You either love it or you hate it, but we've all been a victim to the quarter system. After getting through my first quarter here at UCLA, I've sorta gotten the hang of how to get through the quarter as smoothly as humanly possible.
1. Take it one step at a time
Don’t think about all the assignments you have to do at once. Honestly, all it’ll do is overwhelm you and you will feel like there is no possible way you can do it all. I have definitely been there.
2. Pace yourself
Don’t try to pull an all-nighter. It’ll just mess with your sleep cycle and for the entire week honestly. Try to do something every day, no matter how small it may seem, you will thank yourself when deadlines come up and you realize you’ve already started, if not finished, the work.
3. Keep reminding yourself to just get through the week
The best thing that can help you get through the quarter system is looking at it as getting through one week at a time. Take a step back and plan out what is going on for the week. Figure out your deadlines and work towards them. Before you know it, it will be Thursday and it’s pretty much the end of the week. (If you’re lucky and don’t have classes on Friday, you’re even better off.) One week down, only a few more left to go.
4. Make a to-do list
Nothing is more functional than a to-do list. I literally have a to-do list for the month, then a breakdown for the week, then the breakdown per day. It can help you visualize what you need to do and how to plan your life around it. I would not survive without a to-do list.
5. For heaven’s sake use a planner
It’s all about staying organized and on top of deadlines. Write out your deadlines, midterms, and finals. Mark when you’re in class to get a visualization of how much time you have in between classes or after. Mark in your work schedule too to completely visualize. Add in clubs, extracurriculars, and other obligations you may have.
6. Cry
Y’all I’m serious, cry it out when you need to. There is no such thing as crying too much, and nobody even has to know if you did. If you feel it, don’t hold back. You’ll feel better afterward I promise.
7. Eat well and take a multivitamin
I’m no cook (trust), but I honestly do feel better and less stressed out when I’ve actually had a balanced breakfast in the morning. I feel like I’m starting my day off on the right foot and it gives me the energy boost I need. Eat your fruits and veggies, people; they will help. I know taking a multivitamin sounds like you're a kid again, but seriously, they make a difference.
8. Value your damn sleep
It doesn't matter how stressed you are, make sure you get some rest. Now don’t get me wrong, I have pulled my share of all-nighters. But, I will never pull an all-nighter right before an exam (the night a paper is due, maybe) but, honestly, do you really think you’re going to do well on an exam when you’re tired and hungry? No, you won’t. You can only focus for so long so you might as well get some sleep and do your body some good.
9. Stop over-stressing
I know this is easier said than done, but really what are you going to accomplish by overstressing? Don’t be one of those people who can’t just breathe for a second or take a day off because you HAVE to study 24/7. Honestly, it’s all about balance and the sooner you figure it out, the easier your life will feel.
10. Give yourself breaks
It is not being lazy to take a break. You are not going to fail that midterm because you took a day off from studying. On the contrary, you will feel better going into the midterm and probably do better. If you’re stuck on an assignment, take a nap and come to it later or the next day. There is no harm in giving yourself time to destress, enjoy a bath, or do some face and hair masks.
As much as people complain about the quarter system, I actually prefer it to the semester system. Those 10 weeks really do fly by and before you know it you're pretty much done with the entire year. You did it!
