Midterms Are Right Around the Corner.....Be Prepared!

The 2021 school year has been a rollercoaster already and the Fall midterm week is nearly here. Midterm week is always loads of stress for both your student and you as a parent – especially being fully back in person this semester. Trying to help your students from afar can be difficult, but we have some strategies and advice to help your students from a distance. Being prepared for midterms is crucial and could impact your students’ grades depending on the percentage of the grade it counts for. Below we have strategies and businesses that can help prepare your students for their midterm tests.

STUDY TIPS FOR STUDENTS:

1. Plan ahead and manage your time

When it comes to midterm week, your student will have a high possibility of having tests back to back days. This is why planning and time management is so crucial in order for your student to succeed during this important test week. Tell your students to go ahead and write down the dates and time of their tests at least two weeks ahead so they have time to plan and study. This will lower you and your students stress and avoid cramming during midterm week.

2. Reach out to Professors

Let your students know that reaching out to their professors could benefit them in the long run during their semester. Establishing a relationship with a professor is beneficial because this class could have over 200 people. Letting your professor know who you are and that you are wanting to succeed and work hard in their class could lead to success. Do not stop there, encourage your students to attend office hours, reach out to teacher’s assistants, or ask professors for good tutors or extra guidance. A little can go a long way!

3. Stay healthy!

Not only is it important to stay healthy during midterm week, but it is especially crucial to stay healthy during a world-wide pandemic. Let your student’s know about CDC guidelines and to mask up especially when indoors. Contracting COVID or any other sicknesses during midterm week could impact your student’s grades from being ill. Make sure they keep washing their hands and that they are wearing their masks. Being proactive and using these safety measures will only help your students in the long run. Read again #2. If an illness hits your student midterm week, having that baseline contact relationship with their professor or instructor is critical to their understanding for adjustments when in need. Remember not all students are forthright or truthful!

4. Utilize on and off campus tutoring!

University-affiliated tutoring services and non-affiliated services can provide excellent support to your students during stressful test weeks. A long time favorite of Ole Miss students has been King Twin Tutoring. They offer helpful tutoring services that will be very helpful for your student during this crazy week. They are holding their tutoring services in-person as well as virtually and ensure that safety measures are taken. To make a reservation or get in contact with these amazing services you can visit their website: https://www.kingtwintutoring.com/.

STUDY SPOTS FOR STUDENTS:

Students need to understand which study environment best suits them. Whether they prefer a quiet, secluded space or enjoy the bustle of a coffeehouse, the University of Mississippi and Oxford have a space to support every student in their academic success. Here are a few places students can go and knock out their studying.

1. The Grove

The Grove is always a student favorite for studying and getting schoolwork done. It is located right in the middle of campus, so it is perfect if your student is living on campus. The Grove provides multiple picnic tables and benches that are perfect for studying. Students also bring picnic blankets that they can set out in the middle of the Grove for a relaxing study day. Not only is this a great place to study, but it also gives your student a beautiful view to look at and have in the background during their studies.

2. JD Williams Library (The REAL Library!)

The University’s Library is currently open for student access. They are currently open from 7:30 am to 8pm and are at full capacity once again with the exception of masks up all the time of course. It offers three floors and each floor you go up, the quieter it will get. If your student is wanting to study with another student, they should stay on the first floor. The JD Williams Library also has a Starbucks so your student can go grab a coffee or food if ever wanted. Copies and even 3D printers are available too!!

3. Graduate Hotel

Graduate Hotel is a great place for your student to study for midterms or any type of schoolwork! Located just off the Oxford Square, their lobby offers different types of seating and tables/desks for your students to come and get their work done. This hotel captures the spirit of the University of Mississippi and has a positive vibe that is apparent throughout the whole hotel. Your student might even run into someone while Graduate is known to house many students during midterm week. Graduate Oxford has a café called Cabin 82 that offers both breakfast and lunch if your student is needing a study break. For directions or if you would like to plan a stay at Graduate Oxford visit their website: https://www.graduatehotels.com/oxford/.

4. Lost Dog Coffee

Don’t discount the location of Lost Dog Coffee. It is highly considered the Best Kept Secret of Oxford locals and students alike who are seeking an amazing cup of Joe and a place to settle in. Located at 4 Town Square Lane in Taylor, MS, just 15 minutes from downtown Oxford. They offer indoor and outdoor seating for your students to study in a comfortable atmosphere! Their interior consists of vintage furniture and gives you that old-time feel. Lost Dogs menu consists of different types of breakfast treats, coffee, and tea. Wednesday and Thursday nights hours are extended till 8pm to accommodate late night studying!

5. Common Ground Coffee

Common Ground Coffee is Oxford's newest coffee joint and just opened a new location located at 81 Ed Perry Blvd Suite 101, Oxford, MS. (Near the Oxford Commons movie theatre.) Their menu is located on their Facebook and has a lot for your student to enjoy while studying for their midterms. They offer lunch as well from 11 am to 2 pm Monday through Friday. They also have a second location inside of Oxford Gourmet.

6. Panera

A national favorite, Panera always allows students to come in and study during any of their open hours. Their hours are from 6am to 9pm giving your student a ton of time to study during the morning and late at night. They are allowing students to come inside and study and also have outdoor seating as well. Panera offers a huge menu with a ton of options for your student to munch on.

7. Lamar Park

Lamar Park is a favorite for students at the University of Mississippi. They offer plenty of picnic tables and spots for your students to study for their test week. It is located just minutes from campus and will give your student a stress-free zone to focus on their studies. If you are looking for a place to take a good study break, this is the place to be. Offering a lake for reflection, or a 1.5 mile track to work out some stress. Fun Fact: Lamar Park actually served as Oxford's first Country Club Golf Course.

Share this advice with your student(s) and please share your favorites too! Stay healthy and study hard!!!