December 9, 2022
Study Tips
The following study tips provide guidance on how to prepare for college finals.
- Plan Ahead: Make to-do lists and set weekly goals to ensure success.
- Build in Breaks: Use study breaks to help sustain college finals motivation.
- Start Early: Begin studying for finals as early as possible. Keep track of key information throughout the semester to help you prepare for finals week.
- Collaborate with Classmates: Find a partner or group who you can study with during college final exams.
- Ask Questions: Contact your instructors with any questions about final exams or projects.
- Use the Right Tools: Use productivity tools to help you prepare for college finals. Citation management software, like Zotero or Paperpile, can help you organize bibliographies for final papers. You can also create an Anki deck to study important terms and concepts.
- Avoid Cramming: Schedule shorter study sessions over a longer period of time to avoid cramming.
- Integrate Self-Care: Optimize your routine through healthy habits. Sleep 8-10 hours each night, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, and exercise.
- Review and Revise: Allot time to review test materials or revise final essays. Never wait until the last minute to review or revise.
- Meet Deadlines: Aim to complete exams and projects on time.
15-Minute Study Break Ideas
- Go for a walk- get out of the books and get active for a loop around campus
- Meditate- you can do breathing exercises, practice mindfulness, or find a guided meditation online to follow along with
- Get a drink- water helps us focus and concentrate but avoid high sugar/high caffeine choices
- Get a snack- again avoid high sugar that will cause an energy spike and crash. High protein choices will give you more sustainable energy.
- Tidy/Clean your room- cleaning can help us regain a sense of control, help with pride, and help organize our thoughts
- Check in with a friend or loved one with a quick call
- Take a laughter break- listen to a podcast, video, or episode from a comedian
- Create a study playlist
- Take a shower
- Stretch or go for a workout
- Color, draw, or create something
- Do a 30-second dance party to get up and moving
- Take a power nap (15 minutes!)
- Turn your phone off or consider an app blocker if you are easily distracted
To power through finals it is important to eat well, get enough rest and use your resources. Check in with a tutor or your professor during office hours. Ask questions or find YouTube videos to help explain concepts you might not understand.
Different theories exist on how often we should take a break, but the average is 15 minutes every hour. You know how long you can focus so adjust accordingly. Consider your goals- break them smaller if needed and consider how you can reward yourself for positive reinforcement.
Good Luck with Finals!
The Wellness Center is Hiring!
Peer Educators work out of the SUNY Cobleskill Wellness Center; they are committed to health education on campus and providing resources to their fellow students. Interviews will take place virtually, please reach out to Katie Simpson if you have any questions: simpsokm@cobleskill.edu
Please note: Due to conflicts with training schedules, students who are currently Orientation Leaders or Resident Assistants (RA’s) are ineligible for this position.
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