For me, I “try” to start a week early. Granted that never really happens, but it's not a bad idea to plan things out and see the whole picture. Have a calendar of when all of your midterms are, what other events are happening, when papers are due, etc.

You are now ready to start! Okay, it's hard to get that motivation, and procrastinating and cramming may not work for most people (like me), but there is sometime that you have to start. Review the material with a friend or form study groups. With everyone studying together at the same time will perhaps give you the motivation to study too (the whole guilt trip idea, it really works for me). If you haven't already, go to reviews held by GSIs, office hours, the Student Learning Center to get your questions answered and the help for understanding the material.

Libraries are a great place to study if you are looking for a quiet place to study or even our Student Resource Center (although it can get noisy every so often). Cafes and places that offer study rooms (check most libraries; you might need to reserve some rooms) are other more study group friendly places (I would recommend cafes or anywhere that has food, because you definitely need to eat!). Anywhere far from your computer or television (I find them to be the greatest distractions) are usually great places to study.

Most importantly, during this whole studying process, take care of yourself. Get enough sleep (although if you can get by without any sleep, that’s fine too, just set an alarm to wake up in time to take the midterm) and get some food (try not to binge on coffee).

For more suggestions and input, read what other PALs have to say about midterms. And most of all, good luck!