Pushing Through the End-of-Bi-Term Slump

Submitted by Maddie Jones, ’26 

We’ve all been there…. 

The end of a bi-term, when you spend hours studying for final exams, turning in important projects and papers, and starting brand-new classes and schedules… and knowing that you’re going to have to do it all over again in eight weeks.

Gross.

BUT! After my second semester here at University of the Cumberlands, I’ve found a few ways to help you push your way through the end-of-bi-term slump.

First, you’re going to want to think about your soundtrack for the next eight weeks. Trust me, music is a lifesaver, and it’s a very simple way to boost your mood, scientifically speaking (or so I think I’ve read somewhere). I can personally say having a playlist for my walk to class, study sessions, and downtime has helped me tremendously. (Yes, three separate playlists for those three separate activities. It’s a psychology trick. It’s SCIENCE.)

Now, you’re going to want to think about the location aspect. There are several places on and off campus that are great for switching up your scenery, whether it be indoors or outdoors. When you’re looking for a place to study, your dorm room may sound great, but switching it up helps you to relax more when you are in your private space. Some of my favorite places for studying are the library (obviously), Cumberland River Coffee in downtown Williamsburg, and Patriot Park on campus. But honestly, you don’t have to walk very far on campus to see a nice, quiet spot that could be great for cramming for your chemistry final, and there are several other local places in the community that are used to seeing us college kids haul our backpacks around. Go explore!

Bonus library tip: check out the study rooms, the booths, and (a personal favorite) the spinning chairs by the giant windows. Glorious.

Okay, the last super-important-I-thought-hard-about-this tip has to do with people. Whether you are an introvert or an extrovert, everyone needs people sometimes! Make sure to spend some time with others, even if it is just for homework. There are always things going on around campus, and it’s a great way to find a community if you don’t have one yet. 

Along the same lines of “people,” but slightly different, spend a little time with yourself too. Even if you’re a social butterfly (like me), our social batteries need to be recharged sometimes. There are loads of simple things you can do by yourself that are as simple as: 

• Reading a fun book
• Hammocking
• Reading a fun book WHILE hammocking (look at that ingenuity)
• Going for a walk
• Having a self-care night (facials or video games or whatever you just ENJOY!)

Remember: having balance is key for a good term and maintaining motivation. If you follow these tips by switching up your music, your scenery, and your people time throughout the semester, you can totally avoid the end-of-bi-term slump.

Or at least most of it. I never claimed this was a perfect system, okay?

From me to you, one student to another, good luck with your semester! YOU CAN DO THIS!