Surviving Midterms with Your Mental Health Intact

Keeping your head in the game for midterms is essential to not only SURVIVE, but to be SUCCESSFUL.  Overthinking, stressing yourself out or zoning out with social media or video games will not get you where you want to go. Here are some tips to help you be your best:

1. Check in with your Professors/TA's/Study Group:  Be clear on what you need to know and how the professor will be testing you.  Short answer? Multiple choice? Essay? Project?  Starting with the end in mind helps you to prepare effectively for what to study and how to study.  
2. Make a plan:  Once you know what the teacher wants, you can prepare for how much time you need to get it done.  Allow yourself several days to get work done.  Don't wait until the last minute. Avoid stressing yourself out.  Plan for additional time.
3. Ask for help:  Ask the Professor/TA or study group for help clarifying your issues.  Also, go to the Academic Success Center for additional support with papers and studying.  Don't be afraid to ask.  No one expects you to know everything.
4. Think about what you need: Do you study best in the morning, afternoon or evening?  Do you stay focused better by yourself, in study groups or in the library? Try different things and see what works best for you. Take a break if you need it.  Eat if you are hungry.  Paying attention to your mind and body helps you to function at your best. 

If you feel overwhelmed and stuck, remember that there are several campus resources that are here to support you:

UMBC RIH Counseling Center:  Group Counseling, Workshops, Self-Help resources, and Individual Counseling and Urgent Care appointments

Academic Success Center:  Tutoring, help writing essays, study and time management skills

Academic Advocacy:   Support, Study Skills and advice on how to navigate issues that interfere with academic success

For anonymous online peer support, check out Togetherall to help support your mental health when things are challenging.