By Marlon Hyde
Staff writer
With the semester winding down, college students across the country are preparing for final exams.
Many students ask themselves “How am I going to survive finals?”
“It is what it is. You know it’s not going to be good and you are not going to enjoy it,” said Lilia DeAngelis ‘21 as she shrugged.
According to a study conducted by Mental Help in 2016, 31 percent of students surveyed said that finals were the biggest source of their stress. The second source was graduating on time and post-graduation. However, there are some tips on how to avoid this stress and survive finals.
Write down due dates and assignments in planners. “Even just seeing it, having a visual of it helps you to compartmentalize it in your head,” said Heidi St. Peter, Assistant Director of academic support services. Whether you are planning the next week, couple days, or just tomorrow, writing things down can help with memory as well as efficiency, she added.
When you have taken a look at what you have to do then you can craft a plan.
“Try to give yourself at least a couple days before the due date to start writing or studying, “said Jonathan D’Amore, vice president of academic affairs. Allow yourself enough time to let ideas and new information settle in your brain so that you can come back to it.
“This way you’re studying becomes reviewing over time,” said D’ Amore. Take care of yourself down this final stretch. “Make sure to give yourself credit for what you have already accomplished,” said D’Amore.
And when you need more help than that, Bergeron has afternoon walk-in hours throughout finals week. If Bergeron is busy, there are many other resources available across campus. You can visit both D’Amore in Founders, St. Peter in the academic enrichment center, and many other faculty members on campus.
Reward yourself with some self-care. “When I’m really stressed I meditate for an hour,” said Diego Calderon ‘20.
Don’t forget to make time to unwind. “Working out helps me relieve some the stress from finals” said DeAngelis. Yes, grades are important, but a good grade is not worth anything if it was at the cost of damaging yourself.
Getting a good night’s rest is great for de-stressing and refreshing the mind. It is also helpful for your performance on your exams. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), the best way to maximize performance on final exams is to both study and get a good night of sleep.
“Get your damn eight hours. I know I need it,” said Josh Dionne ‘20.
