From midterms to finals — UK student shares her go-to study tips
Ainsley Saurers, a journalism senior at UK, shares personal tips on resources and services that have impacted her college career.
LEXINGTON, Ky (Oct. 20, 2025) — It’s that time of the year — midterms. The University of Kentucky has many resources to assist you with staying on track and making it through midterms with success.
This is my fourth year of fall midterms, so let me share some of the resources and services that have helped me.
The Study
If you haven’t already checked out The Study, I highly recommend doing so. It was one of my go-to places during my first two years at UK. They offer free, drop-in tutoring for most 100-200 level, math, science and business classes. You don’t need to make an appointment; you can simply walk in with your notes and questions. The tutors are there and equipped with answers to all those questions. They have helped me with everything from homework to exam prep. The Study helped me with my grades — and my confidence.
Study spots
Finding a cozy place to study can make all the difference when prepping for midterms. Personally, I love William T. Young Library — more commonly known as Willy T. It’s in the middle of campus and has five floors of study space. There are long tables where you can sit with your friends or quieter desks where you can independently study. I always find a spot on the third floor, so I can enjoy conversations with my friends in-between studying. If the weather is nice, there is also a balcony. I also enjoy studying at the Fine Arts Library. On days I know I will be stuck studying for a long time, I go to the Gatton Student Center and sit in the Cat’s Den. That way if I need a snack, it’s only a few feet away.
Wellness
Studying is important, but it’s just as important to take care of your mental health and wellness. UK offers great options to support well-being. Campus Recreation has workout classes. My friends and I always enjoy a themed cycle class. If you need more of a mental break, Headspace offers free, guided meditations for decompressing.
Office hours
Your professors are here to help, so don’t hesitate to take advantage of that. Stopping by during office hours or even catching them before or after class to ask quick questions can make a huge difference. Not only do you get direct help from an expert, but you also establish a connection by helping the professor put a face to your name. That can go a long way. Your professors want you to succeed, so don't be afraid to lean on them.
Organization and planning
If you’re anything like me, having an organized plan makes everything less stressful. Transformative Learning’s Integrated Success Coaches can help you stay organized. They even have printable templates to assist with the process. Personally, my agenda is my lifeline. I write everything down — deadlines, workouts, study plans and, most importantly, time to rest.
As midterm season approaches, take a deep breath, stay organized and remember, UK is here to help.
You can visit the Office for Student Success website for more resources and services.
As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.