Feeling exhausted from online classes? The sentiment is shared. Understandably, it’s been an unprecedented semester. COVID-19 and social gathering guidelines have generated new study habits and learning styles for students’ daily routines. The transition from lecture halls and labs to our new normal of Zoom has caused a major disruption in the typical “college lifestyle,” lowering many students’ academic performance and motivation levels. With the end of the semester and the conclusion of 2020 in sight, here are our top tips to ace assessments and GYLT (get your life together) for online finals season: round two.

Hit the books and the deadlines

The sweet but simple secret to doing well in your classes is this: getting things in on time. Punctuality is powerful. If you haven’t already, record all your upcoming due dates in a master schedule. Plan ahead for final assignments and prioritize studying for semester exams by blocking off the time to do so. Whether it be in your planner, iPhone Google Calendar, or the Tik Tok famous masterlist, visually laying out your laundry list of to-dos will help you organize your priorities.

Start creating study guides 

With midterms (thankfully) behind us, now is an ideal time to accumulate notes and important concepts into comprehensive study guides for finals. Although many professors provide their own guides, creating your own is more personalized. It’ll also help you understand which class material you need to focus on. Notetaking in class is essential to thorough study guides. If you’ve recently found yourself in scrolling sessions during lectures, try taking more extensive notes. Come finals week, you’ll be grateful.

Socially distanced study sessions 

One of the most burdensome aspects of online classes is the inability to ask questions or share notes alongside your peers in a physical classroom. Scheduling a Zoom study group or organizing a socially distanced meet-up with classmates can be beneficial to prepare for exams. Treat yourself to a warm Peppermint Mocha as you review the material together.

Set your end of year goals 

With the end of 2020 quickly approaching, it’s the perfect time to squeeze in any procrastinated new year goals (or get a head start on next year’s) to develop the right mindset for flourishing in 2021. Easily start by breaking down your larger goals for the year, whether they’re academic or lifestyle, into manageable weekly goals you can accomplish by the end of December.  

Implement healthy habits

Instead of trying to drastically change your life by implementing a surplus of new habits come this January, slowly start incorporating them into your routine—now. Implement any changes you feel would be beneficial for your wellbeing during finals season. That way, you’ll feel your best while busily studying for exams and preparing for the much-needed holidays.

Disconnect to reconnect with yourself

Lastly, indulge yourself with a social media detox! With the pandemic and current state of the world causing an unconventional year all around, tucking your phone away into a corner and focusing exclusively on semester exams (or knocking out your 2020 goals) will be refreshing. Those few hours can make all the difference.