Winter break is fast approaching and to get there students everywhere are having to jump through hoops and over hurdles to get there; yes that’s right: finals. While finals may have you banging your head against the table, take a chill pill and follow some of these study tips for college. These tips will make the experience more efficient, effective, and less miserable.
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Surviving finals.
Image: ShutterstockDevelop a schedule: This is where you create your list of priorities, allowing more time for you most difficult finals or finals that will cover the most material. Make a realistic schedule that you can stick to, and include time for breaks.
- Space out your studying: It’s better to study for a test every day for several days than just cramming all your studying into one day. Study 20-50 minutes at a time and allow yourself 5-10 minutes for a break. Get up, walk around, get out of the room.
- Talk it out: If you are lucky enough to find someone to talk to about your study topics, well, you are at a great advantage. Hearing yourself talk about the material will improve memory.
- Get movin’!: It has been found that 20 minutes of cardio exercise a day can help improve memory.
- Reorganize those notes!: If your notes aren’t quite put together yet, be sure to do so as part of your studying. Reorganizing your notes will help with recall. If you are interested in a new technique, try the cornell note-taking system. Try using colored pens!
- Make it personal: Make the material relevant and meaningful to you in any way possible. Create acronyms, rhymes, or create a picture in your mind.
- Get your zzz’s: Although it may seem like a good idea to stay up all night studying, it is best to get night’s sleep during finals week.
Resources:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/12/01/study-tips-for-exams-12-ways-to-ace-your-finals_n_789731.html#s193495&title=Study_In_Chunks
