By: Lydia Hendrieth
As the end of the semester nears, students are preparing for final exams. The ending weeks of the semester can be a stressful time, with exams, papers, and projects due. Despite the pressure, effective planning and strategic approaches can help you navigate while maintaining your sanity.
1. Fight Off Procrastination, Get Organized!
Procrastination can tend to be a common trait in college students. Having a blueprint of your responsibilities can help you resist the urge to procrastinate and result in a lighter workload for the future.
Planning ahead can clear your brain fog. Take some time to look at your syllabi and Canvas and take note of when your exams and assignments are due. Create a schedule for yourself that breaks down what you need to do each day in order to stay on track, to help prevent last-minute cramming and ensure you have enough time to complete everything.
2. Take Some Time for Yourself
Are you neglecting your physical and mental health when you’re under a lot of stress? If so, bear in mind, it is important to take care of yourself during the final weeks of the semester.
Sleep experts have conducted many studies on sleep, memory and sleep quality. Research shows that primarily during finals week, college students are only receiving about 6 or less hours of sleep each night.
A great way to combat this to ensure that you’re getting enough sleep, eating well, and taking breaks when you need them. Exercise can also be a great way to relieve stress and clear your mind.
If you’re seeking some valuable shuteye no problem. Why Sleep Can Help You Ace Your Final Exam. There are loads of tricks you can use to get better sleep and better grades, such as giving up your phone during study hours, using nap time as study time and making your sleep environment as comfortable and clean as possible.
3. Call for Backup
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to reach out for support. Talk to your professors or academic advisors if you’re struggling with your coursework or seek support from friends and family.
Student Counseling Services is also here to help. Our campus counselors can act as a sounding board for students who are struggling, and here to assist the UM community by providing services and resources that respect the privacy, dignity, and diverse backgrounds of each individual.
A Tip from UM Seniors and Faculty
Before you face your test, hear from UM Mass communication seniors Ashlee Hall, Avry Zow, Steven Haymond and Professor Dr. Sherry Ford share their approaches on navigating finals. Good Luck!
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