PSYC 300 last week.  BIOL 243 two days ago.  PSYC 440 on Monday.  PSYC 410 on Wednesday.  Rounded out by...CHEM 331 on Friday.

What am I talking about?!?  I'm talking about the "first-exams-of-the-semester-stretch"--the much dreaded, much stressful time of the semester next to finals week.  You spend hours studying your notes, reading your book, checking Blackboard for a much-hoped-for study guide, and still you can't stop being restless because you're just so worried.  If only you can just get to the day of the exam to get it over with!  After that, the 2nd or 3rd exams can be pretty difficult too as the course material gets progressively harder, but at least you know what to finally anticipate when you walk into that class with the #2 pencil in tow.  It's that scary idea that you have no clue about your professor's style that makes that first exam just that much more stressful!

But don't fret!  Here are tips to overcome such worries and fears:

1.)  First and foremost, DON'T PANIC! If you do, you only get further behind.  You'll only lose valuable time worrying over a test than actually studying for it.

2.)  Try different methods of studying if you still have not found that #1-full-proof-will-always-work strategy for yourself.  For classes that have a lot of definitions, use flashcards!  For classes that have a lot of mathematical problems, use repetition and practice.  For language classes, try speaking in that language and get practice--just be considerate of those around you, especially your roommate!

3.)  Find a place to study.  Let me repeat that: FIND A PLACE TO STUDY.  Good places to study will probably be ones that lack a TV, internet, loud music, crowds, etc.  Anything that will get you easily distracted should be an automatic NO!

4.)  Studying in a crowd may be bad, but studying in a small group may be a good idea.  Y'all can ask each other questions or just work through the problems with each other.  Just remember not to get distracted and off-topic!

5.)  Have a power snack!  Peanuts, granola bars, and crackers are among some of the snacks that are found to be good for the body and mind.  After hours of staring at your notes, your body will have used up a lot of its nutrients, and you'll probably need some help!

6.)  Speaking of help...SEEK HELP!  If you are having trouble, make sure to contact your professor, TA, or for some people, your SI Leader or tutor.  If you can't get a hold of your professor and TA from class, visit the Student Success Center in the Thomas Cooper Library and get help there.  That is why the SI Leaders and tutors were hired--to help y'all!

7.)  Lastly..lucky number 7 tip is to...REST!  Studying over long periods of time can get very exhausting.  Make sure that you are getting plenty of rest!  Your brain can't function well, if you're not taking care of yourself!

Well, I hope this comes in handy some time for y'all.  I know I need to check myself in line sometimes with these tips too as I have the tendency to forget about them, regardless if it's my list.  Well, tis all for now folks!  I'll just catch y'all later on the flipside, Gamecocks!

P.S.  College-level or not, I'm sure these tips will come in handy for any student!