Mastering finals: Effective study methods and self-care tips from an upperclassman

Finals week can be one of the most stressful times of the semester, especially if you're a college student. Whether it’s your first set of exams in university or you’re preparing for the final stretch before graduation, the pressure can feel intense.

But here's the good news: it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. As an upperclassman who has gone through my share of finals, I can tell you that with the right preparation and the right mindset, you can handle anything college throws your way.

Creating a routine

Creating a proper study routine for yourself is the first step to being successful during finals week. Counselor from SEMO’s Center for Behavioral Health and Accessibility Torie Grogan said that sitting down and creating a study routine and a schedule for your finals can help you stay organized, which in turn will help you to be less overwhelmed.

“Actually sitting down, writing out and prioritizing the steps students need to take to prepare for finals and foster a sense of control, and also making a study schedule, and within that schedule, being mindful to add times for lunch, breakfast, and dinner. Those are usually the first things people will skip out on when they are feeling overwhelmed,” Grogan said.

Time management

The most important aspect of creating a schedule is time management. With multiple exams, papers, and assignments all due around the same time, it can be easy to feel like there’s not enough hours in the day.

However, with a well-structured plan of attack, you can make the most of your time and avoid last-minute cramming that can often lead to burnout. One easy way to make the most of your time is to use a planner or calendar. Using these tools will allow you to visualize how much time is in the day and how much you need to get done.

Study Strategies

Once you’ve got your routine down, it’s time to focus on how you’ll actually study. Effective study strategies can make all the difference when it comes to actually remembering the information you're learning and putting it to use.

One great way to study is called retrieval practice. By using this method, you recall information, rather than simply reading and reviewing it. To incorporate this method into your study routine, try using practice tests to quiz yourself without referring to notes, create your own test questions, or use flashcards–writing the answer down before flipping the card to check. This approach can help you to strengthen your memory and boosts your long-term retention.

Another method that I personally find really helpful is color coding your notes. Messy notes can make it harder to remember important details. Using color in your notes is a great way to organize and highlight key information. Write key points in one color, highlight the important facts in another, and categorize topics with another color. Be selective, and only highlight essential information.

Self Care

While utilizing effective study strategies is helpful, it’s equally as important to prioritize self-care. Balancing study time with proper rest, hydration, nutrition, and taking breaks helps to prevent burnout and can improve your academic performance.

There are a ton of different ways to practice self-care, including apps that make setting aside time for yourself and practicing mindfulness easier.

One of these apps is called Oasis. Oasis is designed to provide mindfulness and meditation assistance to students right at the touch of their fingertips. Grogan said Oasis is free for students and can help lift pthem self-regulate stressful emotions.

“Within Oasis, there are a number of mindfulness tools, progressive muscle relaxation, and grounding exercises. These are all confidential and free for students to access, and they can help to build in those consistent breaks to manage stress, to self regulate with those emotions, rather than compartmentalizing and waiting for things to build where it can feel quite overwhelming,” Grogan said.

All in all, finals week doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By creating a structured routine for yourself, managing your time effectively, and using study strategies that work for you, you can stay organized and be confident in completing your exams.

With the right preparation and self-care techniques, you can approach finals with confidence and finish the semester strong!