Summer is rapidly approaching, and the one thing standing between now and then is finals. Finals week, as well as the week before, can be stressful and hard to manage time and feel prepared for the upcoming tests.
It is hard to get started, especially when there are multiple tests to prepare for.
Making a study schedule is beneficial. Breaking up what you must do into manageable and specific sections so that breaks can be incorporated.
Alternating subjects within study periods, so that it is harder to burnout as fast.
Hold yourself accountable to studying. Don’t wait until 8 p.m. to get started, do it little by little throughout the day. Utilizing SI, tutoring, study groups and other class help options are great resources.
The TRIO program is also a good option for people who are first-generation, low-income and/or have a diagnosed disability. If you fit this criteria, there is free tutoring, printing, study rooms, computers and a lot of activities for stress relief.
Last semester, the TRIO program had a self-care day and made stuffed animals to reduce anxiety about finals. They also recommend that while studying for finals, when taking breaks opt for a walk or yoga or some form of low-intensity workouts. This helps the brain keep going as well as getting our bodies moving.
The wellness center offers multiple different styles of group fitness classes. Some of these are pilates, PiYo, rhythm ride, cycle and core, cardio dance, yoga and so many more. All of them are free to students when logging into the wellness center app or website.
True Thorne, a TRIO coordinator said, “I suggest thinking out loud and asking questions, just thinking through it to get full comprehension.”
Thorne also suggested trying out different forms of note-taking such as cornel, outlining method, mind mapping and charting method.
Another tip Thorne provided was to find a space with a whiteboard so not only are you rewriting the notes you have already done, but you can also say them out loud. This could also be done with friends, teaching the material is a great way to retain information.
However, with all the pressure, stress and even anxiety, it is important to fuel your body. Sweet treats are an easy go-to study snack, but sticking to foods that will keep you full or give you nutrients will not only make you feel better but after it’s all said and done you can be rewarded with a treat.
With those energy drinks and coffee, drinking a lot of water is important. Taking 15-to-30-minute power naps is another way of getting a boost of energy. With that, any longer can make you feel more tired.
Studying for five or more hours straight is not always the best option. It is OK to cut yourself off if it is getting late and you are not retaining information. Take a break, go to bed and wake up early and resume when you can retain information.
Set goals for yourself. Have an overall big end goal, and then set some mini more achievable goals. Using the tips given to have a successful finals week, and start your summer off strong.