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Ending the Semester Strong

November 7, 2025 | Jennifer Griffin | jgriffin@uwf.edu

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Jennifer Griffin, Academic Advisor II, School of Education

It’s that time of the semester when many are struggling with motivation, and it can feel tough to keep going. To top it off, as the holiday season approaches, personal schedules are even busier, and there are so many things to do! So today, let’s talk about ending the semester strong! Don’t give up on the weeks/months of hard work you have already put in; end strong, and achieve the academic success you can be proud of. 

Time Management

  • Create a plan - use a planner or a calendar, or any tool that works for you, to map out all of your remaining assignments and due dates.
  • Prioritize  - as part of your plan, prioritize based on impact and time required to complete the assignment 
  • Break it down - big projects or many assignments due at the same time can feel overwhelming. Break down your assignments into smaller tasks that feel more manageable and easier to accomplish
  • Set a schedule - set specific days/times each week as study time (no exceptions or distractions) 
  • Utilize campus resources - complete your assignments early so you can utilize campus resources, such as the writing lab, to polish your final work, especially for major final assignments. 

Staying Motivated 

  • Set short-term goals - don’t focus on ending the whole semester strong, rather focus on completing x number of tasks or completing an assignment each day, or whatever makes sense with your plan (see above). 
  • Figure out what motivates you - what feels good for you? For me I love checking things off a to-do list. So each time a task is completed, I cross it off and feel a sense of accomplishment. For you, it may be something else, and it can be extremely helpful to determine what that is. 
    • Some ideas to try:
      • Take a walk or go outside for a few minutes after each task (good for self-care, too!) 
      • Watch a feel-good show after you complete a task (I recommend a show with short episodes - I’m a big fan of Schitt’s Creek between tasks 🙂), then get back to it 
      • Get a snack or go pick up your favorite coffee drink after completing an assignment as a reward
      • Set a timer, work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break
      • Motivated by social interaction? Find a study buddy to work with
      • Find someone to hold you accountable - tell a parent, a grandparent, your best friend, a significant other, or anyone who will help you that you are going to work on the assignment (this may create some pressure for you to complete it), and you can ask them to check in on you and ask about it.
  • Having trouble getting started? Start with your smallest task; a small win can motivate you to keep going. 
  • Limit distractions - set up a study space that is an ideal workspace for you, one that is clean and free from distractions (away from the TV/cellphone). Consider playing music or lighting a candle, and create a visual representation of your to-do list and accomplishments to help you visualize your success. 
  • Remind yourself why you are doing this - what are your goals, why are you earning this degree? Remind yourself that it will be worth the struggle in the end. 

Take Care of Yourself

This time of year can be so stressful for many reasons. The most important thing is that you take care of yourself. Your work will be stronger and you will be happier if you do. 

  • Get plenty of sleep - your brain will work better and your assignments/exams will be better
  • Hydration - am I the only one who forgets to drink water when I get busy? Be sure you stay hydrated - set a reminder on your phone if needed. 
  • Nutritious food - eat food that fuels your body and mind. 
  • Take movement breaks - whether that is going to the gym or just a little walk around the block, movement is great for a clear mind. 
  • Practice gratitude - research shows how powerful gratitude is - it is good for your brain! 
  • Ask for help! Advisors and instructors are here to help you and can refer you to other resources as needed. 

Let your advisor know if you are struggling or need help! All of us at UWF want you to be successful!

Resources that may be helpful as you end the semester strong: 

Topic coming in December! Using the Winter Break to Refresh and Come Back Motivated

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