This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Dartmouth chapter.
Looking for some tips as we head into finals season? Here are some of the best that I’ve picked up over the past few years.
- Before you start studying, make sure that you have a plan. Your plan can be as detailed as you want it to be – personally I find that making super detailed ends up taking a lot of time and is counterproductive, but it completely depends on your study style. You can write your plan down, or you can just have it stored in your head. What’s important is that you know exactly what you want to accomplish that day and when you plan on doing it. Allocating your time to specific activities forces you to hold yourself accountable and makes it easier to stay on track.
- Stock up on healthy snacks. When you’re studying, you need nutritious food to power you through. Make sure you have snacks at the ready, so you don’t neglect your nutrition.
- Make use of office hours (and your peers!). If you’re confused, reaching out to a professor, a teaching assistant, or fellow students can provide help in a far more efficient manner than trying to tackle the problem on your own.
- Take study breaks. When you’re swamped, it can be really difficult to take a break. But for the sake of your own wellbeing and productivity, you have to do it. Even if it’s just grabbing coffee with a friend for 15 minutes, or taking a walk around the library after you’ve been sitting, hunched over your notes, for 3 hours, a little break can go a long way in making you feel more refreshed.
- Find a place to study that works for you. If you like complete silence, certain spots in the library are probably the best. If you get distracted by others around you, a dorm room or a study room would work well. If you’re studying with friends, study rooms or empty classrooms (there are plenty during reading period!) are perfect.
- Try not to stress too much! A little bit of stress can be motivating, but too much is counterproductive. If you feel overwhelmed, take a deep breath, and remind yourself that you’re almost there. You’ve got this!