This week students may have to put on their thinking caps. Midterm grade reports are due on Friday, Oct. 12, meaning there will be many exams to study for. Whether you have been studying for weeks or have to pull an all-nighter to cram for your exams this week, here are a few tips and tricks to follow.

Whether you like a quiet place or one with a little background noise, there are many places to study on campus, according to the Academic Success Center website.

Isolated Locations:

Tiers at the Library

Empty Classrooms

Your Residence Hall lounge

Browsing Library in the Memorial Union

Background noise:

The Hub

Multicultural Student Lounge (MU)

Lower levels of the Library

Hixson-Lied Student Success Center

Cafes and commons in Academic Buildings

What is your favorite study spot?

“My favorite spot to study is probably on the 4th floor of the library, because it’s quiet,” said Rachel Santi, freshman in communication studies. (photo)

“I like to study either at the library, or in the dens at Gerdin,” said Spencer Benton, fifth year student in accounting. (photo)

“My sorority [is my favorite place to study] because it is usually quiet and there are so many girls with different majors to help me with whatever I am stuck on,” said Alexis Burrows, freshman in advertising. (photo)

“My favorite spot to study is in bed because it’s comfy and warm,” said Lauren Miner, sophomore in interdisciplinary design. (photo)

“The second floor at one of the big tables in Parks Library is where I like to study,” said Abby Rossman, freshman in human sciences. (photo)

Do you listen to music when you study?

While some students prefer to study in silence, others like to listen to music. Some students suggest listening to instrumental or lo-fi music, as it is less distracting.

“I listen to music, but soundtracks and music with no words because it’s a distraction,” said Eva Kohl, sophomore in software engineering. (photo)

“I just listen to classical or instrumental music without words,” Miner said. (photo, already quoted)

“I like listening to jazz music when I am studying because it’s soothing and a lot of times there’s no words, so it’s easier to comprehend what I am learning,” Burrows said. (photo, already quoted)

“I listen to slow, chill music while studying,” said Haley Buchanan, freshman in journalism and mass communications. (photo)

“Depends on the mood, sometimes I get into the music and get consumed in my work,” Benton said. “I listen to Jack Johnson, some slow jams.” (photo, already quoted)

There are many techniques you can use to study, from flashcards to flowcharts to just plain reading. Here is advice for studying that may help students stress less.

Organize your study space: A clean, organized space will allow you to focus on the more important matter at hand… acing your exam!

Explain your answers to others: Describing a confusing term to a friend or relative may help you understand and remember that term.

Take breaks: It is important to take regular breaks while studying; every hour or so take a walk outside, get a snack or just relax.

Form a study group: Studying with friends is more fun and can be extremely useful. Everyone processes information differently, so if you don’t understand a term, your classmate might be able to help.

Use your time well: Whether you are cramming for a test the night before or have been studying for weeks, make sure your time is managed. To stay organized you can make to-do lists or use a planner and allot a certain time each day for studying.

“It’s really helpful to get everything done early rather than later; I have such a hard time procrastinating,” said Elianna Comstock, senior in finance. “If I do it earlier, then I feel more confident going into an exam or whatever it may be. I like to make my own cheat sheet and study off of that. You can only do notecards so many times, and read over your notes so many times. It’s about finding what works best for you.” (photo)

“Just put your phone away and don’t be afraid to ask questions,” Burrows said. (photo, already quoted)

“Don’t cram the day before, chunk it up, do a little studying each day before the exam,” Rossman said. (photo, already quoted)

“It takes seven times to commit something to memory, so start studying early and do it often,” said Charles Esker, sophomore in integrated studio arts. “In college, your professors aren’t going to motivate you, so you have to motivate yourself because you’re here for yourself and your future.” (no photo)

“I think it’s really good to go over the practice test multiple times, that’s something I’ve learned that’s super helpful,” Kohl said. “Also something I’ve found helpful is to keep up with the textbook readings and making flashcards while reading the textbook, and looking back at them.” (photo, already quoted)

“Just really go over the study guide. Make sure you know it all – study guides, Quizlets,” said Summer Droster, junior in communication studies. (photo)