ACADEMIC SUCCESS GUIDE
RESIDENT LIFE | Spring 2024
Hello Terrific Terps,
As we approach the end of the school year and dive headfirst into finals week, take a moment to remind yourself of how incredible you are. Yes, finals can be stressful, and yes, it might feel like there’s a mountain of work to climb. But guess what? You’re more than capable of conquering it all.
Take a deep breath and remember that you’ve already overcome so much to get here. You’ve put in the hard work, the late nights, and the dedication, and now it’s time to show off all that you’ve learned.
But hey, don’t forget to also look forward to the light at the end of the tunnel: summer break! Think about all the adventures, relaxation, and fun that awaits you. Let that hope fuel you through these last few hurdles.
Keep pushing forward, keep believing in yourself, and keep that summer dream alive. You’ve got this, and the Department of Resident Life is cheering you on every step of the way!
Finish strong and here’s to an amazing summer ahead!
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MENTAL MAINTENANCE
Self-care during finals is crucial for maintaining your well-being and performance. Here are some tips:
EAT NUTRITIOUS MEALS
Fuel your body with balanced meals and snacks to sustain your energy levels. Avoid excessive caffeine and sugar, which can lead to crashes later on.
PRIORITIZE SLEEP
Aim for at least 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Proper rest is essential for cognitive function, memory consolidation, and overall
STAY HYDRATED
Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and focused. Dehydration can affect cognitive function and mood.
TAKE REGULAR BREAKS
Schedule short breaks during study sessions to rest and recharge. Use this time to stretch, go for a walk, or engage in activities you enjoy.
INCORPORATE MOVEMENT
Physical activity is a great way to reduce stress and boost mood. Incorporate exercise into your routine, whether it’s a quick workout, yoga, or a walk outdoors.
PRACTICE MINDFULNESS
Take a few minutes each day to practice mindfulness or meditation. Deep breathing exercises can help calm your mind and
A STUDENT IS NOT A CONTAINER YOU HAVE TO FILL BUT A TORCH YOU HAVE TO LIGHT UP.”
-Albert Einstein
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LIMIT SCREEN TIME
Minimize screen time outside of studying to reduce eye strain and mental fatigue. Give yourself a break from technology by engaging in offline activities.
CONNECT WITH OTHERS
Stay connected with friends and loved ones for emotional support. Reach out to classmates for study sessions or simply to chat and decompress.
SET BOUNDARIES
Know your limits and don’t overcommit yourself. Learn to say no to additional obligations that may add unnecessary stress during finals.
REWARD YOURSELF
Celebrate your progress and accomplishments, no matter how small. Treat yourself to something you enjoy, whether it’s a favorite snack, a movie night, or a relaxing bath.
Remember, self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential for your well-being and academic success. Prioritize your health and happiness during finals week.
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SLOW DOWN, YOU’RE DOING FINE. YOU CAN’T BE EVERYTHING YOU WANNA BE BEFORE YOUR TIME.”
-Billy Joel
THE MOMENT YOU DOUBT WHETHER YOU CAN FLY, YOU CEASE FOREVER TO BE ABLE TO DO IT.”
-J.M. Barrie
UPCOMING ACADEMIC SUCCESS EVENTS
LAST DAY OF CLASSES: Thursday, 5/9
READING DAY: Friday, 5/10
FINALS EXAM WEEK: Saturday, 5/11–Friday, 5/17
MAIN COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY: Monday, 5/20
For a list of current campus-wide academic events, please refer to the Academic Success Guide Calendar!
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STAYING ORGANIZED
Staying organized during finals can help reduce stress and increase productivity. Here are some tips:
CREATE A STUDY SCHEDULE
Develop a detailed study schedule that outlines which subjects you’ll review each day and for how long. Stick to this schedule to ensure you cover all necessary material.
USE A PLANNER OR CALENDAR
Write down important dates, deadlines, and exam times in a planner or digital calendar. Having a visual representation of your commitments can help you stay on track.
BREAK DOWN TASKS
IT’S
NOT ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED IN THE PAST, OR WHAT MAY HAPPEN IN THE FUTURE. IT’S ABOUT THE RIDE.”
-Bob Dishy
PRIORITIZE TASKS
Identify the most important tasks or subjects that require extra attention and prioritize them in your study schedule.
MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS
Create a dedicated study space that is free from distractions such as noise, clutter, or interruptions. Silence your phone or use apps to temporarily block distracting websites.
SET GOALS
FEEL THE FEAR, AND DO IT ANYWAY”
-Susan Jeffers
Establish specific, achievable goals for each study session to keep yourself motivated and focused. Celebrate your progress as you reach each milestone.
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REVIEW REGULARLY
Schedule regular review sessions to reinforce your understanding of the material and prevent cramming before exams.
USE MEMORY AIDS
Utilize mnemonic devices, flashcards, diagrams, or other memory aids to help you retain information more effectively.
TAKE REGULAR BREAKS
Schedule short breaks during study sessions to rest and recharge. Avoid studying for long periods without breaks, as this can lead to burnout and decreased productivity.
