When I first started the program in the spring of 2020, I remember one of the upper trimester students telling me that it was crucial to come up with a survival plan for the trimester. I thought the student was trying to scare me, or was being dramatic, but now that I have been in the program for awhile, I understand her thoughts on a survival plan.

Every trimester, there are multiple stressful weeks with many exams that all seem to land on the same day. In order to survive this incredibly stressful situation, I have found that it is so important to write out a “study plan” for the few weeks prior to the exams. By creating this plan, the weeks with multiple exams seem less ominous and terrifying.

Although exam weeks are obviously important, weeks without exams are just as important. Taking time to do some of your favorite things, like going apple picking, or having a movie night with a friend, are rejuvenating, and so important to include in your trimester of hectic studying! Also, take a day off. Yes, you read that correctly, there will be times where mentally, you need to take a day off! After a hectic week of exams, I will usually schedule a day of “no school or studying” so that I can be refreshed for the next round of exams, as well as the next week of material.

All of the programs at NUHS are difficult, but that does not mean that you can’t come up with strategies that enable you to succeed but still enjoy life during the trimester. Whether that means scheduling “fun time,” or just taking a day off when you feel mentally exhausted, employ your survival strategy, and stick to it, because preserving your mental health is just as important as succeeding and getting good grades during the trimester.

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