Peking University, June, 7: Alas, finals season have begun for Pekingers. Students on campus have learnt to adapt and find new ways to structure their lives and work. While one might find it challenging at first, no one is alone in their journey! Read on to find out what three seasoned Pekingers on campus do to survive finals while enjoying university life.
Jessica Xu, School of International Studies | USA
Key: Cultivating a wholesome outlook
Q1: Can you give your top 3 study tips? Who/what inspired you to study this way?
1 For someone who can’t face large tasks, I definitely have to take some time to divide up my tasks and make small goals to keep myself on track.It also helps me start earlier because I’m able to give myself daily goals and tasks.
2 POMODORO TIMERS!As well as nature or cafe ambience videos! The best way to concentrate when you really don’t want to concentrate. These videos were my lifesaver during the pandemic when I couldn’t change my studying environment. I love channels like Calmed by Nature or Candy Room for ambience videos. And Abao from Tokyo is my favorite favorite pomodoro timer/study with me videos. Sherry Formula is also amazing.
3 Take breaks! This goes alongside pomodoro, but it’s so easy to study hard and burn out. It’s important to take breaks during study sessions and between big assignments! Be easy on yourself and take it easy. Your health and mental stability is more important than that paper or final exam. All the best!
I think I had to get it together when we had to study during the pandemic, especially with a big time difference. It took a lot more time management and discipline than usual, and it really challenged me to study better and smarter. I mostly looked towards YouTube for help and assistance.
Q2: Where do you like studying when you’re on campus?
A On campus, I love to go to the library, teaching buildings, or on-campus 3W cafe. These are all great places with varying sound levels in the environment that I love to study at. There are a lot of choices in terms of how loud or quiet you want your studying environment to be.
Q3: How is your revision coming along? Any complications? Any unexpected gains or rewards?
A I actually haven’t started yet, because I’ve been doing my midterm assignments… However, it’s overall been difficult to concentrate and really listen to lectures after we changed to all online classes. Hopefully it can be another time for learning and growth, and I can adjust accordingly in time for finals.
Q4: Any advice for freshmen/juniors?
A Please put your well-being before school! Balance hard work and rest or play. And don’t be afraid to reach out to seniors for help! All juniors in International Studies are welcome to find me, although I may not be the best, but I’ll try to help! Best of luck this finals season to everybody!
Kelly Ong, Yuanpei College | Singapore
Key: Be resourceful and creative with your method
Q1: Can you give your top 3 study tips? Who/what inspired you to study this way?
A I normally study with my iPad. I would record down my lessons with the built-in recording function in my notetaking app and afterwards use the recording to check if I missed out any important parts of the lesson and reorganize my notes accordingly.
I would make mind-maps for general topic overview which includes the key learning points and when I revise, I would use the Quizlet app to test my understanding and memory.
I get my inspiration from YouTube videos by a study blogger called Elena Lin, but I got most of my method figured out through prior experience when I was in junior college.
Q2: Where do you like studying when you’re on campus?
A Previously I would study at the NongYuan café. The sofa seats there are really comfortable, and it has charging ports as well. The glass windows allow sunlight to pass through and it gives a really good lighting when I’m studying.
Currently due to Covid restrictions, I study in the library in the dormitory area. My room is the least preferred place as it just holds too many distractions and I procrastinate easily in my room.
I prefer to study with my friends, in this way, we can help to motivate and also supervise each other. When we feel tired, we can also take a walk together. Studying with friends just makes studying a lot less tiring and painful, especially when we have tons of deadlines coming up.
Q3: Any unexpected gains or rewards?
A More time spent with friends, learn to better appreciate little things around us.
Q4: Any advice for freshmen/juniors?
1 Plan your schedule beforehand, know your deadlines well and schedule a timeline of how you will complete your different deadlines.
2 University is about self-discipline and self-directed learning, it’s important to find a goal or target that keeps you motivated to go on. Also try different alternatives when studying to find out which study method and environment suits you the most.
3 Lastly, find something that can make you feel happy and set it as a reward for completing a deadline or task. A reward system will make the study process more fun and way less painful.
Katie Zhang, School of Law | USA
Key: Dealing with stress and finding balance
Q1: Can you give your top 3 study tips? Who/what inspired you to study this way?
A When I was in high school, I was incredibly stressed with my academics and extra-curricular activities, and one of the main reasons was that I didn’t understand how to properly manage my time. At that time, one of my mentors suggested for me to just take time for myself, even if it was just watching a YouTube video once a day, so that my daily life isn’t just studying.
Afterwards, I decided to watch Study Tips and Time-Management YouTube videos on my free time, which did actually help me destress. From those study videos, not only did I learn that not only do I have to study hard, I also need to learn how to fully relax.
Today studying at Peking University Law School, encountering stress and pressure is inevitable. In order to ensure that I can study hard for a long period of time, I know that aside from academics, I have to prioritize my time for other relaxing activities, such as singing and hanging out with my friends.
Q2: Where do you like studying when you’re on campus?
A If I’m studying on campus, you’ll most likely find me on the fourth floor of Lijiao Building, at one of the spots facing the library. I really enjoy studying at one of the 教学楼because everyone around me is quiet, which creates a pleasant atmosphere. Apart from that, the view is incredibly beautiful during sunset; from that spot, you get a perfect view!
Q3: How is your revision coming along? Any complications? Any unexpected gains or rewards?
A Finals are approaching, which means that not only do I have to review for my upcoming tests, I also have deadlines to finish.
I have to admit, due to the fact that I’m unable to go to the classrooms to attend classes and go to the library or 理教 to study, I have been less focused on my studies, but that is definitely I am working on.
But one of the benefits is that because I am staying at one of my relative’s homes, I’m able to spend more time with my family and relatives, which I wouldn’t be able to do if I was at my dorm.
Q4: Any advice for freshmen/juniors?
A I truly hope you enjoy your college experience. Even though academics can be super stressful sometimes, joining clubs which you have common interests in and socializing with friends is also an important part of your college life and a great way to balance your academics.
Writed by: Vissly Chan, Larry Ng
Edited by: Li Wanqi, Chan Ziqing, Hu Shaocong
Photo credited to: Kelly Ong, Jessica Xu, Katie Zhang
Designed by: Tao Pu
Executive Producer: Hu Shaocong
