Finals can be very challenging and stressful. It is overwhelming trying to keep up with everything. There are tests to study for, projects to make, and assignments to turn in. It can be a lot, but I am here to help relieve some of that stress.
Study space
When studying, it is important to have a good place to work. This place should be secluded, quiet, and free of distractions. It can sometimes be helpful to work with a friend, but this can cause many distractions and may lead to straying off-task. Music can be helpful for some people to study, but for others it can be distracting. Songs without lyrics are better to listen to when studying. It is best to work at a desk that is spacious as opposed to your bed. When working in your bed, it eliminates the distinction between work and rest. If you work in your bed, you will be thinking about school when you are trying to sleep. This will cause for you to not be getting as much sleep as you should during this time.
Studying style/methods
There are a variety of studying techniques that fit each individual’s studying style. A visual learner may use a mind map to help them with their studies. The Blurt Method is the process of reading over a section of notes, then writing down as much as you can remember afterwards. Another technique is the Leitner Method, which involves notecards, but adds another layer to the process, where you group the notecards based on how well you know them. The Feynman Technique involves explaining a topic in simple terms since if we explain something in our own words, it is easier to remember. While it is simple, practice tests can be very helpful; practice problems are especially helpful for math classes. It’s important to remember that everyone works differently and that not all these methods will work for you. If you don’t know what your learning style is, there are tests online to help you find out if you are an auditory, visual, reading/writing, or kinesthetic learner. You can look online for more detail on these methods as well as many others.
Time management
There is very little time before finals, which is why it is important to begin your studies sooner so you aren’t cramming the day before. Managing time can be a challenge; it can be hard to stay focused on something when there are so many distractions around you. One of the biggest distractions is cell phones. When on your phone, you can lose track of how much time you spend. It is best to turn your phone off or put it in an entirely different room if the temptation is too hard to fight. It is important to take breaks when studying. Emma Devoll, ’26, shares one of her studying tips, “I stay stress free during finals by staying organized and taking breaks during study sessions.” People work differently, so some may take more frequent, shorter breaks while others take less frequent, longer breaks. When studying, don’t spend too much time on one topic. If you feel as though you aren’t really retaining the information, take a break from that subject and work on another.
Stress relief
While these times are very stressful, there are ways to relieve some of this stress. Everyone does different things to make themselves feel calm, and it is important to leave some time for these activities. Some people like to relax by reading a book or watching a movie. Others use physical activity as a wave to relieve stress. It is also important to get a lot of sleep. It can be soothing to take a shower or a warm bath. If you stay up for hours past midnight, your studying won’t be as helpful since you’ll be exhausted while taking the test. Another element of your health that is just as important as sleep is nutrition. Sometimes, you can think you aren’t hungry when under stress, which is why it is important to be eating all your meals every day.
These upcoming weeks are very pressuring, but there are ways to lighten your load. The most important things to remember when preparing for finals are your study space, techniques to use, time management, and stress relief. Keep in mind that everyone works differently, so don’t compare yourself to others. When times feel hopeless, just remember that it will be winter break (and Christmas) in a couple weeks!
