FINALS SURVIVAL GUIDE

It’s getting to the last week of the term: On top of all of the homework you’re currently doing, you need to study for that final test that’s an accumulation of the past two-and-a-half months. In the worst-case scenario that you’ve completely procrastinated using any of the study materials for a class, you’re actually not alone, believe it or not. 

It’s easy to lose hope when you think about how the general number of hours (or days) left are outweighed by the amount of time you should be taking to study. But, coming from someone in the position of getting thrown into the college habits straight out of high school, understand: the solutions are easier than we all like to think.

Unless you indisputably know your material 100% (doubtful), take advantage of everything and everyone around you – on campus, or off. Studying is a group effort, through-and-through. Don’t worry about having to get to know people, or talking to the people you’ve brushed off to the side all term. Chances are, they are thinking the exact same thing before that last class session. 

The great thing about a college campus is that it’s prepared for all of this: There’s a big library, office hours, tutoring center – and of course, a café. You can go the route of studying by yourself, but at some point you might have to call over a librarian or send some emails, or you can sometimes make the mistake of doing everything in a wrong or false way because you had no one to guide you.

It’s simple things that can go a long way. Realistically, you’re going to receive some help; go about it the right way, by arranging an office visit with your instructor ahead of time!  

Time is relative. It’s probably the most worrying part of managing your study habits. Go with the flow, don’t fight an uphill battle with time, because it’s exhausting. Give yourself some rest. It seems logical to pull an all-nighter but ONLY do that if it’s the last option – even then, you’re treading dangerous territory. Sleep, and your dietary well-being, are more important to the process of studying than you think. You’ll definitely regret staying up till four in the morning, feasting on Taco Bell and candy, and you’ll probably spend a good portion of that morning in the bathroom (for whatever reason) instead of studying or even getting ready for class.

Last of all, DO NOT PROCRASTINATE. We are all guilty of it in any situation, but there have been so many times that I’ve procrastinated and immediately regretted it. Don’t make school the thing you consciously procrastinate in. Get started on studying early, and don’t finish until you’re fully satisfied with the material. Get together with peers and classmates and discuss everything till everyone is satisfied. 

Advocate Staff