October is finally here. While there is nothing like fall in New York, we can’t enjoy the crisp autumn weather just yet. Midterms are just around the corner, as well as the potential loss of our sanity.

Midterm week is a bi-annual occurrence where caffeine is your best friend and the library is the coolest place to be on a Friday night. Juniors and seniors probably have this week down pat, but for us freshmen, you could say that we are freaking out a bit.

We still aren’t used to staying up until 3 a.m. to study or reading for hours about religion or economics. Plus, finding the right routine or the perfect study spot can be just as tough as memorizing those chemical formulas or philosophical theories.

So we asked a few students around campus to share with us how are they studying, where are they studying and how are they feeling.

“I am preparing for all four midterms by reviewing my notes and trying to make sure I understand the material as I learn it,” freshman Lauren Wiater said.

Her favorite study spot on campus is a desk cubby in the library, preferably with a hot cup of coffee in hand.

“I am a little freaked out, just because they are the first major exams I will take in college,” Wiater continued. “I did not have midterms in high school, just mid-year grades, I don’t know what to expect.”

And she is not alone. Steven Carlucci, another freshman at MC, also expressed his worries about these exams.

“Compared to high school, there are a lot less questions on these tests, so each problem will be worth more,” he said. “There is very little room for error and it’s nerve-wracking.”

Many students combat these concerns by spending some time studying every day and trying not to procrastinate.

“I’m going to study for each of my classes for an hour or two every day,” said Akash Patel, a newcomer to MC’s track team this fall.

Gianni Cedeno, while agreeing with the other students, shares some of his own study tips.

“Do practice problems for classes like math and science. You can’t always get better by reading, you have to practice too,” he said.

Cedeno, like Waiter, prefers a desk cubby in O’Malley Library to get his work done.

“The personal outlet spots allow me to get so much done because they limit distractions,” he said.

WebMD suggest drinking black tea to reduce stress and anxiety while several other websites propose stretching, getting some exercise, eating well and getting plenty of sleep. There is no shortage of sources willing to give you helpful advice on how to handle the stress and pressure of midterms.

Just breathe and try new things until you find what works for you. Maybe you do your best when you wake up early and study before class, or perhaps you get more done at the bakery across the street instead of in the library.

So, get off of Facebook and open a textbook – it’s midterm season.