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6 ways to overcome the mid-semester slump

Student walking with a cup of coffee in hand

You may notice that your initial enthusiasm for a new semester has started to wear off.ÌýÌý

Mid-semester can come with a variety of challenges, including:Ìý

  • Pressure to manage and complete multiple assignments and deadlines simultaneously
  • Difficulty maintaining consistent study habits or routines
  • Feeling overwhelmed by the amount of content in your courses
  • Mental fatigue, burnout or a loss of energy and focus
  • Uncertainty about your academic performance, especially if you’re waiting on grades from previous assignments or tests
  • Trying to juggle academics with socializing or extracurricular activitiesÌý

Many students share these experiences, and it’s important to keep in mind that if you’re experiencing a ‘slump,’ you’re not alone.Ìý

Here are some tips to help you find the motivation to keep going.ÌýÌý

1. Refresh your study spotÌý

While studying in the same spot can be helpful for many people, it can also have impacts on your energy, creativity and motivation. If you feel yourself getting stuck or having mental blocks, try switching up your space.ÌýÌý

Here are a few ways you can give your space a refresh:Ìý

  • Explore: Try taking a break from your usual study spot to explore other options. For instance, you may try going to a different library, scoping out a new cafe or finding another nook on campus. Not sure where to go? CU has a comprehensive list of study spots on campus.Ìý
  • Designate zones: Create clear boundaries around where you study and where you rest. For instance, try to avoid studying in bed. This will help your brain switch between focus and relaxation mode more effectively.Ìý
  • Tune in. Experiment with how sounds affect your mood and concentration while studying. For instance, you can try to play nature sounds, brown or green noise or enjoy the ambient sounds of the space around you. If you find sounds to be too distracting, consider using noise-cancelling headphones or ear plugs to reduce distractions.Ìý
  • Clear your space. Before you start studying, spend five minutes clearing your desk space of clutter and dust. This can help reduce visual distractions and help you maintain focus on the task at hand.Ìý
  • Add personal touches. Does your study space at home lack inspiration or feel stale? Try adding personal touches like decorations, plants, a diffuser, photographs or a lamp to inspire more creativity and make your study space a place you actually want to be in.Ìý

2. Use time-management toolsÌý

When you’re feeling particularly unmotivated, you may dread sitting down to study or work on an assignment. One way to overcome this is to set a time limit, so you can work through it in short bursts.Ìý

Here is a 15-minute strategy you can use: Ìý

  • Ready: Set a timer for 15 minutes.Ìý
  • Set: Choose a specific task to focus on and set a goal for what you’d like to get done. For instance, you may simply want to work on a citations page or format a presentation.Ìý
  • Go: Start studying! Try to push yourself to get as much done in the 15-minute time span as possible.Ìý

This method can be effective because it creates a sense of urgency without requiring a lot of time to do it.Ìý

To make the most of this method, consider the following:Ìý

  • Remove distractions: Consider turning your phone notifications off while you work. This can prevent you from getting distracted or unfocused while you work.Ìý
  • Track your time: Do you still feel motivated after the 15 minutes have passed? Keep track of how you’re feeling and use this information to adjust your timer.Ìý
  • Prioritize assignments: Dreaded tasks tend to be the ones we avoid or procrastinate on the most. Consider using this method for assignments that feel daunting first. It may also be helpful to prioritize tasks based on point values. For instance, it may be more practical to focus on studying for an exam that’s worth 50 points rather than a discussion post that’s only worth 5 points.Ìý

If you need additional help building consistent study habits or overcoming hurdles, you can schedule a free session with a peer wellness coach or explore tutoring services.Ìý

3. Lean on othersÌý

Isolation can amplify the mid-semester blues. Connecting with others can help provide both motivation and emotional support. Ìý

Here are some ways you can create a study community: Ìý

Create study groups: Look for classmates who share your academic goals and work style. Consider inviting them to form a study group that can meet regularly and keep each other accountable. Just be sure to check your class syllabi to understand potential limitations and remember the Honor Code. Ìý

Join affinity groups: There are a variety of affinity groups on campus for different student populations, including first-generation students and commuters. These groups provide supportive communities, resources and study spaces for students. Some even offer community study sessions. Ìý

Celebrate milestones together: Did you finally turn in that assignment or take that exam? Celebrate these victories with friends or classmates. Taking time to recognize these types of accomplishments doesn’t have to depend on the outcome or grade you receive. You can simply celebrate the fact that it’s over.ÌýÌý

Connect with your faculty: Attending office hours, chatting with your teaching assistants (TAs) and using other resources for your classes can be great ways to explore questions you may be having about the materials or your performance in a class.

