With Winter classes ending soon, there’s no better time to start preparing for your finals. As you start wrapping up your assignments and getting ready to study, don’t forget these tips to help you end this semester on a high note.
Study more effectively with past exams
You don’t need a fortune teller to predict what’s going to be on your future exam - you just need the Exam Registry! This free service from your UASU helps UAlberta undergrads search for and review copies of past exams. Having a preview of your exam's structure and question types can help you prioritize where you should focus your studies. Most profs are required to make their old exams available for students to review. If you can’t find the exam you need in the registry, speak with your prof to see if they have a past exam or sample questions available elsewhere.
Get extra help
If you’re struggling with your class or your big term paper, it’s okay to ask for help! Check out your UASU Tutor Registry to connect with someone who knows your course. The University’s Academic Success Centre also offers 50-minute consultations tailored to your specific academic needs, and tons of workshops on everything from critical thinking to exam strategies.
Reduce your distractions
Do your future self a favour, and find the right strategy now to eliminate distractions while you’re trying to focus. Need a quiet spot to study? Try the Quiet Lounge on the lower level of SUB, or book a study room. Can’t stop watching Netflix long enough to read your notes? Apps like Cold Turkey (Mac, Windows), SelfControl (Mac), and many other browser extensions and phone apps can help you block out disruptions so you can concentrate.
Optimize your study space
Distractions don’t just come from phone notifications and noisy roommates. Things like uncomfortable chairs, poor lighting, or cramped and cluttered spaces can impact how well you focus and retain information. If your living space doesn’t meet your study needs, the U of A has several libraries that might be a great solution for spreading out your notes and settling in for a study sesh.
Set a study schedule (and include breaks!)
Endless cramming sessions for exams can be avoided with a little planning. Take a look ahead at your exam dates and work backwards to schedule your studies in smaller blocks of time. Even better, if you know you do your best thinking at a certain time of day then try to organize your schedule so that you study during those hours for better retention. If you can plan out your studies ahead of time, then you can also schedule breaks! It might sound strange, but experts say that breaks in your study time can help refresh your brain and renew your focus. So get some exercise, go outside, or grab a coffee…then get back at it.
Take care of your mental health
Exam time can be incredibly stressful, but you don’t have to deal with it alone. The Peer Support Centre volunteers offer confidential supportive listening for any issue, including exam anxiety. Mental health resources through Empower Me can also help with many issues, and are available 24/7. You can also check out the mental health workshops from the University’s Counselling & Clinical Services to learn about different mental health topics while connecting with mental health professionals and your peers. They even have drop-in yoga workshops, perfect for your study breaks!
Our fingers are crossed for you, but we know you’ve got this. Happy studying, and good luck with your exams!