By: Lady Blueser

Edited By: Eric Omorogieva

My Dearest SAISers, 

It’s been about two months since SAIS opened its doors to incoming students and kicked off the school year. Given the hustle and bustle of the ton, it is likely about that time. Yes, indeed, it is the dawn of the midterm season. There has been a frequent overflow in the grab & go, several matcha orders to aid the non-caffeine drinkers, and the increasing lack of study room availability. Most importantly, it seems like the first-years have been feeling the brunt of the pressure—struggling to adjust to school life. There is especially a stark discrepancy between the “returning from the workforce” first-year students and the “straight from undergrad” students.

While some students seem to be “riding with the chaos,” there have been increasing complaints among “straight from undergrad” students about the increase in work and the inability to manage everything everywhere all at once.

Well, to my first-year SAISers reading this, while you can certainly ‘ride with the chaos,’ I’m sure there are some more helpful tips out there. Although you did not ask for my opinion, I will very much provide it. 

Lady Blueser Ratified Midterm Survival Guide:

• Avoid the 6th Floor study area: I believe this goes without saying, If you want to get anything done, avoid the 6th floor study area with the couches. Nothing gets done there besides socializing. The library is always there if you really want to focus.
• Know your studying style/habits, and pace yourself: Group study sessions or collaborative environments might not always be for you. Similarly, if you take things at once it may be overwhelming. Space out your tasks, and slowly but surely you’ll get them done 
• If you don’t know it by 12 am, then you don’t know it: Don’t stay up all night cramming thinking it’ll magically appear. Do as much as you can, and by 12 am call it a day. Sleep! Rest also makes you retain things better.
• Stop complaining: It gets nothing done, the work will still be there regardless. 

Harsh, but true. It is with a caring heart that I relay such tips. While it seems jarring now, it will make sense one day. Although with October comes the commencement of the spooky season, don’t let Midterms be the thing you’re scared of.

So, readers, you can either be overpowered by the flood of midterms or ride the waves of preparation. I leave you with the choice. 

Yours with anticipation,

Lady Blueser