Surviving Finals

Prepare.

                If you attend class, you will have all of the information needed to study for the final, which means it won't be as hard on you when it comes time to study.

Find out when the final.

               Find out when it is, that way you can better prepare. Mark the date on your calendar, or put it on a post-it-note somewhere that it is visible.

Studying.

                Study for the class which you'll take your first final. Study only in short burst. If you are prone to distractions, make a note of the library times and post these with your final times. Have all materials with you that you'll need to look over for that particular class. Studying in the library also ensures that you don't have clutter to distract you.

Take Breaks.

                The longer you sit staring at the same information over and over again, the more you will allow your mind to wander. Study 15 - 20 minutes of the material and then a break of some kind, even if the break is just you getting up, stretching and grabbing a snack. Any type of break is a good break, so make sure you take a break especially if you feel that you need one.

Use Study Groups.

                Study groups are a great way to find others who are just as confused as you are so you can help each other understand what the other does not.

Get plenty of rest.

                The night before finals, go to bed early! Study a hour or so before bed and leave it.

Eat a good breakfast.

                The better the meal, the better you'll feel thus helping you're memory.

Don't let the stress get to you.

                Don't freak out. Straighten-up, take a few deep breaths and relax. You've done enough studying to ace the exam; the only thing that is stopping you from doing so is you!

Stress Management Tips

·          Manage Your Time Effectively

o   Get organized

o   Give priority to the most important activities and do those first

·          Avoid Using Drugs Or Alcohol To Deal With Stress

·          Take Breaks

·          Minimize Interruptions

·          Take Care Of Yourself

o   Eat healthy foods, like fruits and vegetables

o   Get some exercise

§    It releases endorphins and gives you a natural “high”

·          Practice Daily Relaxation Exercises

o   Deep Breathing

o   Progressive muscle relaxation

o   Visualize a relaxing scene

o   Listen to relaxing music

·          Think Positive And Learn To Control Worry

·          Have A Sense Of Humor

·          Know When You Need Help And Get It

·          Learn To Say No

o   You can’t do everything!

·          Put Stressful Situations In Perspective And Live In The Present

o   Will it matter a month from now? A year?

·          Get Enough Sleep

o   Between 6 and 9 hours

Copyright © Lenoir-Rhyne University