Perspective
Finals season, the time of year when the caffeinated brand of choice becomes your best friend. The phrase “I’ll start studying tomorrow” becomes your daily mantra and bible and stress levels rise to dangerous heights. Fear not, however, fellow students! With the right approach and luck, you can conquer your finals with confidence. It’s time to crack down and accept the fact that the finals are no longer just a scary word that your professors throw in to keep you on your toes throughout the semester. Here are some tips to help you once you’ve gotten out of denial.
Start Early (Or At Least Pretend You Did)
The first step in any final prep plan is starting early. You’ve heard it a million times, but there’s a reason for it! Starting early helps you avoid last-minute cramming, which is only useful for adding stress wrinkles to your forehead.
Don’t worry if you didn’t start two weeks ago, that’s why coffee exists. If you’re reading this the night before your final (you’re not alone, trust me), here’s a solid tip: prioritize. Find out which subjects or topics are most important, and focus your energy on those. Your professor most likely provided these tools and main points of interest while you were dozing off mid-class or while you were (most likely) just not there. You can always go back to the smaller stuff if you have time. The best bet you have is to check your classes’ Canvas modules and the professor’s syllabus for those hidden resource treasures that come in handy. It may seem useless, but remember, studying the night before is better than studying the night after.
Break It Down (Literally and Figuratively)
Pretend that your studies are like eating a pizza – it can be overwhelming, messy and bound to make you sick by the end of it. However, breaking your study “pizza” into smaller, bite-sized pieces and spreading them out over time can allow you to manage it much better.
A tested technique used by generations of struggling college students is the Pomodoro Technique – study for 25 minutes maximum, then take a five-minute break. It sounds too simple to work, but this strategy works wonders! You’ll stay focused during your study sessions and those little breaks will help keep you refreshed.
Think of it like a video game: each 25-minute session is a level you complete, and the break is your victory dance. Sure, the dance may be in your head or on your phone, but it counts!
And if you really need the motivation, just remember: You can do anything for 25 minutes. If you know how to find this article, chances are you’ve already survived finals before, and you didn’t have this guide to help you!
Make Study Materials Fun
If you’re one of those people who loves to write out flashcards, good for you! But if you’re struggling to stay engaged with your study materials, try adding some fun to the mix. Creating games, or even researching games that have been made by misfortuned students before you can also help your tired brain stay engaged and create new ways of approaching your misfortune.
Also, teaching the material to someone else can be incredibly helpful (even if that someone is your dog or disgruntled roommate who simply stepped out of their room for a bowl of ramen). When you explain a concept out loud, chances are you’ll uncover areas that need more review.
Group Therapy (also known as studying)
Let’s be honest – studying alone for hours on end can feel like you’re stuck in a never-ending episode of “The Office,” with only you as the main character (unless that’s just how you roll, no judgments). That’s why group study sessions can be a great way to stay motivated and share the burden.
But before you get all excited and schedule a study group with everyone you know, be sure to keep it productive. Set clear goals and expectations before the meeting starts. Trust me, you’ll be amazed how much faster time passes when you’re solving problems with friends or similar-minded classmates.
Fuel Your Brain (And Your Soul)
Fueling your body is just as important as fueling your mind. You wouldn’t put water in a car and expect it to run, right? The same goes for your brain. Eating healthy snacks like nuts, fruit and veggies will keep your mind sharp. Stop skipping meals too, you can spare 30 minutes to grab a meal and eat it, even if you’re multitasking, a full stomach will keep your mind full of ideas.
Plus, let’s be real – sometimes you need a little study snack to keep you going. Grab your favorite treat and use it as a mini-reward for finishing a study session.
In conclusion, finals might feel like a daunting mountain to climb, but with the right mindset and approach, you’ll make it to the top. Remember to take breaks, stay positive, and add a little fun to your study sessions.
Plus, if all else fails, just remember: there’s always next semester. (Kidding!)
