Fallon Deatherage-Bradley
News Editor
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and we aren’t talking about Christmas. It’s the end of the semester when four months of learning are crammed into one final test of knowledge. Finals Week is stressful, but soon it will be all over. Here are five tips to help you make it through.
1. Start early
There’s no way you can get everything done if you don’t start now. Make a list of all the things you need to get done for each class. Make a list of all your deadlines. With the help of these lists, create a schedule. When are you going to study for Friday’s exam? When will you write that paper due Wednesday? According to a study by Wake Forest University, thinking about tasks that you haven’t finished yet can stress you out, but having a plan in place outlining when you’re going to get them done can significantly reduce stress.
2. Take breaks
In making your study schedule, be mindful that you need breaks. According to a study by USC and MIT researchers, breaks in study allow other parts of the brain to be active while giving the study portion of the brain time to rest. This ends up helping with memory and making your studying more effective. While you’re studying, eliminate distractions. Turn your phone to silent and place it across the room or deep in your backpack. A study break should never lead to procrastination. Breaks should be between 10-15 minutes – not so long that you lose motivation to study, but also enough to give your brain some time to rest. If you plan to be at the library studying for four hours, be sure to stand up and walk around every hour. Take a lap, do some stretches and fill up your water bottle.
3. Use resources
ISU has great resources available for people who may be struggling. The best part is that they are free to students, so if you need them there’s no reason not to use them. The Student Success Center in Rendezvous 323 has tutoring and writing services available for students. They are open during Dead Week but not Finals Week, so hurry and make an appointment. Stopping by your professor’s office hours is also a great idea. While studying, make a list of questions you may have. Your professor will appreciate the time you took to study and identify what you need help with rather than demanding they summarize everything they’ve ever lectured on during the semester. Remember, this is also a busy time for them too.
4. Don’t skip sleep
During the last two weeks of the semester, it feels like 24 hours in a day is not enough. It may be tempting to pull some late nights but resist the urge. Researchers from UCLA found that students who sacrificed sleep for study time significantly underperformed academically compared to those students who maintained their usual sleep schedule. If you create a study schedule and stick to it there won’t be any need to skip sleep time.
5. Drink water
It is estimated that your brain is about 73 percent water. Being even the smallest bit dehydrated can significantly reduce brain function. You can boost your memory and energy levels by staying hydrated. There’s also evidence that drinking the proper amount of water can boost your immune system. This is important as we move into flu season, and tough finals are even harder when you aren’t feeling your best.
