Staff Writer- Bao Vu
Does anyone else feel like March went by at 0.5x speed, but April feels like 2x, or is it just me? I still couldn’t believe there are only two weeks left.
I guess, now, you’re probably swamped with assignments, exams, concerts, or recitals (because I am too!). Getting through these final weeks of the school year has never been easy. Burnout is real, but don’t let yourself sink right before the finish line. Let me give you these things. Who knows, they might actually help.
- Use a to-do list
I truly believe the to-do list is one of the greatest human inventions that people often overlook. At the beginning of the month, the week, or even the day, I usually list out my tasks and then sort them by their priority, based on the Eisenhower Matrix:
- Urgent & Important: Do it now (e.g., an assignment that’s due tonight).
- Urgent & Not Important: Do it quickly or ask for help (e.g., fielding unexpected
interruptions from work).
- Not Urgent & Important: Schedule it (e.g., study for the next week’s exam).
- Not Urgent & Not Important: Just don’t do it (e.g., mindlessly scrolling social media).
- Be specific with the actions on your to-do list.
Don’t just write “Study.” Write “Read 10 pages of Chapter 1” or “Solve 5 math problems” instead. Breaking things down helps you feel less overwhelmed, and when you finish that small part, you get a little sense of accomplishment, which could give you more motivation to keep going.
- Choose the study method that works best for you.
Personally, I like sitting alone, reading every word, and then rewriting or “teaching” the material back to myself to see if I truly get it or not. But some people prefer using quizzes or flashcards.
I also like studying for a full three hours and then taking a 10-minute walk as a treat. But others prefer the Pomodoro method: work focused for 25 minutes, then rest for 5. After four rounds, take a longer break (15–20 minutes) to let your brain recover.
There’s really no right or wrong way. It depends on the subject and your own self. Knowing what you need and what suits you is more important than anything. Don’t let FOMO push you to follow someone else’s study method.
- Relaxing is not in the “Not Urgent & Not Important” part. Don’t cut it.
Staying up late might help you get a few more assignments done, but lack of sleep will make you unfocused, stressed, and less effective at everything.
Moreover, don’t just imprison yourself at your desk. The weather has been nice recently. I’ve noticed the flowers starting to bloom in front of Old Main and all around campus. The grass at the Arb is also looking lush and green. Maybe a quick walk is exactly what you need to clear your head, so those dry textbooks actually start making sense.
(Of course, don’t over-relax either. Assignments don’t write themselves!)
- Remember, you are not alone.
These are the final weeks. Everyone is busy. Everyone is caught up in the same whirlwind as you. You’re not fighting the deadlines by yourself. Talk to your friends, study in groups, or, honestly, just vent a little. It’s okay!
Gustavus also has the Counseling Center and Peer Assistants for your reference. They are always open and ready to listen to whatever is on your mind.
This whole article is really just about this: You are not, and will never be alone here. Not just because you always have your friends, your professors, the Counseling Center, the Peer Assistant team (or even me, someone you might have never met), but because all other students are also struggling through these last days, just like you.
Allow yourself to be tired, to rest, to complain a little, and then keep going. These final weeks might be the most stressful time. We know it, and we have nothing to do but just deal with it.
Take care, and remember we’re almost there. Summer is very close to the Hill.
Good luck to all of us!