Ahh, it’s that time a year again. College students zombie walk the quad and suddenly you don’t know what the outside world is anymore because you’ve been in the same corner of the library for the past 15 hours trying to understand the math equations that you’ll never have to use again in your career. We’ve all been there; and some of us will be again soon. Here are a few study tips to get your through this dreaded week we call finals.
Don’t Study With a Group Unless It’s Necessary
If you’re studying for a math final and your best friend is writing a final paper for her English class, it’s probably not the best idea to study together. You’re not benefiting each other in anyway other than distracting each other when you get tired of staring into your text book. You might want to take a break from staring at the same few equations for the past hour, but your friend might have a momentum going and is close to finishing their paper. If you’re going to sit with a friend who isn’t in the same class with you, it’s best to be in each other’s company in silence.
It’s Okay to Take a Break
During finals, us college kids find it reasonable to study for 15 hours straight, take an exam and return back to the library to study for the next exam. Here is some good advice: Take a break. Your body and mind need it. It’s okay to watch the new episode of your favorite series, or to continue the Netflix series you began a week ago and are already on season three of (we won’t judge you). You may feel like you’re falling behind in your studying but the reality is that your mind needs to step away from the content of your final exams and relax.
Make Sure To Eat and Drink
Eating and drinking fluids while studying is one of the most beneficial things you can do while preparing for final exams. You have to keep refueling your brain to process all the information it is taking in and retaining. Eating proteins, fruits and vegetables are best, but on a college diet and being cooped up in the library that isn’t always manageable. Pack small baggies of fruits and vegetables to put in your backpack to whip out when you need an energy boost. When you have the chance to take a break, grab a good meal that will satisfy you for a while so that you don’t snack on junk food too much. Water and sports drinks like Gatorade and Powerade are great to refill those electrolytes and keep your mind in focus.
Prioritize
Having four to five tests plus a paper all due within a week’s time can be extremely stressful. It is important to prioritize your workload. Spend the most time studying for a final that you need to make or break a final grade in a class. I’m not saying to put all your eggs in one basket, but take the time to strategize which finals are most important and spend more time studying for those rather than the final that even if you get a 50%, your grade won’t be effected. Make sure before studying you know what you need (notecards, highlighters, extra paper, notes, textbooks, etc.) and identify what content you need to study so not to waste time reviewing content that won’t be on the exam.
Know When to Stop