4. Prioritize your well-beingÌý

Did you know that spending time to take care of yourself can actually improve your academic performance? Ìý

Here are some ways self-care can help you stay motivated and perform better:ÌýÌý

  • Get sleep: Try to get seven to nine hours of sleep each night and avoid pulling all-nighters to study. It can be especially helpful to get into a routine where you wake up and go to bed around the same time each night. Getting a good night's sleep can improve your memory and information recall, help you stay energized and improve your mood.Ìý
  • Stay active: Physical activity can help boost your mood, reduce stress and improve cognitive function. If you feel pressed for time, try to incorporate periodic movement throughout the day. For instance, you may opt to take the stairs instead of the elevator, park farther away to extend your walk, stretch for 10 minutes in the morning or do a quick circuit. You can also take a quick trip to the Rec Center to play a game of pickup basketball or take a free class on Fridays.Ìý
  • Fuel your brain: Your brain needs food to function, so it’s important to eat regular meals and snacks throughout the day. Consider keeping easy grab and go snacks in your backpack, especially if your class schedule makes it difficult to have a midday meal.Ìý
  • Stay hydrated: Dehydration can cause a variety of symptoms, including fatigue, headaches, mood changes, memory, slowed reaction time and poor concentration. Try to consistently drink water throughout the day.ÌýÌý
  • Take breaks: While it may feel more productive to power through study sessions for hours, we can assure you it is not. Take intentional breaks to prevent mental fatigue and burnout. This can be something as simple as getting up to walk around, grabbing a quick coffee with a friend or taking a 20-minute nap in one of the campus nap pods.Ìý

If you’re not in the habit of taking care of yourself, it can be helpful to schedule it. Carve out some time in the day and add it to your calendar, planner or set an alarm as a reminder. Commit to taking care of these needs during the scheduled time, so you don’t accidentally put it off indefinitely.Ìý

5. Give yourself graceÌý

The mid-term slump is temporary, and it will be over soon enough. Implementing these strategies and being patient with yourself can help you regain your momentum to finish the semester. Ìý

Keep in mind that these tips may not be effective for everyone. The key is finding what combination of strategies works best for you. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different approaches until you discover what helps you stay motivated and productive through stressful times.Ìý Ìý

It’s also important to remind yourself that you’ve made it this far in your academic journey, which is proof that you have what it takes to overcome challenges. Stay connected with your support system, keep your goals in sight and know that experiencing difficulties doesn’t take away from your abilities and potential—it's simply part of learning and growing.Ìý

6. Take advantage of resourcesÌý

If you need additional support, be sure to take advantage of resources on campus.Ìý

Academic Success and Achievement Program (ASAP)Ìý
ASAP helps students living on campus with:Ìý

  • Tutoring
  • Support from students taking similar courses
  • Study tips and exam preparationÌý

Writing CenterÌý
The Writing Center helps students with presentations, papers and more through:Ìý

  • Brainstorming and planning
  • Professional feedback and revisions
  • Individualized support
  • Citation and organization tipsÌý

Peer Wellness CoachingÌý
Peer wellness coaches are trained CU students who are here to help their fellow Buffs with:Ìý

  • Time management
  • Study habits
  • Career exploration
  • Goal setting
  • Self-care
  • Work, life, school balanceÌý

Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS)Ìý
CAPS supports students in a variety of ways, including:Ìý

  • Managing anxiety and stress
  • Personalized recommendations, consultations and referrals
  • Distress tolerance
  • Urgent and mental health crisis supportÌý

Disability ServicesÌý
Disability Services supports students with disabilities through:Ìý

  • Academic accommodations
  • Temporary medical conditions
  • Housing and dining accommodations
  • Community and study spaces
  • Proctored exams at the Student Testing Center Ìý

Affinity groupsÌý
Find ways to get connected with different affinity groups on campus:Ìý

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OIT is available to support students with a variety of technical issues, including:Ìý

  • Canvas
  • Internet, VPN and network connection
  • Buff Portal
  • Printing and scanning
  • CUClickersÌý