There are many different strategies that college students can use to study for finals
Ceilidh Adams
Opinion Editor
It is that time of year again. Christmas and the holiday’s are quickly approaching, and with this, unfortunately, comes finals. Finals week is the bane of all college students existences–it is a time of stress, of pulling all-nighters and of coffee, lots and lots of coffee.
Finals week can be a week that can be very, very stressful for college students, but it doesn’t have to be. Of course, there is a lot of work to do, and so little time to do it, and college students are busy–juggling part or even full time jobs, a social life, participation in clubs or activities, this can be overwhelming even without the papers, exams and presentations that come along with finals week.
Despite this, there are many proven study strategies that students can use in order to tackle finals week full force.
First of all, I know that this is easy to say and so very hard to do, but studying in advance for that exam three weeks away is something that you can do to help you to ace it.
Dedicate a certain amount of time each week to make flashcards, write that thesis for your paper, or to make an outline for that presentation. In preparing ahead of time, not only are you more likely to ace that exam, now you can feel more prepared as well.
Further, before you start to prepare for your exams, find out how you learn best. There are many types of learning styles, from visual, auditory, kinesthetic, or something in between. By finding what type of learner you are, you can find a study method that works best for you as well.
Finding a study space that is quiet and is free of distractions is also key for students when they are studying for finals. Whether it is your bedroom, a dining hall, or an academic building like the library, it is very important to find a space where you can work in a distraction-free and quiet environment.
Additionally, by getting an adequate amount of sleep each night, exercising regularly, and eating healthy, brain-boosting foods, you can feel healthy, energized, and ready for that exam. Put down that cheeseburger and pick up that apple, it will only help you in the long run.
Exercise is a proven method for reducing stress. In fact, according to study published by the American Psychological Association, “Sixty-two percent of adults who say they exercise or walk to help manage stress say the technique is very or extremely effective”.
Moreover, going to your professor’s office hours frequently before that exam or final presentation can help you to feel more prepared for your finals. Here’s an idea: ask your professor how you should study for their exam. Run your thesis by them or show them your outline for your project.
It is more than likely that your professor will be a great resource to you when you are preparing for their exam, so utilize them to the best of your ability.
Similarly, there are many free resources on campus you can use free of charge that can help you in feeling prepared for finals. The Writing Studio is a wonderful resource that is located on campus, this resource can help you with those final papers, whether you need help with just an outline, or you are almost finished with you paper, it is always a good idea to have someone else take a final look at your paper and this resource can help you with that.
Are you still stuck on a math problem or do you need help in studying for a statistics final? Math services, located on the bottom floor of the library, can help you with that. They are a great resource for anything math related.
Are you afraid of public speaking? The lovely people in the Communications Lab on the ground floor of the library can assist you with all of your public speaking needs.
Finals week is the bane of every college students existence and can be one that is very stressful in many different ways for students, but it doesn’t have to be. By preparing ahead of time for an exam, eating healthy foods and exercising, learning a study method that works best for you, and in finding a quiet and distraction-free space where you can study, you can feel more ready and prepared for your exams.
Good luck with your finals, and may the odds be ever in your favor.
Ceilidh Adams is the Opinion Editor for The Comment, Email her at c3adams@ student.bridgew.edu.
