Tips for finals week!

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Finals are coming … or whatever Eddard Stark said in “Game of Thrones.”

All jokes aside, finals week is upon us. Which means it’s time to cram a semester’s worth of work in just one week and hope we make it out alive and kicking. This week is one of stress for some and a cakewalk for others.

If you’re like me, you might be needing a tip or two about how to gain an edge in studying or what things are going on around campus to help you. 

So here are some tips to help you for finals week at Ottawa.

1. Be on the lookout for free food

The caf likes to put on late-night events such as late-night nachos or late-night breakfast for students who need a break from studying and could use a snack to eat. Make sure to check your student emails or look for bright signs around campus for more information. Did I mention that there are prizes involved?

2. Attend a review session if allowed

In-person or virtually, review sessions offer vital information you want to know about. Including exam format, important topics and key concepts you should be focusing your studies on.

3. Ask questions

Your teachers, professors and TA’s are there to help! Ask them questions regarding the material and the exam so that you’re prepared when test time arrives. Don’t be afraid to ask, and definitely don’t feel stupid for asking questions, either. Chances are that if you’re confused, someone else is, too. 

4. Quiz yourself

If you think about and create actual exam questions, you will likely become more familiar with what you need to study and, in the meantime, familiarize yourself with the type of language that will be on the exam.

Draft potential exam questions and quiz yourself so that you can set expectations of what you need to focus on.

5. Take breaks

You won’t be able to memorize or comprehend all the material at once. Balance is key -- ensure that you reward learning with break times to recharge and relax.

6. Make it fun

I know studying can be boring and feel like a drag. It's easier to focus if you adapt to studying by quizzing yourself, creating acronyms or rewarding yourself for a job well done. Create a game plan -- literally -- that allows you to accomplish tasks and be rewarded for each.

7. Organize a socially distant study group

It can be helpful to study in groups ... sometimes. Evaluate whether or not studying with others will be beneficial to the subject as well as your learning process. Consider setting up a Zoom meeting or a Facebook chat to embrace social distancing.

Hopefully, these tips will help you with finals week! This semester has definitely been one for the books. Make sure to finish it off by doing the best you can!