This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Clemson chapter.
#stuDYING
A Guide for How Not to Die When it comes to Finals
We all know the feeling of realizing that finals are coming and you can’t do anything to
postpone the inevitable future. I mean between group projects (that make everyone want
to poke their eyes out), practicals (for those that have unfortunately been stuck in labs
long enough already), and then the dreaded final exams, there is only so much we can
take.
As students, we get these issues, but maybe instead of not sleeping or eating for five days
straight… try some of these things throughout the next couple weeks.
1. Try making yourself one extra large To-Do List.
Preferably hand written so then
you can cross things off as you go, essentially making you feel
more productive and better about yourself.
2. Just get going. DO NOT procrastinate.
Then you can review
your notes daily, which is better than making a study guide the
day before and cramming.
3. Actually sleep and avoid caffeine.
That may sound crazy, but
honestly it works and you will feel so much better post finals.
Coffee can help, but only it conservative amounts, not 10 cups a day!
4. Put yourself in a distraction free zone.
This will give you the right atmosphere to
be productive and not be stuck in a cubicle for hours straight. When you are
studying, actually focus. Put the cell phone away, no television, no buzzfeed, etc.
5. TAKE BREAKS!
Make these breaks worth your while and exercise, not watching
television. Whether it is going for a walk
outside the library, going for a run, doing
yoga, or hitting up the gym; just do it. Get
the blood flowing because that actually
promotes good cognitive flow and lets be
honest, you feel way better after.
6. When you feel like you “just know it and are
done”, keep going.
Overlearn the material
and prepare yourself for all possible questions.
7. Eat healthy snacks.
It’s tempting to just grab the closest bag of chips and eat the whole thing in one siting but that wont help. You need to eat food that will give you energy. Also make sure that you are actually eating because some people feel like they can’t eat when they get stressed!