Students Studying in the Stained Glass Lounge

The semester flew by faster than you thought possible and Thanksgiving provided a break from the reality that is the conclusion of the semester.  It also means it’s just about everyone’s favorite time of year – Finals Week.  Thankfully, with the right mindset, you can find success during this busy time.  Below are a few helpful tips to aid you in your finals preparation!

1. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep.  Although it may be tempting to pull an all-nighter to study absolutely everything, chances are you’re wasting your time.  You’ll study more efficiently, think more clearly and feel better during your exam with a good night’s sleep.
2. To keep your body and mind feeling their best, make an effort to eat well.  As easy as the Pizza Rolls are to put in the microwave, they aren’t the best thing for your success.  Eat a nutritious breakfast and well-rounded lunches and dinners.
3. Drink plenty of water and take advantage of the many cafes on campus.  Espress-OH in the Ohio Union is open late and has a number of café-style offerings including a great coffee selection.
4. Start now and chip away at your studies rather than spending the entire day studying before the exam.  This will help you internalize more information and limit feelings of anxiety.  Plus, no one likes spending 8 hours looking at the same subject, no matter how much you like it.
5. Spend some time looking over your notes and highlight the most important topics.  Seeing the information again will help you remember the main points and visualize your material.  Secondly, do the practice problems!  No one likes to do them, but see for yourself how effective they are in learning the concepts.
6. Take breaks.  Check social media, watch an episode of your favorite show on Netflix or talk with some friends and then get back to studying.  Better yet, visit one of the recreation centers on campus for a quick workout or other physical activity.  In addition to giving your brain some much needed down-time, it gives you the chance to see what you remember and determine areas of study that need more emphasis.
7. Alternate subjects when studying to get a new look.  This will keep things fresh and help you “chip away” at multiple classes.
8. Reserve a room in one of our libraries to study with friends.  Your friends can help you understand difficult concepts and a room in the library is a space that is conducive to good study habits.  Utilize this resource! LINK http://library.osu.edu/find/library-study-meeting-rooms/
9. Reward yourself for getting things done.  After finishing an especially long chapter or section of practice problems, take a break by relaxing or getting a snack.
10. Take advantage of the Ohio Union as a study space.  Places such as the Stanley D. Gottsegen Lounge or the Keith B. Key Center for Student Leadership & Service provide great places to study.

Whether it’s your favorite place to study in the Ohio Union or your personal best study techniques, share your tips with fellow Buckeyes in the comments section!

The Keith B. Key Center for Student Leadership and Service is a perfect location to study!