Stacking up the secrets of success
Campus resources, healthy habits help
Deadlines and due dates cause stress for many BYU‑Idaho students, especially when school is not the only priority in life. Many students work jobs in addition to taking classes and have other obligations. So how do they alleviate the stress of the semester and stay on top of the workload?
One key is to use the campus resources.
Library Resources
The David O. McKay Library is open every day of the week except Sunday and during devotionals for research, computer use and quiet or group study. To find the library hours and dates when it will be closed, use the BYU‑Idaho Web site and the library link, or go to www.lib.byui.edu.
Located on the second floor of the library in the east wing are the Study Skills Center, Math Skills Center, Writing Center, Tutoring Center, Reading Center and Family History Center. The west wing is mainly used as a quiet study area.
On the third floor in the west wing are Photo Services, Video Studio/Viewing, Media Services, Student Technology Center, the Teacher’s Library Center and the main computer room.
Study rooms are available on all floors of the library for group studying. Students can find a study partner for each class who can help when they are absent or when they don’t understand an assignment.
Tutors are also available in each department at various times and can be found in the department offices.
To book a group study room on any of the three floors of the library, go to www.lib.byui.edu and click the link Schedule Study Rooms.
Students need their I-Card and their BYU‑I net ID and password to reserve one of these rooms.
Healthy Habits
Eating regularly helps to keep the brain active and thinking clearly. Vending machines are located on the first floor of the library in the west wing by the reference desk for an afternoon or late-night snack.
Another way of keeping stress at a minimum is regular exercise. Exercise releases endorphins into the body, which not only give off energy but also help people feel more positive.
Free exercise services are available in the John W. Hart Building every day except Sunday and during devotionals on Tuesdays. Sessions with free personal trainers are available and need to be scheduled in advance.
Estelle Ricks, a senior from Vancouver, Wash., works in the Fitness Center of the Hart Building. She said the excersize room is usually busiest from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., all day Saturday and at night.
Most activities in the Hart Building require school-issued exercise clothes. Students need their I-Card to check out clothing in the locker rooms.
Many students find exercise refreshing.
Exercising and stretching helps me relieve stress,
said Alyssa Dickson, a freshman from Gilroy, Calif. It relaxes me and relaxes my mind.
Having Fun
Remember to schedule time for relaxing and fun activities like swimming or ice skating. Swimming pool hours vary daily and are posted in the locker rooms of the Hart building and on the BYU‑I Web site. Ice rink prices and hours are also posted online.
Natashia Scott, a freshman from Cashmere, Wash., said, Get enough rest, and make time for fun activities. That’s how I cope with school work.
Prioritize
Though fun activities help to maintain balance in life, be sure to make homework a top priority.
Don’t procrastinate [assignments],
said Kylene Carter, a freshman from Farmington, N.M.
Buy a daily planner or scheduler to help keep you organized with assignments, tests and due dates. Write the hours of the Testing Center in a place where it is always available.
Testing Center hours are posted online as well. The Testing Center is not open on Sundays or Tuesdays from 1:50 to 3:10p.m. for devotionals.
Before exams, be sure to get enough sleep. Sleep to keeps the body and mind refreshed.
Put the Lord First
A key to academic and personal success is relying on the Lord to help with the stresses of school.
I recommend reading the scriptures when you feel stressed,
said Melissa Calvert, a senior from Lancaster, Pa. The Spirit can touch our hearts and calm us. Prayer helps a lot. Put your burdens on the Lord,
she said. The Lord has never failed me.
So, to avoid last minute deadlines and panic attacks when the Testing Center door is locked, follow these simple recommendations: write down the hours that campus facilities are available in an easily accessible place and keep track of when assignments are due.
Don’t procrastinate, and get started on homework assignments early. Get a study buddy or a tutor, eat regularly, try to get an adequate amount of sleep each night and exercise on a regular basis.
Also remember to keep the Lord and a prayer in your heart. 
