The time of stress is at an all-time high for students all around Bluffton University. The fall semester is coming to an end which means it is time for preparing for final exams along with end-of-the-year projects and papers. With all of the work needing to be done, students also have to also worry about getting ready to leave for the semester break.
Finals are a time full of different emotions. There are feelings of happiness because the semester is almost over and feelings of anxiety and stress for the upcoming tests.
First-year Michael Otto, a pre-engineering major, is unsure about the exams for this semester’s classes.
“I’m nervous because it is my first time taking a college final and I feel like high school finals are nothing compared to a college one,” said Otto.
Do not worry if you are feeling like Otto and you feel like you will not make it through. You will and here are some tips to help you make it through finals week.
Tip number one: Attend the review session. Most classes at Bluffton will have a class session the day before a test where the professor will go over the study guide so just show up and you will get something out of the review. Do not be afraid to ask your professor questions you might have. Remember there is no such thing as a stupid question.
Tip number two: Start studying early. Do not wait to study until the night before. Start studying days in advance; take your time and study small portions at once. If you need more help on a certain part then you will have the time to study it more and then ask any questions you have.
Tip number three: Quiz yourself. Now, this could be you and a friend getting together to ask each other questions, or this could be you coming up with your own questions and answering them. Make flashcards and study those, or cover your notes and try to explain what is on them.
Tip number four: Make your studying fun. Relate your notes to things you know about. Create acronyms to help you remember things you have been struggling with. Reward yourself for getting every couple of sections done—give yourself an incentive.
Tip number five: Manage your stress and anxiety. This tip may be the most difficult of them all to do because finals are very stressful. A way to manage your stress and anxiety is to take breaks. When you are feeling overwhelmed and feel like you are getting nowhere with your studying or projects, take a break from it all. Do something you enjoy doing like reading books, playing video games, exercising or anything else you enjoy.
Also, to help manage your stress and anxiety get enough sleep. Sometimes there is nothing more you can do except to get a good night’s sleep and go back to it in the morning.
Finals start Monday, Dec. 9 and they finish up Thursday, Dec. 12. Be sure to check out the exam schedule at bluffton.edu and remember to relax.
Trent Mast is a junior convergent media major and a convergent journalist and sports broadcaster for The Witmarsum
