It’s almost the end of the semester, and that means final exams are looming on the horizon. Luckily, we have a variety of study options on campus that can help you feel prepared!
Writing and Communication Center
If you have a tough final paper or project coming up and want some extra help, make an appointment at the Writing and Communication Center. Located in the basement of Bush Library, they give one-on-one tutoring help to students. You can make an appointment online here.
Tutoring Services
While you’re in the basement of Bush Library, check out the Academic Advising desk and see when there will be a tutor available in the subject you need to study up on. Tutors have taken the course before and excelled in it, so they’re a great resource for understanding confusing topics or things that you just don’t get when your professor tries to explain. Sometimes, getting a new person to explain information can be all you need!
Arrange a Class Study Session
A great way to prepare for a final exam is to gather a group of classmates and study together. If a study guide is provided, I find it helpful to go through it together and explain any topics someone is struggling with. Teaching someone else about a topic is actually the best way to remember it, so not only will you help others, you’ll be helping yourself too! If you feel isolated by all of the study time you’re putting in, this is a fun way to hang out with people while still being productive.
Ask Your Professor
Professors are there to help, and they want students to succeed. If you’re struggling with a topic, go to your professor’s office hours and ask for help understanding it. You can also ask them what areas you specifically should focus on, such as things you missed in previous exams.
Bush Library 3rd Floor
A lot of people will be studying in Anderson Center and the first floor of Bush Library, which are both great options if you don’t mind a bit of noise and activity surrounding you. But if you need a quiet space with no distractions, head up to the third floor of the library. The third floor is silent and has lots of isolated study spaces where you can really focus. Side note: please don’t be the one who ruins the quiet atmosphere for everyone else. No talking really means no talking, not even whispering or short conversations. In such a quiet place, those can be very distracting. If you run into a friend, take a quick break and head down to the second floor to catch up.
Late Night Study Breakfast
Don’t be fooled by the name; this is actually not a good place to study. Late Night Study Breakfast (LNSB) is super loud and crowded – not a great environment for reviewing tough information! LNSB is, however, a great way to take a break from studying. Held at the end of the semester from 9-11pm, LNSB has yummy breakfast food (including donuts!), a dance floor, really amazing prize giveaways and usually a contest for best pajamas or ugly sweater.
Studying for final exams can be stressful. Figuring out what you need help with and what environment you focus best in can make you feel much more prepared. Remember to take breaks and enjoy yourself – don’t get burned out by cramming 24/7 – and you’ll rock finals week.