Student tips

Stay organized, start early and give yourself the tools you need to succeed on midterms.

• Review where you stand: Check your grades and identify areas that need extra attention. 

• Map out your week: Add exams, assignments and study time to your calendar. 

• Start early: Break studying into smaller sessions instead of cramming. 

• Prioritize what matters: Focus first on upcoming deadlines and the material you find most challenging. 

• Test yourself: Use practice questions, flashcards or teach the material to someone else. 

• Ask questions: Reach out to your professors or classmates when you need clarification. 

• Study with intention: Choose a distraction-free space and set specific goals for each study session. 

• Use academic support: Visit the Learning Center for tutoring and study strategies or the Writing Center for help with papers and projects. 

• Build in breaks: Give yourself time to rest and reset between study sessions. 

• Take care of yourself: Get enough sleep, eat well and make time for movement and activities that help you recharge. 

• Make a plan for exam day: Know when and where your exams are and gather what you need ahead of time. 

Top Roary questions of the week 

• Where are the printers located/is there a page limit for printing?
  • We offer Print Anywhere, which allows Tigers to print to any network-connected printer. Undergraduates are issued $17.50 print allowance per semester. Find more information here  doit.missouri.edu/services/printing.

• I’m struggling financially. What financial resources are there for me?
  • If you experience a hardship or any other special circumstance, your financial aid can be reevaluated. Find more information at  financialaid.missouri.edu/receiving-…rcumstances and financialaid.missouri.edu/applying-f…ergency-aid.

• I need help getting involved.
  • You can meet with an Involvement Ambassador. They can help you explore opportunities that fit your interests and make sure you’re getting the most out of them.
    • Schedule a consultation: mizzou.us/involvementambassador.
  • You can also find campus events and clubs here: engage.missouri.edu
  • And Mizzou’s Resource Centers may be helpful for community, advocacy, and support.
    • studentaffairs.missouri.edu/resource-…-students/ mizzou.us/getinvolvedchecklist.

Take tips from the experts to make the most of your midterm preparation.

• Test yourself: Close your notes and retrieve the material. Summarize main points and write your own practice questions. Retrieval is exactly what you’ll do on the exam, so practice it instead of re-reading notes and slides. 

• Reflect: Make connections between new concepts and what you’ve already learned. This strengthens understanding by linking old and new knowledge. 

• Space it out: Spread your studying across multiple sessions over days or weeks rather than cramming it all at once. For example, instead of studying for four hours the night before a test, study for one hour on four separate days. The evidence is overwhelming that this spaced approach leads to better long-term retention. 

• Mix it up: Interweave topics rather than studying one thing at a time. For example, instead of mastering one chapter completely before moving to the next, rotate between several chapters or problem types in a single session. This forces your brain to distinguish, connect and apply different course concepts. 

• Teach it to someone else: Explain a concept in your own words to a classmate, friend or even yourself. Teaching the material can help you identify what you know, and what you still need to review. 

• Get enough rest and don’t forget to eat and hydrate: Your brain needs fuel and recovery to perform at its best. Get a good night’s sleep, eat regular meals and keep water nearby while you study. Taking care of your basic needs can help you stay focused, energized and ready to tackle your exams. 

• Use flash cards to make studying more convenient: Review key terms, concepts and questions wherever you have a few extra minutes, while waiting in line for a meal, riding the shuttle or during downtime between classes. Small study sessions can add up and help reinforce what you’re learning. 

• Find your best study spot: The library works well for some students, but it’s not the only option. Try different spaces, your residence hall, a quiet campus building, a coffee shop or an outdoor spot, to find an environment where you can focus, stay motivated and get your best work done.