As a senior, I sometimes forget about how confusing (and quite frankly, frightening) a freshman’s first semester of finals can be. While having all of your major assignments due in the same week can be overwhelming, planning ahead (and listening to advice from someone who has survived six semesters of finals) can help. Read on to learn everything you need to know about finals at William and Mary.
1. Know your exam schedule.
Classes don’t meet during finals, so instead of following your weekly class schedule, you follow your exam schedule. There are three blocks of testing each day during the finals period: 9-12, 2-5, and 7-10. Most professors will indicate when your class’s exam is on their syllabus or Blackboard site, but if you need a refresher, you can visit the registrar’s website here.
2. Make use of your professors.
Even though classes don’t meet during finals, your professors are still around to help you. Many professors, especially those with large lecture classes, will offer review sessions that last a couple of hours, with students free to come and go as it works for their schedule. Alternatively, some professors forgo the large review session and simply schedule extended office hours. If you’re not sure if your professors have any sort of help sessions, send them an email. Almost every professor on campus will make an effort to meet with you if you need some extra help or advice.
3. Find a study space that works for you (and it doesn’t have to be Swem).
Personally, I have never been a person who likes to study at Swem, and I try to avoid Swem at all costs during finals season. With so many people (who are all stressed about finals) in such a small space filled with ample opportunity for socializing, Swem can become more of a distraction than a quiet place to study. If cubicles at Swem don’t fit your study style, find another place to study. Student Affairs sends out an email to all students listing classrooms that are available to study in, and the Cohen Career Center makes individual study areas available (you do have to make a reservation, though). Additionally, lounges in residence halls and off campus dining establishments make great study spots.
4. You don’t have to work all day.
During my freshman year, I fell into the trap of thinking that if I was not spending every waking moment studying, I was wasting my time, and would therefore fail all of my finals. That is a completely untrue (and somewhat unhealthy) mindset to have. You need to take breaks, or you will run the risk of burning out before you finish all of your assignments. Try to make a study schedule for each day, breaking up your assignments into small chunks. Personally, I like to devote a couple hours each day to all of my subjects, leaving breaks for meals and other activities. I also make it a rule that I won’t do any academic work after 9pm. Instead, I spend my evenings with friends or take time for myself.
5. Take advantage of services on campus.
The staff at William and Mary wants all students to be happy and healthy during finals, and provide a number of services to achieve this goal. The Tribe TutorZone and Writing Resources Center remain open during finals and can help you with any last-minute questions you may have. Swem Library also tries to make finals a happier time, with activities like therapy dog visits, coloring sheets and Legos, and free snacks. And, if you need to talk to someone, the Counseling Center is always an option. You can visit their website here or call (757) 221-3620.
Additionally, here are some more of my personal tips on how to rock finals season:
- Make a study schedule as soon as possible. Writing everything out, and breaking it up into smaller chunks can make things more manageable.
- Make it a goal to eat a meal with a different friend every day. This gives you both a study break, as well as a chance to see each other one last time before winter break.
- Follow the “No Work After 9pm” rule. It’s life changing.
- Pet a therapy dog. Or two. Or three. Just pet all of the therapy dogs.
- Go for a walk in Colonial Williamsburg. The fresh air will do you good, and it’s nice to see all of the holiday decorations.
- Call a friend or family member and chat for a little bit. It’s a nice reminder of all of those who are waiting for you at home.
- Be respectful, and don’t monopolize public study spaces or computers.
- Make it a goal to smile at people throughout the day. The positivity will benefit your mood, and could brighten someone else’s day!