Making the best use of your Lecture-free week

Lecture-free week, where time seems to fly and days pass in a blur. One minute, it’s Monday, and before you know it, you’re struggling to do a last minute revision for your paper that is in10 minutes. For some people which I believe form the better part of the majority, it’s time to save the semester in one week so that means it back to back reading 24/7. For others, it’s when procrastination becomes their new normal or serious faaji time has come, only for them to go and be freestyling it in the exams.

It’s up to you, not me to decide which category you want to belong to, but I’d advice you join the first, because it’s not too late. If that’s the case, here are ways you can make the best use of your Lecture-free week, and save the semester in just a week:

1.      Make a realistic study plan:

Don’t be setting vague goals for yourself. Be real and true with yours. Set what you can actually do, not that “Read 9 chapters today”  you already wrote down, knowing fully well that  your brain zones out after two paragraphs.

Set attainable goals. Don't overwhelm yourself

2.      Form or join a reading group:

This is another perspective. Not everyone can study effectively on their own, and that is very much normal and okay. Gather your friends and form a group, but not the ones where 30 minutes is spent reading and 2 hours discussing their preferred candidate for the upcoming Students’ Union election. Find people who keep you focused and accountable.

3.      Take breaks:

Rest is not laziness. As a matter of fact, your brain needs these periodic breaks. Don’t overwork yourself. Go for a walk, watch an episode (just one o, or maybe two sha) of that series you like, or call that person who brings you so much joy. A well-rested brain remembers more.

4.      Avoid avoidable distractions:

Resist the urge to “travel small” during lecture-free week.  Stab those events you’ve been invited to, knowing fully well that they’re not adding anything to you. Run away from unnecessary talks, because there’ll be a lot of them, being that an election is around the corner.

5.      Eat when necessary and drink lots of water:

Someone said your brain literally detached from the skull when you’re dehydrated. Stay hydrated always. Have a water bottle with you everywhere you go. Eat when necessary, not every time. Too much food makes you sleepy, so don’t over do it.

Remember, this week isn’t a holiday. Maximise it, and you’ll thank yourself after all your exams go as expected, and who knows, maybe celebrate after the last paper with a chilled bottle of Pepsi.