By implementing these organization tips, you can approach finals with confidence and clarity. Good luck!
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HELPFUL CAMPUS RESOURCES
ACADEMIC SUCCESS & TUTORIAL SERVICES
As an initiative of the Academic Achievement Programs (AAP), the Academic Success and Tutorial Services program provides free peer tutoring to all UM students for over twenty 100- and 200-level general education courses. Additionally, tutoring is offered for historically difficult courses in areas such as biology, business, chemistry, computer science, economics, mathematics/ statistics, and physics.
THE COUNSELING CENTER
The Counseling Center is the primary campus provider of free and confidential mental health services to help UMD students manage personal, social, and academic challenges. The Counseling Center also offers w ellness workshops and a variety of resources to help with common student concerns .
GUIDED STUDY SESSIONS
The Guided Study Sessions (GSS) program offers FREE, regularly scheduled group review sessions for students in traditionally difficult courses. GSS Leaders have previously taken your course and earned an A, so they know what it takes to stay on track in lectures and prepare for exams. Go once, a few times, or attend every session—it’s never too late to start attending GSS. Guided Study Sessions are provided both in-person and virtually through Zoom. To access a specific virtual session, please contact your GSS Leader or email gss@umd.edu from a University email address. Visit the GSS Schdule to view the available sessions.
KEYSTONE CENTER
Located in the J. M. Patterson, the Keystone Center is where you can go to work on homework or group projects, use the computer labs, or study for exams. It is staffed with upper-level undergraduate and graduate students who can provide you with assistance in answering questions in fundamental engineering and STEM courses: CHEM135, MATH140, MATH141, MATH241, and MATH246.
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HELPFUL CAMPUS RESOURCES
LIBRARIES
The University Libraries offer plenty of resources including those for getting started on research as well as places to study. There are six libraries on campus and all have different hours .
ACADEMIC LEARNING ASSISTANT
The TLTC Learning Success Team provides free, 30-minute, one-on-one academic coaching sessions for UMD students. Their coaching sessions are collaborative and you set the agenda. Whether you are looking to improve your learning strategies, develop an effective study plan, or survive/ace a course their team is here to support your academic success. Schedule an appointment today!
MATH SUCCESS PROGRAM
The Math Success Program offers free, drop-in math coaching and tutoring services for all UMD undergraduate students. The program is open Sunday - Thursday from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Sundays are virtual, and Mondays through Thursdays are held in ESJ 1224. Visit the Math Success Program website to get more information and access the program.
MATH TEST BANK
Google Drive of past exams from the Math Department for tons of classes. Great practice material for studying for final exams.
OFFICE OF MULTI-ETHNIC STUDENT EDUCATION (OMSE)
OMSE offers free tutorial programs that cover most key courses in Writing, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Economics, among other courses. Individual and small group tutoring consisting of 2-4 students per group is available each semester in most undergraduate courses. Check out the OMSE tutoring site to learn more and to request a tutor. You can also check out these short videos created by OMSE tutors on some traditionally difficult concepts.
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HELPFUL CAMPUS RESOURCES
OFFICE OF STUDENT CONDUCT
The Office of Student Conduct serves the UMD community by investigating referrals, enforcing the Codes, and committing to a fair, honest, and transparent conduct process. The Office of Student Conduct handles issues of academic integrity. If you are unsure of rules about academic integrity, the Office of Student Conduct has resources to assist you.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS CENTER (OCC)
The OCC can provide: peer consulting for presentations, speeches, and other modes of oral communication; speech planning and practice assistance; interactive workshops on a variety of relevant communication skills; Special events and workshop series. Schedule an appointment today !
QUIET STUDY SPACES
These spaces offer some great opportunities to safely explore campus and find new places to get your work done. Please visit the Quiet Study Spaces list to view the spaces that are available, as well as the guidelines around using the spaces.
Bonus Tip: Keep track of academic deadlines and other important academic opportunities on campus by downloading the Department of Resident Life’s Academic Success Calendar.
SPS TUTORING SERVICES
The Society of Physics Students (SPS) offers free online and in-person tutoring for anyone taking an introductory physics course at UMD. Tutoring is available on a drop-in basis through Zoom from 4-6p.m., Monday through Thursday. It is also available in Toll 1303 at the same time. In order to request the Zoom information, students must fill out this brief form
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HELPFUL CAMPUS RESOURCES
TUTORING & ACADEMIC SUCCESS RESOURCES
The University is committed to academic excellence and provides a variety of tutoring and other academic resources to support student success—available on campus, from our peer institutions, and other non-university websites. To learn more about the available resources, visit tutoring.umd.edu . Also check out these helpful resources to tackle some common academic concers .
THE WRITING CENTER
The Writing Center provides opportunities for undergraduate students to improve their writing, research, and critical thinking skills in preparation for successful academic, professional, and civic lives. In a supportive atmosphere, trained consultants from a variety of backgrounds and majors assist writers in-person and online throughout the writing process. Visit the Writing Center’s website to schedule an appointment.
Good luck on finals, Terps!
Study hard, go to class, get enough sleep and ask for help when needed.
You’ve got this!
