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Winter break has come to an end and everyone is back into their academic routines. Unfortunately, for Berrien Springs, a frigid white blanket has covered every inch of town – okay, as we go to press, it’s melting. With this change in scenery, routine, and overall atmosphere, how should students be adjusting to the new semester ahead? What useful study techniques should students know, and what helpful resources are available at 老司机传媒?

In order to succeed with all of your priorities, you need to make sure you're taking care of yourself first. You need to build a strong foundation. Doing the simple, obvious things actually goes a long way. I’m talking about sleeping early, eating healthy, drinking water, exercising, etc. Many people don’t want to be reminded again of what they so often hear. However, how can you build upwards without a sturdy footing? After getting all the basics, it is important to recognize your priorities. With a lot to do and so little time to do it, it is imperative that priorities are on the top of the list. 

As for studying techniques, there are a couple that can ensure your success for that next exam. First is spaced practicing. If you know you have an exam in a week or two, start now. Take time to learn a little bit of the material every day and then – go to sleep! When you are asleep, your brain files away that information so that you can retrieve it later. The more time you give to studying, the stronger that content is ingrained in your mind. Cramming is not recommended because when you are anxious to shove as much information into your brain as possible, your brain freezes. It is actually more difficult to retain information this way as opposed to when you are relaxed. Spaced practice should be your go-to! If you just don’t have the time, or your professor wants to be silly and give you an exam the next day, you can use SQ3R. This reading comprehension technique stands for Survey, Question, Read, Recite, and Review. It is most effective when you have limited time to study and your primary source of information is from a textbook. If you want to learn more about this study technique, you can click

Taking breaks between study sessions is also a biggie! This means studying and pacing yourself, then standing up and stretching or doing a little jog. You are at some if you are seated for more than four hours a day! And that risk increases if you are seated for more than eight hours a day – oh boy!

To help you manage your time and responsibilities, Andrews has some resources to offer. For one, the AU Writing Center is an in-person tutoring source that can help you with tough essays and other writing assignments. Tutors are available Monday through Thursday from 12:00 – 7 PM and Friday from 12:00 – 3:30 PM. It operates on a first-come-first-serve basis, and are available as well. Check out Nethery Hall Room 134 for more information. Additionally, if you don’t need help on writing but are struggling in other classes, !

In order to get the best academic focus and success, make sure you are well-rested and have an outlet to relieve stress. At the Andreasen Center, a massage chair is available and is free for all AU students! Just book a day ahead and you can relax in the cozy area available. It is also recommended to visit the sauna at least 2-3 times a week for no more than 10-20 minutes a time. The heat from the sauna helps relax the muscles and relieve tension. This is really good for a stressed-out body. 

I hope that all students are able to find their way through all of their academic, work, and recreational priorities this semester. It’s nice to know that on an Adventist campus, we are all here for one another. As we navigate this academic journey together, let's not forget the importance of community and the resources that surround us to ensure a fulfilling and successful semester for all.