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November 22, 2019

Finish the Semester Strong! Tips & Tactics for Finals Season

Yes, we’ve all heard it. It is important to finish the semester strong. With November halfway over, most students have hit that point in the semester where they are making plans for Thanksgiving break. Students may be ready to go home for winter break, however professors are assigning projects, test and the dreaded December finals.

As a student, it can be hard to keep up with studying, assignment due dates and focusing on tests. Here are some tips and tactics for preparing for a strong finish to the semester:

  • Be an organized and detailed planner: Keep track of all assignments, coursework and exam dates. And make it visible!
  • Chunk the work into daily bites: Set goals by chapters, number of pages or by course to make sure you are getting your reading done. Rank your assignments by priority, make sure the A’s (top priority) get done every day. Get a few of the B’s (the nice to get done and be ahead of schedule), and maybe a C (lower priority based on your workload timeline). Listening to music may help to calm you down, too. 
  • Do your best to stay healthy: Try your best to stay well hydrated, eat healthy (save those sweets for the break!) and make sure you eat something for breakfast (a meal that is too often skipped).
  • Treat yourself to your favorite coffee: We all know that caffeine is key for finals season, so why not have your favorite cup of “Joe?” Jitters Café, Tim Hortons and Dunkin’ are all within walking distance of Roberts! The study café at the library has great hot and cold drink choices and a nice selection of sweets and snacks, too.
  • Get your rest: Get a full night’s sleep to give your body a chance to recharge for the next day. You probably will have to put in some late nights, which is understandable, just stay away from the all-nighter.
  • Have a support system: Reach out to your friend group. Create a plan to meet (time & date) so you can simply study together for moral support – you may also actually get your work done! You can also team up with the people in your class to work on the material you need to know for finals.
  • And, remember to call your parents and let them know you’re doing okay!

As a parent, you may be thinking about all those finals and anticipating having your student home for the holidays. Here are a few things you can do to make the end of the semester a bit easier for them:

  • Send a care package: Start with your student’s favorite candy! Then add nuts, coffee, protein bars and other healthy snacks. A short letter or card will also make this package a bit more special.
  • Motivate them to study: Encourage your student to try something new like joining a study group connected to a class, going to the learning center or studying at a new place on campus or at a nearby coffee shop.
  • Listen: If your student is being too tough on himself/herself, listen and then help by re-focusing their efforts. Sometimes a “you can do it” can go a long way. And don’t forget to mention a few achievements from the semester. Ask them to do their best, and remind them that they don’t have to be perfect. Remind them to take a deep breath and as stressful as this time is, they need to relax in order to get the work done.
  • Just be there: The semester, and the year, is winding down. They may be excited about finishing up, but sad about leaving friends for the winter break. Welcome them home in a way that is special to them and you – with a favorite food, movie or way to “chill.”
  • Send them an encouraging text: They will appreciate your words of encouragement!

It’s a busy time of year with many due dates for papers, projects and presentations. So, before you get to work on those final assignments, make a plan and gather your study guides for everything you need to do and know. We hope you find these tips and tactics helpful as you strive to survive the end of the semester workload and finals week! Finish strong Redhawks!


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