A College Freshman's Guide to Studying for Finals

Hello, everyone! Finals are right around the corner, literally. And if you are like me, you are reacting with so many emotions. Stress, excitement, panic, anxiety, etc. Even if you feel like you are not ready, we all have to face them. I believe that everyone has their own way of studying for exams and one should utilize that. If you have a different way of studying from your friend, study in the way that benefits you in the best way possible.

Here are some helpful ways to study for finals!
1. Go to the library if you can. If you do go to the library, you will not be the only one, seats and study rooms will be filled with groups or individuals studying.
2. Rewrite your notes. If you are a person that types your notes, the best thing would be to write the main points on paper. If you write them in different colors, you may remember the material a bit better.
3. Flashcards! I can not emphasize flashcards enough. Whether it be paper flashcards or a flashcard app, it can help you to study questions that could possible multiple choice or definitions. If you are anything like me, you have mass amounts of flashcards everywhere - in the car, in your room, in your backpack, in your purse.
4. Drawing your notes. If you are a visual learner, it might be helpful to use your creative side to understand the material.
5. Printing out the notes. One of my professors actually makes her class print out the PowerPoint notes and write down any other points she makes during the lecture - this may help one retain the material better.
6. Re-reading the chapters. This can be a valuable study technique if you are one who does like to read. If you are one that does believe that re-reading the book takes up too much time, try another study technique like looking at the glossary for definitions.
7. Take practice tests and quizzes. This is another technique I can not emphasize enough! Quizlet is truly a godsend.
8. Watch videos on YouTube. Crash Course and Khan Academy are some of the videos I watch when I need a refresher on material. You may find this to be helpful.
9. Study groups. Create a study group with some of the other students in your class. Just be prepared for pauses of non-productivity, mass amounts of caffeine, and tons of laughing.


If you do happen to use any of these techniques, don't forget your materials that are essential.
Textbooks
Laptop and charger - you don't want your computer to die mid study group or YouTube video
Pencils, pens, and highlighters 
Planner - this can help you plan out when your exams are so that you can study at different times for different tests
Calculator - if your class calls for a calculator, then you may need it for the exam. Take this time to make sure you know how to use the calculator for different problems.
Headphones - listen to calming music that can help you focus.
Water - Stay hydrated, my friends.
Coffee or tea - Caffeine is the lifeline of college students and if you don't like coffee, try tea.
Sweater or a throw blanket - if your school library is anything like mine, it is always cold in here. Bring a sweater or a throw blanket to keep you warm and comfortable. There is no shame in walking into the library with a little blanket wrapped around you like a cocoon.
Comfortable clothes - one wouldn't want to study for a few hours that is constricting or uncomfortable. If you have to wear sweatpants, that ratty old tee, and slippers, then do it! Again, there's no shame, we all understand.



Good luck of your finals!

<3 That Autumn Girl

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