Before it can be the most wonderful time of the year, it must first be the absolute worst: finals season. I’m a freshman, so I’ll be taking my first finals ever next month. Considering how humbling midterms were, I can’t say I’m thrilled. However, I’m doing my best to approach them with grace and make it the refuge of winter break. Here are some ideas I plan to use for finals season, either to help study or limit my crying. I hope some of these are of value to others, or at the very least, remind us that we’ll all get through this together!
Do a “study crawl”
Study crawling is a TikTok trend where you switch study locations every hour. It’s supposed to make studying a bit more enjoyable while simultaneously breaking up your work sessions for you. It always looks fun whenever it pops on my For You page, granted they usually go to a sunny Southern California school with a gorgeous campus. I don’t know if I’ll commit to packing up and moving that often, but I would like to check out some new study spots on campus.
Use the Pomodoro and Blurt Study Methods
My time at UC Berkeley is quickly teaching me that I need to be smart about how I approach studying. Just using Quizlet or skimming over my notes doesn’t cut it anymore. Lately I’ve been trying out different study methods to see which ones work the best. I’ve found two that I like, especially when used together. The Pomodoro method is where you work for 25 minutes, and then take a five minute break. After three of these rounds, you take a 20 minute break. Many people do the Pomodoro method unknowingly, so if this sounds familiar to you, great! Personally I like to extend my work periods to around 45 minutes and then take about a -0 minute break, because it usually takes awhile to settle back into my concentration.
While the Pomodoro technique is a way of framing your studying, the blurt method is for actually memorizing information. Essentially, you review a chapter and then write down as much information as you can remember. Afterwards, you review the chapter again and add in what you missed. After my first round of midterms, I bought a whiteboard to adopt this method into my everyday studying. I usually don’t review entire chapters, but, instead, a single concept, which I write or draw on my whiteboard. It has worked great so far, so I’m hoping it will be helpful for finals cramming.
Make a Study Schedule (and stick to it)
While a study schedule for any test is useful, it’s a necessity for finals. When you’re juggling multiple exams, a schedule is the only way to assure no content gets left behind. I experimented with scheduling out my midterms and found it was most effective when I established time blocks for reviewing individual sections. My goal for finals is to create a solid schedule and stick to it. Making one for multiple exams will be like assembling a 500-piece puzzle, so I’ll be getting started early (or at least it would be in my best interest to).
Delete social media
If procrastinating was a class, I would set the curve. I have a horrible tendency to cope with my stress about starting study sessions and projects by going on my phone instead. Deleting social media isn’t a full-proof fix, but it at least eliminates the time sink of TikTok. Plus, re-downloading my arsenal of media apps is another little treat to look forward to after my exams.
Exercise!
One of my biggest mistakes for midterms was sacrificing my normal routine, including working out. In the moment it often feels like you have to give all your free time to studying, but that’s really not the case and often hurts you in the long run. I don’t even like going to the gym, but I know its value in eliminating stress and giving myself a mental break from working. When finals approach, I want to make sure I continue working out and practicing my other important habits so that I take my tests as the best version of myself.
Treating myself
I love any excuse for a sweet treat, and finals are the perfect reason to indulge. If I’m sticking to my study schedule and remaining disciplined, then I’ll reward myself regardless of how my exams went. I also want to carve out time at the end of each day to relax and unwind. I’ve recently been ending every day with a TV episode before bed, which gives me something to look forward to after school and work.
Unfortunately, finals are inevitably stressful. I haven’t taken them yet, but even I know that. I’m sure if I do stick to all of these practices, I’ll still sometimes find myself anxious and drained. However, I encourage you to do your best and to remember what’s really important. Your well-being is the most valuable asset you have; always put yourself first. That’s obviously easier said than done, but I hope you’re able to maintain a good headspace despite the additional strain. I wish you the absolute best of luck, and urge you to never forget that winter break is just around the corner.