It's that time of the year, ladies and gentlemen. While the temperatures rise, so do the stress levels, with the smell of summer on the horizon and the growing anxiety of finals. So, here are five of my favorite study tips for getting through those last two weeks!

1. Start studying sooner.

As soon as the semester starts, write all the important dates down in a planner or even use an app like Google Calendar! Writing these things down and sticking to a schedule will make finals time easier because you know what to expect and when. Also, set alarms for certain times throughout the day/week you want to reserve for studying.

2. Don’t study longer, study more often.

Cramming won’t make you retain the knowledge. Repeated short intervals for 15-20 minutes are how you’ll retain the most knowledge. Start with broad concepts and break it down piece by piece.

3. Group up when you can.

Find three or four friends you have the class with, or just know you can buckle down with and go to the library or out to coffee with one another. Build off what they know and connect it all to have a better understanding for the subject while making connections with others.

4. Take notes.

Whether you type them, write them, draw them, all that matters is you’re reading/processing the information and reflecting your understanding in some way. Even if the professor puts the powerpoints online, finding the time to sit down and put it into your own words will really help you focus on the material.

5. Find what works for YOU.

Notecards and highlighters aren’t for everyone. Draw your vocabulary words, put it to a song, make a game out of it, do a crossword puzzle. Find some way that you find entertaining, studying doesn’t have to be boring.

So hold out, you brave souls. Make your student loans mean something & your mommas proud. With these five study tips, that GPA can stay up and you can enjoy your summer guilt free.