It's the best and worst time of the year... Winter break and Christmas are just around the corner, but so is the dreaded finals week. Below are 13 tips to help you make it through finals week feeling confident and ready for your exams, and spending your break knowing you did your absolute best.
1. Start Studying NOW
Studying early has never done anyone any harm. Start studying now and you will be more likely to know the material by the time you take the exam.
2. Get Rid of Distractions
Yeah, that's right, I know you're sitting behind the screen of your phone, tablet, or computer right now trying to avoid the inevitable. Turn off and put away all those distractions, and start studying!
3. Only Study for 40 to 50 Minutes at a Time
Study in blocks of time. Nobody wants to sit around for 2 or more hours straight studying material. Pick a length of time to study and stick with it, having a plan will make studying a lot easier.
4. Avoid Caffeine
He said it, folks. You are more productive without caffeine. That doesn't mean to cut it out completely, just avoid using it as a method to stay awake and energized. Drink it while you're taking a break from studying.
5. Take 20 to 30 Minute Breaks Between Study Sessions
This is enough time for a quick nap or run, a meal or coffee break, or even an episode of your favorite TV show on Netflix. Take those breaks, you will definitely appreciate them later!
6. Make Sure to Sleep
I know you may think pulling an all-nighter the night before your exam will help you, but it will probably do you more bad than good. Nothing sucks more than being exhausted for an exam, and chances are you won't be able to perform well with little to no sleep. Catch a few Z's, that extra sleep may be the difference in letter grades!
7. Find the Perfect Place to Study
Whether it is in your room, the dining hall, or the library, find the place where you feel you work best. You will be a lot more productive and be able to get more work done in this space than in a stressful environment.
8. Find a Study Group
If you do study in your study group, working with others, sharing ideas and studying together may be beneficial for you. But, even if you get a study group and don't study, at least you know there are other people that are in the same boat as you!
9. Exercise
Exercise helps relieve stress and keeps you energized. It's also supposed to help get the juices flowing. Take a quick jog or do small workout before your study session or before your exam... or study and exercise at the same time!
10. Find a Tutor
I know, it's awkward and you don't want to look stupid or feel uncomfortable, but the best way to get help with studying or learning material is to go and see someone who knows the subject well enough to help you.
11. Chew Gum
I'd like that too, Chris Christie. Seriously though, chewing gum is supposed to help with concentration and focus. Just pop in a piece before you start studying or before your exam!
12. Meet with your Professor or Teacher's Assistant
Again, weird, I know. If you go see your professor or teacher's assistant, they may be able to give you resources or study guides to help you on the exam, or reassure you with anything you are struggling with.
13. Reward Yourself
Set goals and treat yourself for meeting them! Motivation is a great way to get your studying done and to get something you enjoy out of it too.
Good luck on your finals!
