HomeBlogsNoticesCollege GuideDU Study MaterialsAboutContact Us

5 Common Mistakes Students Make During Odd Semester Prep And How To Avoid Them

The first odd semester in college is being quite thrilling and stressing. Before examinations, and oftentimes unintentionally, pupils get entangled in anti-approach pitfalls that sabotage their study process. Here’s the thing though: you aren’t the only one, and every single error is an opportunity. As you prepare for your exams, it is important not to fall for the various common failed strategies and this is why in this blog, we will show you the most common pitfalls made by students and how you can avoid them to have an easy time during your examination.

Anuradha Dubey18/11/2024Academic Insights



It is very possible to be fully engaged in all sorts of activities of an active college campus such as societies, hangouts and events. Regrettably, the majority of learners fail to study for their exams at an early enough time meaning they end up cramming which is stressful.


  • How to Avoid This:

  • Start Early: It is recommended to split your syllabus into sections and begin substances at least a month before the examinations.

  • Create a Study Schedule: The next strategy is to set specific time period of the day to go through topics in a methodical way.

  • Stick to Timelines: Encourage yourself to continue working with deadlines to increase motivation level.

    Success is not determined by the activities you do once in a while. It originates in what you do daily.”





  • Mistake 2: Choose Skilled Based Subjects Which Inclined Towards Your Interest

  • Choose those subjects which has do more to do with your interest so that you can score better by putting minimum efforts. You need to focus more on your core papers. Second most important thing is Following Class Notes Completely and Not Using Guides At All. Recommended texts include the McGraw-Hill series texts as well as other textbooks you use in your classes, but do not miss your class notes. Class notes contain ideas relative to the syllabi and may contain tips or advice given by your tutors.

  • How to Avoid This:

  • Organize Notes Regularly: After each lecture make sure that your notes are in order to prevent having disarray at the end of the session.

  • Use Notes as a Foundation: Use them alongside guides for proper completion of the course.

  • Collaborate With Classmates: Share notes for the purpose of plugging knowledge gaps and viewing topics from an angle that is utterly different.





  • Mistake 3: Odd And Even Semesters Are Equally Important

  • Students usually thinks that if they couldn't able to score good in their odd semester then even semester will give them an opportunity. But unfortunately, that is not the case. Both the semesters are equally important to balance out your CGPA. One more essential thing you need to keep that in your min
  • d throughout your college life is that please don't intentionally leave your exams just because you are afraid of it. It will cost you with more hectic schedule and unbearing pressure. Attempting to give an equal attention to all the facts without giving some of them more focus is nonproductive. Some topics could be more important during exams or need more of revisions or practices.

  • How to Avoid This:

  • Analyze Previous Year Papers: Learn what common issues are asked and the nature of the cycle.

  • Seek Guidance: Consult seniors or professor to know which issues are more important.

  • Create a Topic Hierarchy: Classify topics into those that have to be covered, those that should be covered if time allows, and extracurricular subjects.

    “There is no need to beat around the bush, it is better to study smarter that working harder.”




  • Mistake 4: Lack Of Consideration For Health And Wellness

  • Burnout is real. Most students forgo sleep, food, and even exercise during examination time; that impacts attention and productivity.

  • How to Avoid This:

  • Maintain a Balanced Routine: Also ensure you take 7-8 hours of sleep, have balanced diets and incorporate light exercises.

  • Take Breaks: Take mini-good breaks such as the Pomodoro Technique at 25 minutes studying and 5 minutes break.

  • Stay Hydrated: Consuming water increases concentration and memory.

  • “The best place for a healthy mind is a healthy body.”





  • Mistake 5: Why Should We Not Underestimate The Power Of Revision 

  • In its turn, many students fail to revise, but spend all their time trying to cover the syllabi only. This results in forgetting the major concepts when answering the exam.

  • How to Avoid This:

  • Schedule Weekly Revisions: Set aside particular days or weeks to revision of activities done earlier in class.

  • Use Active Recall: Don’t just revolve the habit of rereading; challenge yourself on the content that you read.

  • Summarize Notes: Summarize writing activities so that you can easily revise over a brief span of time.

    This African Proverb points to this wisdom of consistently repeating something in order to master itRefer to the list of knowledge questions provided in the Enhancing Instruction Through Learning and Teaching styles.




  • Further Points To Note To Help Avoid The Most Common Mistakes Are:-

Avoid Overloading Yourself: If there is something you don’t understand or spend a lot of time studying try not to be overwhelmed, and don’t attempt to memorize all the information you are given at once.


  • Limit Social Media Distractions: It means that you can use applications such as Focus Booster to control the amount of time spent on mobile devices.

  • Seek Help When Needed: As much as a student may be willing to work independently, do not shy off from seeking help from a teacher, mentor or even a friend.

    Keep in mind that now the passing bar is raised to 63%, so you need to do your best to cultivate the best score for a safe career.



  • Conclusion


Everyone makes mistakes now and then and your odd semester preparation will be no exception to this rule but with the right strategies the going will be much easier. If you launch early, align your priorities and take good care of your health, you are likely to transform threats and obstacles into prospects. Please, bear in mind that exams are only a part of your work – the main thing is the effort you make, and the determination.
Therefore, just relax, gather your paper work and let the process begin! It is just round the corner.
“It is not the events of the future that shape Your Future – it is decisions made today – not tomorrow.”



Check Out Our Official Insta Handle -https://www.instagram.com/dustudenthelper/


Join us again for more exclusive content and expert guidance—only on DU Student Helper - Your Ultimate Study Companion!