Tips for a Successful Semester End
The start of a new semester is your chance to set things up the way you want them. It may feel like a clean slate. But by the end of the semester, deadlines may have crowded together, group projects might have piled up, and suddenly you're trying to balance schoolwork, cleaning checks, grades, and other items that may need attention as the semester closes.
Whether it's your first semester at BYU-Idaho or if you've already been through a few cycles — getting organized can help keep the last stretch of a semester from feeling chaotic.
Here are some straightforward student-friendly ways to wrap up your semester without making it more stressful than it needs to be.
Tip 1: Make Good Academic Decisions
One way to cut stress is to get all the mental clutter out where you can see it.
Organizing and Planning
Go back through your syllabi and make sure nothing slipped past you. Then, make a simple list of what’s left to do:
- Final assignments
- Group projects or presentations
- Labs or reports
- Chapters you still need to read
- Exams to take (noting formats and dates)
Identifying your remaining coursework can be of help as you organize and prioritize. Then, block out your days in a calendar or journal. It doesn't need to be perfect, but it does need to tell you what to focus on and when. This is a way to stop you from spending hours on things that won't actually help your grades.
Studying
Give attention to how, where, and when you best study. Shorter study blocks, for example, may work better than long cram sessions when your brain is tired. You may want to try something like:
- Two 30-minute study blocks
- A 5-minute reset (stretch, walk, breathe)
- Another study block
Then, instead of rewriting notes exactly as they were, summarize them in your own words. Being able to explain a concept may give added confidence that you are actually learning it.
Look for old quizzes, practice exams, or review sheets that an instructor has pointed to regarding a course’s final exam.
And lastly, even if you're not a “study group” person, you may benefit from joining with others for collaborative study sessions. Even listening to someone explain something a different way can be what you need for a concept or process to click. And, studying together can help make the end of the semester feel less isolating.
Tip 2: Practice Self-Care
Amidst all of the semester-end planning and tasks, make your individual health a priority.
Sleep
Do not sacrifice sleep. Getting adequate sleep is important for rejuvenation and for maintaining physical and mental health.
Food and Hydration
Eat actual meals. This does not require complicated meals, but give attention to eating something balanced to give you a steady stream of energy. And keep a water bottle around — even mild dehydration can have negative effects.
Breaks and Movement
If your brain starts to feel foggy, that's a sign to take a break. Go outside, take a quick walk, and get some fresh air. Anything healthy that resets your attention will work.
Stress Management
Even small efforts can help with stress management. Here are some to try:
- Taking deep breaths
- Spending a quiet minute alone
- Writing down tasks or thoughts in your head
- Listening to calming music
Just something to slow you down when everything is moving too fast can be helpful. Continuing an established wellness routine can also be positive at the end of a semester.
Tip 3: Reach Out for Support As Needed
Both emotional and academic support are available to students. Counseling services are offered at the Counseling Center and through an online therapy program.
Academic resources are also provided for students. The Academic Success and Tutoring Department offers the following resources, and more:
- Tutoring Center
- Math Study Center
- Presentation Practice Center
- Reading Center
- Study Skills Center
- Writing Center
How can your instructors and TAs be of help? Consider what support they can provide to best help you achieve a successful semester end. Reach out with questions or clarifications in time to act on their feedback. Asking questions early can help you avoid sending last-minute emails.
Your classmates can also be great resources. Talk through tricky topics with others in your class can help you clarify concepts and identify where extra study time might be needed.
Tip 4: Attend to Other Tasks
The little things one has been putting off will add up once the end of the semester rolls around. Clearing these before the last few days of school can free up one’s mental load and give time for other important tasks.
Check for:
- Any unpaid balances
- Library fines or lab charges
- Registration holds
Also, make sure to return borrowed materials, books, supplies, and equipment. Check to make sure when associated offices close, whether for the semester, seasonally, or for the end of the calendar year.
If you're currently living in BYU-I-approved student housing, check your cleaning expectations and check out dates and times.
If you work, it may be helpful to talk to your employer about your finals schedule or time you may be away during a semester break. Make sure of your employer’s expectations and that your employer understands your plans.
Tip 5: Reflect and Plan
Once things slow down, take some time to reflect on the semester as a whole. What worked for you? What stressed you out the most? What made life easier or harder?
Pinpointing these things can help you plan for the next semester and have structures in mind for the next end to a semester.
It may also be beneficial for you to take some time to look forward and see what you need for next semester. Do you need to get new supplies? If so, do this now before the rush hits — prep work now saves time and stress next semester.
Tip 6: Solidify Housing Plans
One area of focus that can affect a semester’s end and the planning for the next is housing. Your housing decisions affect a lot of your experiences as a student — your travel to and from campus, your sociality. how you study, your routine, and your stress levels. So instead of waiting, handle things now.
If you're staying where you currently live, confirm your renewal or deposit. If you're moving, start looking now and packing up, so you will be ready to go and get resettled.
In addition to checking on availability, costs, and amenities at a new housing complex, check on parking rules and register for a parking pass if needed.
Contact NorthPoint Apartments for BYU-I Approved Student Housing
If you're looking for BYU-I-approved student housing for future semesters, consider North Point. We are close to campus and have housing options for both men and women. North Point offers comfortable rooms, a friendly community, and useful amenities that will make your life easier when balancing school and social life.
To check availability, schedule a tour, or learn more about our amenities, please contact us. We're here to help.
