A graphic showcasing the phrase, “Tips for Finals Week” | Graphic Credit / Isabella Beyl
“Finals week” is an annual event that occurs at the end of every academic semester across most universities in the United States.
The week is comprised of mass, singular, or grouped final examinations, otherwise known as “exams.” Exams are tests given to students to apply the content they learned during the semester. Final exams can range from any time, usually beginning at 7:30 a.m. and running as late as 7:00 p.m.
The University of Tennessee at Martin will be hosting ‘finals week’ beginning Dec. 1 and going until Dec. 8 to end the Fall 2023 academic semester. Students who are choosing to leave for holiday break may have the ability to leave when their last final is completed.
Finals week can be incredibly stressful for most students, especially those new to college or major exam taking. It is important to remember helpful tips when preparing for test taking, such as working on a study routine and schedule. It is equally important for students to recognize their limits when handling stressful situations to ensure they don’t become too overwhelmed and perform poorly. Below are a few helpful tips to remove some of the stress from finals week and help finish the academic semester strong.
1.) Make a plan
It is essential to have a plan before tackling tough subjects. A student’s personalized study plan could include creating an exam schedule to prepare for which courses have final exams- Or when the best time to take a nap may be. Plans may also list written dates, times and schedules for which student organization one is a part of to ensure if there are any meetings left before the semester ends. This can also be helpful to visualize when the next time to study may be, or if there’s any work left to finish up before the end of the semester.
By staying organized with a plan, students may find that there are less stressors during finals week, along with much less to keep up with mentally. It is recommended to carry a planner at the start of the semester, however students can just as easily access their Google calendar or Canvas calendar and receive notifications for exam day(s). Additionally, a professor’s syllabus traditionally includes the date, time, and location of their final exam.
If a plan or schedule is made, it is important to follow what guide a student has set up for themself. Being able to see what classes have been completed visually, what assignments are left, and when there’s time to take a break can help minimize stress and keep students focused on exam day.
2.) Start studying early
While this may seem a bit typical, it is equally as important. Students who begin studying early tend to perform much better on exams and quizzes. This could be explained by a lack of stress, more time to rest, and being able to balance the appropriate amount of socializing students have between classes and/or work.
Procrastination is no stranger to most college students. However, it is critical during finals not to push work off until the last minute, especially if your major requires a project, thesis, or portfolio instead of an exam. It may be helpful to form a study group with friends or people in your major. There may be benefits to having break-out sessions in place of a free period. Students can utilize the study rooms in the library for the dry-erase boards for note taking, giving a presentation to a group, or by creating flashcards to quiz each other.
If studying alone is preferred, students can find a quiet place in most buildings on campus and get to work. Students should turn their phones to silent mode, play some music if it helps, and grab some colorful pens to take notes. During finals week, students should allow more time between exams and rest to study for harder quizzes. While consuming caffeine can help boost energy momentarily, when consumed late in the day, caffeine stimulates the nervous system and may stop the body from naturally relaxing at night. It will probably be much harder to focus on note-taking if a restful night wasn’t given beforehand.
3.) Utilize resources
Students who attend UTM are given several different opportunities and resources to help with academic success. A student’s personalized plan could consist of utilizing the Supplemental Instructions (SI) courses, the UT Martin Writing Center in Paul Meek Library, or the Mathematics Learning Center in The Latimer-Smith Engineering and Science building. Students can also go to the Writing Center and receive feedback on their writing assignments and papers. This is especially helpful for courses that require a written paper or research project at the end of the semester. The Writing Center is on the first floor of the Paul Meek Library.
By visiting the Math Tutoring Lab, located in Latimer-Smith 202, students can receive help in various mathematics courses, including algebra, trigonometry, calculus, and statistics. An online alternative is also available for students.
The hours for the Mathematics Learning Center are as follows:
9 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays
9 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Fridays
The Mathematics Learning Center is closed for training on Tuesdays from noon to 1 p.m. These hours may be adjusted during finals week. Students can also talk to their professors during ‘Office Hours’ which is time set aside by professors to meet with students and discuss grades, assignments, and to give advice. If there is an issue in the course, whether it’s grading or homework, talk to the professor and try to figure out a plan that can help with success.
These are simply a few tips students can follow during finals week to help minimize stress and become more successful. If courses and exams become overwhelming, students are encouraged to stop by the Student Resource Center in the University Center for activities to help calm down and unwind. Students should practice mindfulness techniques, such as guided breathing and remember to eat nutritional food and get plenty of rest.
