Finals season is upon us, and you are finally in the homestretch of the semester. As your classes wrap-up, finals week may be one of the most strenuous times of the semester, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Here are a few studying tips so that you are able to make the most out of the last few weeks of classes. 

Plan Ahead

It is especially important to plan ahead when it comes to studying for finals because it may be a lot to balance at once. One way to do this it to write down due dates and test dates for any final projects or tests you may have. This will make it easier to plan accordingly, and plan out when will be the best time to space out your studying. It is best not to cram for your exams, so try and study a bit each day leading up to the test day. 

Stay Organized

Keep information for each class separate so that it is easy to find and won’t get mixed in with other miscellaneous information. One helpful tip is to color-code based on class. Have a certain color for each class that will match a color of a folder for loose papers. Use colored pens to write important dates in a planner, and use that same color to label documents on your computer. The more organized you are, the more efficient your studying will be.  

Determine Which Study Technique is Best for You

Find out which way of learning works best for you, and stick with it. The four main types of learning are visual, auditory, verbal and kinesthetic. There are different study strategies that work best for each of these learning types. For visual learners, it will be helpful to write out your notes and continuously read over them, or view images/videos discussing the topics you will be tested on. Auditory learners will find it beneficial to listen to recorded lectures, while verbal learners will find it productive to read their notes or textbook aloud and repeat important information. Lastly, kinesthetic learners retain information best through more hands-on activities and problem solving. Knowing your learning type will help you study more productively and make the most out of your studying time. 

It is Okay to Take Breaks When Studying

Know that is is okay to take a break when studying. If you need a few minutes to yourself to clear your head, take a walk, make a snack, or simply relax for a bit. Overloading your brain with information in a short period of time is not an effective studying technique. So it you need a break, take one. 

Take Everything One Day at a Time

During this overwhelming week, remember to take everything one day at a time. There is only so much that you can accomplish in a day, so space your studying out well. As each day passes, you are one day closer to your degree, so in the end it will all be worth it. 

Good luck on finals, dawgs!