Surviving Finals
PC: Levi Ventura
With summer approaching, only one thing stands between students and a well-deserved break: finals. Here are some tips to help you survive these last few weeks of the semester.
Set mini-deadlines for yourself.
Focusing only on due dates can lead to procrastination and an overwhelming workload. To prevent this, set personal due dates to keep yourself on track.
Completing your paper one section at a time keeps your work manageable and will leave you with less stress the night before it’s due. It can also give you more time to revise and edit it further.
Make a schedule and stick with it.
The last few weeks of spring semester can become very hectic, especially for those graduating. Start making a schedule early on so you can organize your study time for each class as well as fit in time for meetings, packing up your dorm room and anything else you need to accomplish before the semester ends.
Make sure you can easily access your schedule and update it so you don’t end up forgetting anything.
Find your study spot.
Find a place you can study free from any distractions, including friends. If you find yourself too easily distracted in your own room, pack up your books and find a new spot.
This may be one of the library study rooms or a coffee shop off campus. A change in your environment can make a big difference in how effectively you prepare for finals.
Take care of your health.
Skipping workouts and meals in favor of some extra time with your books may seem like a good idea, but it can quickly take a toll on your health. Sleep, healthy food and exercise are all necessary to keep your mind sharp and ready to pass your exams. Incorporate physical activities into your study breaks and keep healthy snacks close at hand.
Give yourself something to look forward to.
Plan a celebration event to keep you motivated in your studies. Once your last paper is turned in and the last test is finished, grab some friends and go out to eat or watch a movie.
You’ll be able to destress and finally relax after all your hard work, as well as catch up with the friends you’ll miss over the summer.
Amanda McCarter is a senior studying biomedical science.