Finals week is daunting to most MSU students, and with a high grade-point average being the intended goal for many, it’s important to remember to maintain health — both mentally and physically.
Finals week is known to cause students to stretch their mental and physical capabilities beyond what they’re used to. It’s a time when 5-hour Energy shots, copious amounts of coffee and abnormal eating schedules make their way into students’ lives in an effort to gain longer, more effective study time. But these harmful habits can cause more problems for a student than a bad grade in a class.
In order for a student to be successful during finals week, it’s vital to remember the basics of efficient study habits.
First and foremost, the sooner a student begins studying, the lower their stress levels will be. For the most part, cramming never has been an effective habit for students, and the more cramming students do, the more overwhelmed they likely will feel.
If a student feels overburdened, chances are he or she won’t do as well on a paper, project or exam.
It also is essential for a student to know his or her study limits. Many students want to push through the night or push through an extra hour in order to soak up more information, but it’s essential for these students to take a break.
Many younger students might remember the high school days of preparing for finals, when little preparation was needed and exams accounted for a lot less of a final grade than they do now. The workload during finals week of college most likely is a lot heavier, and it’s important to budget time to make sure a student is well-prepared and has put in the necessary amount of time needed to succeed.
Students have many different study habits that have proved successful for them individually. Some students prefer group settings, where others would rather study alone in the library. There are many different, effective studying techniques, such as creating a checklist for the rest of the semester, making a detailed schedule to keep organized, making flash cards of course material or highlighting old notes. Students must find the method that works best for them.
Taking a break from studying after a couple hours also can be helpful in retention and lowering stress levels. Going out and getting something to eat or taking a study break with friends should be included in a student’s study schedule. Going for a run or taking a trip to the gym can help ease stress as well as lessen the harmful physical effects caused by abnormal eating schedules during finals week.
In an effort to help provide these study breaks, the University Activities Board and Residence Halls Association, or RHA, have been hosting events for students to lower stress levels. Last Saturday, the RHA hosted Carnivale, an event that featured free food and inflatable toys for students to take their minds off of exam time. Utilizing events such as Carnivale gives students a mental break from the stress related to finals week.
Most of all, students must remember to relax. Students are on the cusp of the semester, and there is no better motivation to study effectively for finals week than knowing what comes after it: summer vacation.
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