Exam Week Essential Tips
It's the last stretch, the all-nighters and the week that students everywhere dread, but it is also the week that gets us closer and closer to break. Sticking it out for this week makes all the spiked eggnog, home-cooked meals and presents worth it. Here are some essentials to make this week in the library a little less painful.
1. Set a schedule
Being in college, you are allowed to set your own schedule, which leaves many students setting little time for studying, something we have all been guilty of at some point in our lives. The best thing to is plan ahead and set a written schedule before exam week. Writing it down, whether it be in your iPhone notes or in your planner, will help you commit to the studying hours and avoid the need for cramming. There are a ton of study planner templates online too to further schedule what topics you need to study and when.
2. Coffee is great but have you tried water?
Every caffeine addict, including myself, will swear by copious amounts of coffee to study for exams. While this is helpful, drinking enough water is just as important, maybe even more. Studies have shown that drinking water results in students scoring 5% higher on exams than those who do not. So heres a life hack: drink water. We suggest a Swell water bottle to keep you hydrated in the Lib, it is super chic and eco-friendly!
3. Chew Gum
Chewing gum is a great strategy for studying because it provides focus, curbs appetite and keeps your breath minty fresh. Many psychologists also say that mint gum helps enhance memory and improves gluclose levels, which in turn enhaces cognitive processes.
4. There is more than just the library
While some claim that the library is the only place they can ever get stuff done, studies show that moving to new environments helps the brain understand the information on a deeper level well as keep your attention. Sometimes the same information, under the same florecent lights, in the same chair that you sat in for fourteen hours the night before isn't going to be very effective, but place that same info in, lets say, your neighborhood coffee shop? Not only can you get some caffeine (and water) your can also retain info in a more efficient way.
5. Write study guides in Times New Roman
Aside from being the most popular font face, Times New Roman is simplistic and easy to read and will likely be the font used on your final exam. Teachers love Times New Roman, its a fact. By using it on study guides, your eyes will be adjusted to the type face and it will make memorization and recall so much easier.
Amongst many other tried and true tips, such as excercising and getting tons of sleep, these will help you ace your final exams so that the christmas break is really something to celebrate. Another thing to keep in mind is the while preparation is key, after the exam is over, there is nothing you can do to change it. You can only try your best, so hunker down for a couple days to get the grade that truly reflects your efforts.
