Alyssa VanPelt-Cathcart, Staff Writer
If it wasn’t so rainy, it could be said that April showers bring May flowers. But it seems May’s showers encourage more study hours at Oneonta. It’s just about finals week and it would be no surprise to see students packed in the library. However, regardless of how people handle their finals, many universities will post lengthy lists of their recommended study tips or preps. This will be a collection of the five most common tips.
First on the list, many universities encourage students to pace themselves. Although it feels urgent to do everything in one sitting, your body will need to recuperate after long hours of studying. For example, Carson-Newman at Christian University, wrote, “You can end up feeling overwhelmed and stressed if you cram the night before. Instead, work out a schedule in the weeks leading up to finals, so you can study a little at a time over a longer period.” Step away for five minutes to take a deep breath. The sooner students do during studying, the better off they will be.
Second on the list, form study groups. Your study group could be classmates or friends. It’s been shown through study groups that an understanding support system will form and boost the confidence of its members. It will make studying less stressful and provide socialization during breaks.
Third on the list, sleep is an excellent way to keep yourself going during finals week. Universities like NYU, Princeton, Point Loma Nazarene, and University of Virginia have backed this tip, saying the quality of your work would be better with proper sleep than without it.
Fourth on the list, reaching out to professors leading up to the final exams is encouraged. It can feel intimidating to reach out for support. However, you will gain their respect by going to extended office hours and putting in the effort to get a better grade. It will demonstrate that you care about this final step toward your grade.
And finally, according to NYU and Carson-Newman, plan time to have fun and to reward yourself for doing the work. Taking the time to relax with friends can prevent a burnout as you can recharge yourself mentally before getting back to work. Also, if there is a reward for your effort, you’re more likely to feel less guilty about the time you’ve taken to relax and want to continue working for another reward. With that being said, good luck on your final exams!
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