My most-heard word in college is "study". It seems as though every moment of the day, people are studying. I have never entered a study space or a library and not found the tables and chairs occupied with students, heads stuffed into their books or laptops. While studying is a constant no matter the season, it comes to a grand peak during finals. For those of you who are still figuring out how to be a sucessful studyer, here are some tips:
1. To-do list
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One of the most anxiety-inducing parts of finals season is getting everything done. It can be overwhemling to mentally keep track of all the tasks to complete before the dreaded final. Even remembering to do small tasks, like going over class presentations or completeing practice quizes, can be a subcouncious weight on your mind. To relieve this uncessecary stress, spend 10 mintues a week (or even two if you're really feeling driven) before your finalws to create a to-do list!
2. Find places to study
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While your dorm or school libraries are the usual go-to to finals week, these places can get a little bit stale after hours of studying. To get a change of pace, explore cafes off campus or even new places on campus. Being in a new environment can help keep you awake and engaged while studying.
3. Start EARLY
Because college is so busy, and most of the time you are still learning material on the final the week before you take the test, it is easy to start studying a few days before a final. While some people find this works for them, it's often far less stressful to start preparing or studying at least the week before. Even if your course material is not completely done, you can begin reviewing previous concepts and start on your to-do list!
4. Review
The first step in your actul styudying should be to REVIEW. Look at past lectures or lecture slides, class worksheets, past assignments, and notes you have taken. This will allow you to pinpoint those parts of the material that you may have missed (from being too tired to go to a lecture) or are still confused about. Then, you can choose where to focus the majority of your studying, knowing what concpets you are confident in and which you are not.
5. Re-type a study guide
One of the best ways to study is through repetition. Flashcards, quizlets, doing practice problems; all of these modes of studying revolve around repeating the material in order to retain it. Before you even reach these methods, creating a study guide can help you lay-out all of the information you need to know while going engaging repetition. Whether this be a hand-written or types study guide, the simple task of copying down old notes can help keep the material stored in your memory.
6. Form a review group
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Studying alone is extremely effective and is essential to get a base-line understadning of the material on your final. However, another way to tackle confusion or to get more practice with the material is to form a small study group. Talking over the conepts with others will not only give you the opportunity to repeat and reatin the material, but will allow you to find new strategies for tackling problems or concepts from your peers.
7. Snack-up
Studying is tiring and requires a lot of brain power. So….. snack up! Run by your local grocery store and grab healthy snacks like fruit, trail mix, and protein bars so that you can stay fueled throughout your study sessions. When your brain is tired and worn out, it is esy to walk to the closest vending machine and buy a bag of cheetos or cookies. But choosing snacks that fuel you and keep you healthy is another way to be successful during finals!
8. Take breaks
On the same note, don't overwork yourself! Listen to your brain and your body and take a break when you feel that you are tired. Many times, pushing yourself to study for hours straight can be pointless as, eventually, you will stop retaining information. Instead, try and take a 5-10 minute break every hour (even if this means just taking a bathroom break and walking around your dorm for a little while).
9. Find ways to relax
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Becoming overwhelmed is the #1 thing that happens to students around finals time. The drive to study as much as possible and do well on your exams can be axiety provoking. Make sure to put time aside to excercise and relax. Whether this be boxing out an hour a day to go to the gym or a yoga class, you will feel a million times better after moving your body and releasing endorphins.
10. Get those Zzz’s
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Please, please, please, do not pull overnighters. It is in no way helping you be successful in your exams. In order for your brain and body to be healthy and vibrant, it's basic neccessities need to be met. This means eating, drinking water, excersixing, and… SLEEP! You can not expect your brain to function correctly if you aren't giving it the time it needs to rest. Hit the hay for at least 7 to 8 hours a night in finals season!
While some of these tips and habits may be hard to employ, try your best to stay mentally and physically healthy during finals… whatever that means to you. Good luck!
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