By: Ariana Capozzi
As November comes to an end, the one thing standing in our way from winter break is finals week. For many of us, this can be a really stressful time because finals can impact our grades greatly. Therefore, I have some useful advice for students who want to be successful when preparing for/taking these important exams on November 30th through December 4th.
Make a detailed plan to avoid procrastination
As someone who struggles with procrastination, I know what it is like to get so stressed about an exam to the extent that I will put it off until the last minute, which only makes everything worse. This semester, I made a promise to myself that I would work on this, and I found some really great ways to stay on top of my workload that might help others.
A great way to keep track of all the different exam times and due dates for each class is to get a planner, or even using Google Calendar. For each day of the week, map out what subject you need to study for and for how long. This will have you doing a little bit each day, rather than procrastinating and saving everything for the night before. Also, put aside some time everyday to allow you to clear your head. If you don’t, you will burn yourself out before finals even arrive. Mental health is important, and breaks are completely acceptable. Whether it is grabbing a coffee or writing in a journal, do what works best for you. Remember to study in order of importance and stay focused, but always prioritize your well-being.
Don’t be afraid to reach out to others
Remote learning has definitely made it harder for us to meet new people or get the face to face experience and help that we desire. But, it is important to remember that everyone is going through the same thing. Don’t be afraid to reach out to a fellow classmate and ask for help on something that you do not understand. I have found that the Class of 2024 Facebook Group has exposed me to so many people that have similar classes. You could form an online study group or ask questions in a class discussion to help prepare for the exams.
Create the ideal test-taking environment
Find the place that keeps you comfortable and focused for the most time. Everyone is different, and some people may not know what works best for them, so try new things. I created my own personal dorm in my basement to get some peace and quiet away from my family. When I take an exam, there are no distractions, and it is perfect for me. Some students may not care about noise and can get into the zone at a Starbucks or public library. Whatever it may be, try to find it, because once you do, you will be less stressed during the exam, and it may spark the extra boost that your grade needs.
After finals are over, we have a two-month break to look forward to. This is a lot of time off, so if anyone is looking for some ways to make sure they have a productive winter break, here are some ideas.
Take a class over the Winter
If you are looking to stay productive or get ahead with school credits, taking an online winter course is a great option. This is the perfect opportunity to try a class that seems to interest you. These classes will be for about six weeks, starting December 7th, but you can only enroll or drop until December 11th for a full refund. If this seems like a good fit for you over the winter, I highly suggest it!
Work on your resume
There are many activities you can partake in to add to your resume. For example, apply for an internship with a company that is similar to your major, volunteer with an organization while practicing social distancing, or get a job that will teach you things that a future career might entail, like leadership, customer service, public speaking, or organization skills.
Pick up a new hobby
Sometimes being a student does not allow us to pick up new hobbies or activities that we are interested in because we just do not have enough time. Winter break is the perfect time to try new things like reading, journaling, exercising, learning a language etc. If you ever find yourself bored, be bold and start something new.
This semester was very different due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and hopefully these tips can help students adjust and succeed during this stressful time of year!
