Whether you’re new to Babson or near graduation – college can be hard. Many of us have panicked after realizing a midterm is next week, fallen asleep doing homework in the library, or slept through the fifth alarm. Check out these everyday hacks that are sure to make college a little easier:

  1. Back on that grind. Classes are starting again… and our brains can’t possibly keep track of a 5-page essay, multiple tutoring sessions, and your mom’s birthday all at once! Get a calendar or planner to stay on top of things.
  2. Study smart. Studying for hours at a time can be exhausting – your brain needs to take a break. Research shows that studying for 45-50 minutes with a 10 minute break in between is the most effective way to retain information.
  3. Need some energy? Next time you think about getting that caramel iced coffee with extra sugar… try peppermint instead! A whiff of peppermint essential oil will stimulate your brain to increase alertness and help with concentration.
  4. 20-20-20. Do your eyes every get tired after a long period of studying? Every 20 minutes, stare at something 20 feet away, for 20 seconds to prevent eye strain! The shift focus allows your eye muscles to relax.
  5. Treat Yo’ Self. Healthy snacks are usually the way to go… but hey, we all need to reward ourselves once in a while! Leave yourself a snack trail while reading to keep you engaged and focused.
  6. Get your beauty sleep. When you’re watching Netflix or hanging out with friends, it can be hard to get 7-9 hours of sleep. Try to not only set your alarm for when to wake up, but also to remind you it’s bedtime.
  7. Zen mode is the best mode. After being in class all day, sometimes we need some relaxation. With a few minutes of meditation, you can relieve stress, be happier, and sharpen your memory. The effects are almost immediate!
  8. Just write it. As tempting as taking notes on your computer is, using the old fashioned pen and paper is better. Writing something out is equivalent to reading it 7 times!
  9. Times New Roman. Although writing is better than typing, it is inevitable that we use our computers. Times New Roman is actually the easiest and fastest font to read!
  10. You do you. It is easy to get wrapped up in social, academic, and extracurricular activities. However, it is important to take time for yourself. Find an activity you love like reading a book, listening to music, taking a walk, or doing yoga.

References

  • Pittman, Olivia. (2015). 5 Study Hacks Proven by Science (and Why They Work). https://www.collegeraptor.com/find-colleges/ articles/tips-tools-advice/5-study-hacks-proven-by-science-and-why-they-work/
  • Moss, M. et al. (2006). Modulation of Cognitive Performance and Mood by Aromas of Peppermint & Ylang-Ylang. International Journal of Neuroscience. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207450601042094
  • Marcin, A. (2017). How Does the 20-20-20 Rule Prevent Eyestrain? Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/eye- health/20-20-20-rule
  • National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Meditation: In Depth. (2017). https://nccih.nih.gov/health/ meditation/overview.htm#hed3
  • Mueller, P., Oppenheimer, D. (2014). The Pen is Mightier than the Keyboard. Psychological Science. https://doi. org/10.1177/0956797614524581
  • Leyden, A. (2014). 20 Study Hacks to Improve your Memory. https://www.goconqr.com/en/examtime/blog/study-hacks/