The Final Countdown: What to do in the Weeks Before Finals

It’s that time of year again…time for students to clean their apartments, reorganize their closets, rearrange their living rooms, read a magazine and then, finally, study. But finals season doesn’t have to be characterized by procrastination and cramming. Here are four engaging ways for students to set themselves up for success this finals season.

Organize

The main roadblock to studying is often figuring out what to study. With so much material, it can be difficult to get organized and develop a plan of action. One way to tackle this obstacle is to set aside a few hours or even a full day to simply organize notes, class by class. Being able to effortlessly locate information will make studying much easier. 

Make a question list

When going through class notes, it is essential to address anything confusing right away. A good way to do this is to create a document or section in a notebook reserved specifically for questions that come up. Once a few questions are written down, schedule a quick 30-minute meeting with the professor or attend office hours for clarification.

Exercise and meal prep

Finals week can take a toll on more than just brain cells. Many students get sick during finals season because of lack of exercise and sleep. Additionally, with less time available to grocery shop and cook, students spend more money by eating out. Avoid this common trap by setting a menu for the week and even prepping a few meals each Sunday.

Study, study, study

Finally, the key way to make finals easier is to study every day. Study with friends or alone, at the library or at a coffee shop. Students struggling with setting a study schedule can speak to one of ACI’s student assistance specialists for advice on managing time, avoiding procrastination and reducing stress.

For more personalized advice on how to prepare for finals, contact your student assistance program provided by ACI Specialty Benefits at 800.932.0034 or info@acispecialtybenefits.com.