I DO BETTER.” -Maya Angelou
USE COLOR CODING •
Assign different colors to different subjects or types of tasks. This can help visually organize your schedule and notes.
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Consider using colored folders or highlighters for specific subjects.
DIGITAL NOTE TAKING AND CLOUD STORAGE •
If you’re using digital notes, organize them efficiently using folders or tags.
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Save important documents and notes in a cloud storage service to access them from anywhere.
MINIMIZE CLUTTER •
Keep your physical and digital workspace clutter-free. A clean space can contribute to better focus and efficiency.
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Regularly declutter your study area to prevent distractions.
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UTILIZE CHECKLISTS •
Create checklists for each day or week. Checking off completed tasks gives a sense of accomplishment and helps you track your progress.
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Prioritize tasks on your checklist to ensure the most important ones are tackled first.
PLAN BREAKS •
Schedule short breaks during study sessions to avoid burnout.
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Use breaks to stretch, take a walk, or do something enjoyable. This can refresh your mind and improve productivity.
COMMUNICATE YOUR SCHEDULE •
If you share living spaces or study areas, communicate your finals schedule with roommates or family members. This can help minimize disruptions.
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF •
Prioritize self-care. Ensure you’re getting enough sleep, eating well, and staying hydrated. A healthy body supports a focused mind.
Remember, staying organized is a dynamic process, and it’s okay to make adjustments as needed. Find what works best for you and stick to a routine that promotes productivity and well-being.
I’VE FAILED OVER AND OVER AND OVER AGAIN IN MY LIFE. AND THAT IS WHY I SUCCEED.” -Michael Jordan
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HELPFUL CAMPUS RESOURCES ACADEMIC SUCCESS & TUTORIAL SERVICES
As an initiative of the Academic Achievement Programs (AAP), the Academic Success and Tutorial Services program provides free peer tutoring to all students for more than twenty 100- and 200-level general education courses. Additionally, tutoring is offered for historically difficult courses in areas such as biology, business, chemistry, computer science, economics, mathematics/ statistics, and physics.
THE COUNSELING CENTER
The Counseling Center is the primary campus provider of free and confidential therapy to help students manage personal, social and academic challenges. The Counseling Center also offers the Wellness Series and a variety of resources to help with common student concerns.
GUIDED STUDY SESSIONS
The Guided Study Sessions (GSS) program offers FREE, regularly scheduled group review sessions for students in traditionally difficult courses. GSS Leaders have previously taken your course and earned an A, so they know what it takes to stay on track in lectures and prepare for exams. Go once, a few times, or attend every session—it’s never too late to start attending GSS. For the Fall 2023 semester, some Guided Study Sessions will be conducted in-person and others will be conducted virtually through Zoom. To access a specific virtual session, please contact your GSS Leader or email gss@umd.edu from a University email address. Visit the GSS Schedule to view the available sessions.
KEYSTONE CENTER
Located in J. M. Patterson Hall, the Keystone Center is where you can go to work on homework or group projects, use the computer labs, or study for exams. It is staffed with upper-level undergraduate and graduate students who can provide you with assistance in answering questions in fundamental engineering and STEM courses: CHEM135, MATH140, MATH141, MATH241 and MATH246.
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HELPFUL CAMPUS RESOURCES LIBRARIES
The University Libraries offer plenty of resources including those for getting started on research as well as places to study. There are six libraries on campus and all have different hours.
ACADEMIC COACHING CONVERSATIONS
The TLTC Learning Success Team provides free, 30-minute, one-on-one academic coaching sessions for students. Our coaching sessions are collaborative and you set the agenda. Whether you are looking to improve your learning strategies, develop an effective study plan, or survive/ace a course, our team is here to support your academic success. Click here or visit go.umd.edu/learn to schedule an appointment.
MATH SUCCESS PROGRAM
The Math Success Program offers free, drop-in math coaching and tutoring services for all undergraduate students. The program is open Sunday - Thursday from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Sundays are virtual, and Mondays through Thursdays are held in ESJ 1224. Visit the Math Success Program website to get more information and access the program.
MATH TEST BANK
Google Drive of past exams from the Math Department for tons of classes. Great practice material for studying for final exams.
OFFICE OF MULTI-ETHNIC STUDENT EDUCATION (OMSE)
OMSE offers free tutorial programs that cover most key courses in Writing, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Economics, among other courses. Individual and small group tutoring consisting of 2-4 students per group is available each semester in most undergraduate courses. Check out the OMSE tutoring site to learn more and to request a tutor. You can also check out these short videos created by OMSE tutors on some traditionally difficult concepts.
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HELPFUL CAMPUS RESOURCES OFFICE OF STUDENT CONDUCT
The Office of Student Conduct serves the UMD community by investigating referrals, enforcing the Codes, and committing to a fair, honest, and transparent conduct process. The Office of Student Conduct handles issues of academic integrity. If you are unsure of rules about academic integrity, the Office of Student Conduct has resources to assist you.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS CENTER (OCC)
The OCC can provide peer consulting for presentations, speeches, and other modes of oral communication, speech planning and practice assistance, interactive workshops on a variety of relevant communication skills, and special events and workshop series. Schedule an appointment today.
QUIET STUDY SPACES
These spaces offer great opportunities to safely explore campus and find new places to get your work done. Please visit the Quiet Study Spaces list to view the spaces that are available, as well as the guidelines regarding use of these spaces..
Bonus Tip: Keep track of academic deadlines and other important academic opportunities on campus by downloading the Department of Resident Life’s Academic Success Calendar.
SPS TUTORING SERVICES
The Society of Physics Students (SPS) offers free online and in-person tutoring for anyone taking an introductory physics course. Tutoring is available on a drop-in basis through Zoom from 4-6pm, Monday through Thursday. It is also available in Toll Physics Buulding (room 1303) at the same time. In order to request the Zoom information, students must fill out the following brief form.
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HELPFUL CAMPUS RESOURCES TUTORING & ACADEMIC SUCCESS RESOURCES
The university is committed to academic excellence and provides a variety of tutoring and other academic resources to support student success — available on campus, from our peer institutions, and other non-university websites. To learn more about the available resources, visit tutoring.umd.edu. Also checkout these helpful resources to tackle some common academic concerns.
THE WRITING CENTER
The Writing Center provides opportunities for undergraduate students to improve their writing, research, and critical thinking skills in preparation for successful academic, professional and civic lives. In a supportive atmosphere, trained consultants from a variety of backgrounds and majors assist writers in-person and online throughout the writing process. Visit the Writing Center’s website to schedule an appointment.
Good luck on finals, Terps! Study hard, go to class, get enough sleep, and ask for help when needed. You’ve got this!