Another semester has come and gone, and as usual, quicker than we expected. Finals start on Monday, May 5th this year; that’s only two weeks away! To prevent going crazy from all the stress of exams and projects, here is what you need to know before you start studying:
DON’T PROCRASTINATE
We know it’s easy to do, especially since the majority of us have Spring Weekend on the mind, rather than studying. Now that the weather is finally starting to heat up, procrastination climbs to the top of our to-do lists. Don’t fall into this trap; you’ll be much more stressed out leaving a semester’s worth of material for the night before the exam. Look at your final exam schedule and start preparing for your first or hardest final now by looking over things for an hour a day.
FIND A STUDY PLACE
With such a small campus, it’s hard not to be distracted. There’s Kan Jam on the FSC lawn, Volleyball games in front of Hall 17, and laying out by the pond. As much as we want to be able to do these things while studying, there’s no way we can get it all done at the same time. Studying for finals requires concentration. You’ve got to find a spot where you and your books can be at peace. The library has great study rooms and tables for you to work at and surround yourself with other students studying; exactly what you need to get into the studying mindset. If you’re a person that prefers the comfort of your own room, then stay there. Just be sure to eliminate distractions like the TV or your gossipy roommate!
STUDY BUDDIES
Find a classmate or friend that can study with you. You can get clarification of a topic you’re unsure about, or maybe he or she can fill you in on a lesson you might have missed. Even if they need help, it can be beneficial to explain the material to someone, because it helps you further understand it. If you and a friend aren’t studying for the same course, you can act as motivation for one another; however, it’s important you stay focused, and avoid the trap of having to show them that really cool YouTube video or BuzzFeed article you found last night…
GET ENOUGH SLEEP
When you think of finals, you might think straight to all-nighters. Get this idea out of your head! Pulling an all-nighter is not the way to go when it comes to finals week. All-nighters can be more damaging than you think. They leave you exhausted, making it harder to concentrate reducing the amount of information you retain. Be sure to allow yourself a good night’s rest, because you’ll thank yourself later and so will your friends when you aren’t acting cranky!
KEEP EVERYTHING IN PERSPECTIVE
Just remember, it is only a test. You’ve taken millions of them before and you’re still alive today. Stressing out will only drive you crazy and may hurt your performance on the exam. Relax and take deep breaths. If studying starts to become frustrating or overwhelming, take a break. Do something you’ll enjoy such as talk to a friend, go for a run, eat a snack, listen to music, or whatever makes you happy! This is merely one test, not the end of the world!