It’s finals week, which means all-nighters, energy drinks, endless studying, and a barrage of assignments, exams, and essays. Basically, the single most draining and anxiety-inducing week of every semester. Here are some on-campus and online resources that might make it easier.
- Academic Success and Achievement Program (ASAP)
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If you’ve ever stepped foot into one of the dorms, there’s no way you haven’t seen at least one poster for the Academic Success and Achievement Program (ASAP). This resource provides free tutoring for students living on campus, as the cost is already included in room and board. This program gives students access to small group studying as well as one-on-one sessions. Currently, most sessions are online, but there are a few in-person options in Will Vill. Check out the website here.
- Mathematics Academic Resource Center Online (MARCO)
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This free service provided by the math department is a grade-saver. All you have to do is log on to Zoom, pick the right time, and instantly get connected with a grad student, undergraduate student, or LA to help you. The spring finals schedule is already posted and you can check it out here.
- Writing Center
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Not worried about exams but still getting absolutely crushed by essays? The Writing Center can help with that. Students from all colleges within the university have access to this free service that provides one-on-one help with writing consultants. Each session lasts 50 minutes and you’ll have the opportunity to discuss the expectations of your assignment, the revision process, and editing strategies.
- Norlin Research Area
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If you’re all set on writing tips but are still having a difficult time finding sources for your papers, Norlin has an online database of encyclopedias, biographies, dictionaries, and more. It also has sources to learn about researching strategies so you don’t get stuck before it’s even time to start writing.
- Knowt
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Ever want your notes to automatically turn into flashcards and practice quizzes? While Quizlet is great for definitions, what about practice problems? Does it really help? Knowt is the perfect solution for this problem. Type up your notes in class or while studying, like you would a google doc, and Knowt automatically turns it into a practice quiz and flashcard set. If you prefer handwritten notes, upload a picture or PowerPoint to this free website and it does the same thing.
- Converting PowerPoints to Study Guides
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This little trick thanks to TikTok makes your life easier by converting slides to study guides. Download the PowerPoint to your computer and save as an RTF file to your desktop. Your once-class slides have become the perfect study guide!
- Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS)
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It’s no secret that around this time, everyone’s mental health is on a sharp decline. Although CAPS isn’t a strictly academic resource, it can help with the stress and anxiety surrounding finals and the end of the school year in general. Appointment types vary; students can sign up for a one-time informal counseling session or a screening appointment that precedes six sessions that are covered by student costs. There is also a 24/7 support line. You can access the CAPS website here.
Finals week is hands-down the worst week of the whole year, but no matter how impossible it feels, it can become manageable.