The most anticipated week of the semester is here! If you’re feeling overwhelmed and in need of some guidance look no further because students and faculty have provided some key tips to help you succeed during finals week.  

#1. Communicate with your professor. 

Meet with your professor and don’t be afraid to ask questions. English professor, Dr. Bryan Santin advised students to “ask your professor not just about the content of the final exam, but the format.” He continued, “The format changes how you should approach your preparation for the exam.” 

#2. Start your studying early.

“Start studying [at least] the week before finals. Break up your studying into short, bite-sized chunks,” said Santin. “Then if you are unsure about any course material, there is still time to email your professor for clarification.”

#3. Take time to relax. 

“It’s important to give your brain intentional breaks, even if it’s just for 30 seconds. This can be muscle relaxation, deep breathing, grounding techniques, mindfulness or cognitive reframing,” said Madison Park, CUI Wellness Center Clinical Supervisor. “It will help relax your body and mind to recall and more effectively put pen to paper what you studied,” she explained. For more information on how to deal with stress during finals week, take a look at the Wellness Center’s two minute read titled Finals Week: How to Cope. 

#4. Find a good study space. 

Finding a study spot that works for you has a positive affect on your comprehension and productivity. Junior and Kinesiology major, Sarah Quinlan, chooses to study in the library especially when she has a lot on her plate. She said, “It is so quiet and something about being in there makes me get things done fast.” 

#5. Take care of yourself physically and mentally.

Stay hydrated and get plenty of sleep. Keeping up with your physical health will benefit your mental health as well. Quinlan’s advice for students is to slow down and take breaks. “If I have been studying for a long time I will take a break and get a coffee, go on a walk, or watch an episode of my favorite tv show to clear my mind so I can get back to it later with more energy and focus.”

Finals week can be daunting and the pressure can become hard to shoulder. Try your best to stay motivated and revert back to these tips when you find yourself looking for some guidance. Don’t worry, you got this!

 

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