Grehan Guide: “Fall into Better Studying Habits: Tips for staying motivated for Fall Semester and Mid-terms”
It’s officially Fall but also the point in the semester where motivation starts to drop and skipping class comes easy. Trust me, I know it can feel daunting to manage school, work, and a social life but it is possible. Grehan is here to provide you with tips, playlists, and motivation to be the best version of your fall semester self! Here's how...
1) Treat School like a 9-5: Set a specific time frame, like 9am-5pm, where your classes fall into and truly treat school like a job. You will work on assignments, plan your week, and create timelines for assignments. Anytime outside of this is just for YOU. This allows you to disconnect and relax as guilt-free as possible. Spend time with your friends, watch a new episode of Dancing with the Stars, or scroll on your phone for hours. This is YOUR time and setting boundaries helps achieve the balance you deserve.
2) Balance: Let’s be realistic: you’re probably not going to finish everything in one library session. And that’s okay. Set realistic goals and take things one step at a time. Invite friends to your study sessions, even if you only cross one thing off your list, that’s still progress! What matters is that you’re showing up, staying consistent, and making memories along the way.
3) Reward Yourself: Don’t forget to celebrate your wins, big or small! If you’re going to get that coffee or new top anyway, make it a reward for finishing a tough assignment. It’s a simple way to keep motivation high and make school feel more manageable.
4) Romanticize Your Study Space: Make studying feel good. Clean your space, light a candle, or create a playlist you only listen to when you’re doing schoolwork. Also, find a quote or Pinterest photo that inspires you (I’ve linked a few of my favorites quotes and playlists below). These little touches can turn studying from something you have to do into something you want to do. And every small action is one step closer to the life you’re building.
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0Bcj27aw78d1U9hLt4WK4u?si=EcZRH13EQZ6993At4QDo4g&pi=Pnt5bmoSS4-wE
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4jnjXdsHM2xWfv7yapUkM9?si=rP_xo_vBQK2G8QB5V2T5nA&pi=S5-Jhk7NR4mlW
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/46dEFh1X8eDBAB3v5EO0RC?si=h0to0M4iRlaOar76J6QocA&pi=U09nYCItQw6tE
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/11jELYNK3AItL20yVSCPJW?si=qs9UefgDT4eOC8XnrDfOrA&pi=ahV4xCyZS9Ktl
5) Work Smarter Not Harder: You’ve already done the hardest part...showing up to class, taking notes, and figuring out what needs to get done. Now it’s time to make your work easier. Use AI tools like Gemini (which is free for students for a year!) to create study guides, timelines, and weekly plans. It’s a game-changer for saving time and staying organized. Why work harder when you can work smarter?
This part of the semester can feel difficult, but remember why you started. The effort you’re putting in, even the small stuff, is shaping the future you want. Keep showing up for yourself, find balance in the busy moments, and trust that it’s all adding up. You’re closer to your goals than you think.
Written By Mattie Cassetty