By Abigail Bender

University of Maryland students did not have a typical start to the spring semester due to a week-long closure caused by snow. As students now follow their normal routines, adjusting academic habits becomes essential for a successful spring. 

There are different methods that UMD students use to study, do homework and maximize time management. But these methods often require testing out different techniques. As the spring semester begins, students reflect on what worked best for them last semester and how to improve their success for this semester.

There are many ways to make academic changes for the spring semester. Isla Mancino, a sophomore criminology and criminal justice student, feels that staying on top of her reading assignments is a critical way to help understand her lecture material better.

“I think it’ll help me understand more of what’s going on in class,” Mancino said. “Then I can connect to the stuff I’ve done in the readings, to the lecture material faster, which will help me study for exams and certain topics.”

Sometimes continuing an effective habit is also valuable for the new semester. For Mancino, studying multiple days in advance for major exams is something she will continue doing.

In addition to studying multiple days in advance, Mancino will continue to implement specific studying methods. 

“Definitely more active recall as a studying method instead of just rewriting notes,” Mancino said.

Mancino is not the only student continuing to study using active recall methods. Leora Vogel, a freshman enrolled in letters and sciences, also agrees that methods that test her long-term memory are the best approach for understanding course concepts.

“Writing my notes down on paper and then quizzing myself on it right after is my favorite way to study,” Vogel said. “I believe I remember the most when I study that way.”

Despite continuing to use active recall methods, making some changes to academic routines can help maximize time management skills. Vogel strives to get ahead on her work as soon as it is posted to Canvas this semester, so she is not consumed with numerous assignments due at the last minute.

“It’ll make me significantly less stressed, and I’ll be making sure that all my assignments are done on time or even early,” Vogel said.

For some students, procrastination disrupted their academic progress and minimized their downtime last semester. Caroline McDonough, a sophomore journalism major, wants to try decreasing her procrastination habits to finish assignments more quickly, as well as allow for more leisure time.

“When I devote my full attention to an assignment instead of getting sidetracked with my phone or friends, I will be able to better understand the content I am learning,” McDonough said. 

McDonough wishes she had advised herself last semester to improve her time management skills. To improve her academic success this semester, McDonough wants to plan out her schedule for the school week in advance to prepare more readily for her assignments.

After reflecting on their academic habits, students will utilize a mix of old habits from last semester and some new habits, including effective study methods. Additionally, they will attempt to apply new changes to their routines to further their academic success this spring. 

Students who are struggling to navigate implementing positive academic changes into their routines can visit UMD’s Office of the Registrar, which is a resource for all students to help foster academic integrity and answer questions regarding student enrollment.

Nevertheless, as the semester is in progress, it is important to keep a positive mindset about classes and academics to maximize success.

Featured Image: Students walk on campus at the University of Maryland as snow remains on the ground upon the return from a weeklong delay. Photo by Miller Rogers-Tetrick.