Life Advice
Q1: So my life at Exeter is pretty routine. Everyday I come back from Elm after dinner and lock myself up in my room doing homework until midnight. I’ve been feeling a little adventurous lately, and I want to change things up. I’m looking for new places to study as well as new study methods. Any suggestions?
A1: Although I do most of my work in my room, once in a while I like to change things up too. The library is always a great resource if you want to study in a quiet place free from all the potential distractions in your room. When I’m not in the library, I like to make myself a cup of tea to keep myself awake during long readings. In terms of new study methods, I would recommend hosting group study sessions before big tests. I personally find myself studying much more efficiently when I’m studying with a group of friends. Not only does it help you clarify questions, it can also be a lot of fun. Just try not to get carried away.
Q2: With two and a half weeks of school left this term, I’m dangerously close to getting stricts. I really wasn’t expecting a surprise assembly check on Tuesday (thanks, Cos), and I currently have three dickeys. With spring term right around the corner, I really don’t want to go on stricts. Any tips on how to get fewer dickeys?
A2: First try to identify why you’re getting all these dickeys. Are you having a hard time waking up? Or are you just being really lazy? If it’s the former, you could invest in a new alarm clock. If you’re still having trouble waking up, ask one of your dorm mates to wake you up. Or work ahead on the weekends so you can go to sleep early each day. If you find yourself actively skipping class, just think about all the opportunities you’re missing out on. You aren’t going to get much out of Exeter without a healthy attitude towards learning, so try to motivate yourself. Have something to look forward to to keep you going during the week. It can be anything ranging from being excited about an EP date to looking forward to Szechuan Brunch on Sunday. I know winter term is a rough term for all of us, but keep that fire burning and keep pushing yourself. We believe in you.
Q3: Recently, I’ve seen a lot of upperclassmen in my dorm stay up late working on their 332s and what not. I often find empty bottles of five hour energy and caffeine pills scattered in the study room from the night before. I’m a prep right now and I’m scared that I’ll end up the same way in two years. Although I’m not struggling with work right now, what can I do to keep myself from slipping off of the academic grind?
A3: First of all, let me tell you that as long as you’re working hard and maintaining good time management, you won’t ever need to pull an all nighter. I’ve only ever pulled one all nighter before and it was entirely avoidable. I had to pull one simply because I procrastinated and left my work until the last minute. The next day I felt utterly exhausted and couldn’t focus in class, which set me back even more. While it is true that your workload increases each year, you’ll also find that your time management skills will improve each year. Stay on that academic grind, utilize your resources and motivate each other. After all, spring term is right around the corner.
Q4: With less than two and a half weeks of the term left, would it be wise of me to get involved with a girl? I have three classes with her this term and I’ve been getting to know her pretty well. We have great chemistry and we’ve hung out outside of class a couple of times. I fear that if I don’t take action before the end of the term, she’ll simply forget about me. Am I too late in the game or is there still hope?
A4: While it’s true that the term is ending soon, that doesn’t mean you’re running out of time. There’s still plenty of time to bring out your A game. If you truly do have good chemistry with her, chances are you’ll still be hanging out with her in the Spring even if you guys are no longer in the same classes. You could ask her out to EP, study with her for finals or ask her out for lunch. There a still a bunch of options left for you before the term ends. Ultimately this is about you and how far you’re willing to go. If you really like her, go for it. Good luck homie.