As we approach the end to another amazing school year at DSU, we know some things are really starting to pile up – including homework, projects, and finals!

So, in preparation for the stressful two weeks ahead, we’ve put together a list of eight finals week tips to help you finish off this semester with a bang! Plus, check out some of the FREE events on campus to help you cross the finish line!

  1. SLEEP

This might sound counterintuitive to some of you because we are used to staying up late to finish assignments. However, those eight hours of sleep every night is crucial to memory, creativity, and logical reasoning. These are all the things that help when it comes down to taking final exams, so make sure you put down the books and catch some Zzz’s. Get your sleep!

  1. CREATE A SCHEDULE

Time management during a busy week can help make sure you are properly prepared! Start by writing down your exam times and when certain assignments are due. Then write down specific times when you will sit down to study for an exam or work on an assignment. You can even include your planned sleep schedule and breaks in between study sessions so you are not overwhelmed.

  1. STUDY GROUPS

Most of you have been in the same classrooms with the same classmates all semester long. Get together and create a study group. Even if your schedules don’t align to where you can all meet up, creating a shared document with study information would be helpful to everyone. If you can meet up, this creates a great opportunity to quiz each other on important knowledge and have fun with your friends at the same time.

  1. FOCUS

Technology has become a huge distraction for many students and is often hard to resist. What starts as sending one text message, ends up leading you down a rabbit hole of never-ending scrolling. Next thing you know it’s been an hour and you still have a blank page. To help with these distractions, try downloading an app like Forest or Pomodoro Timer. These apps help motivate you to stay off your phone and focus on what you need to get done – if anything, give it a try!

  1. EAT WELL

Along with getting a healthy amount of sleep each night, you should be maintaining a healthy diet and trying to incorporate more brain foods. Things like protein, berries, avocados, dark chocolate, nuts, fish and red, green and orange veggies, all stimulate your brain and provide it with the essential nutrients to keep working hard.  

  1. FIND YOUR STUDY METHOD

Whether it’s flash cards or color-coding notes, finding the study method that works best with your learning style and your class is essential to truly grasping the material before a big exam or project. Don’t be afraid to try new methods and adjust them to your liking so you benefit from the studying that you are doing.

  1. TAKE BREAKS

It may feel like you have no time to take breaks from all the studying, but it is crucial to give your mind and body a break from all the intense studying. Working in short time increments has been shown to be more beneficial than studying for hours on end. So, include breaks in your schedule and go for a walk, cook, clean, hang out with friends or just sit back and relax to get your mind off the stress for a bit.

  1. USE CAMPUS RESOURCES

It’s not too late to schedule a study session with a tutor or your professor to ask those important questions. Sometimes hearing the content from another person's perspective can help and a tutor might be able to tell you what helped them get through their finals. Office hours with your professor might help you narrow down what they are looking for in your assignments or they can look over your drafts before you turn them in so you can receive feedback.

Feeling overwhelmed? – Stop by our Counseling and Health Services office (Stickney Hall 119) and get the support you need to get through finals week!

In addition to the eight tips, clubs and organizations on campus have set up FREE events for DSU students to enjoy and take a break from the stress of finals!

Wednesday, May 3 –

  • Walk-In Wednesday! – sponsored by Counseling and Health Services
    • 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. – Stickney Hall 119
      • No appointment needed! Come by Stickney Hall 119 and talk about stress, concerns or how to utilize support to plan for finals week! The DSU Counseling and Health Services office is here to help
  • End of Year Picnic – sponsored by Sodexo and Residence Life
    • 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. – King Pavilion
      • Come enjoy and celebrate the end of another academic year with friends and colleagues! Outdoor picnic and yard games provided!
  • Relaxation Night! – sponsored by Campus Activities Board
    • 4 – 8 p.m. – Student Center Foyer
      • Take a break from studying for finals! Enjoy an oxygen bar, massage chairs, spinal alignment, and more!

Sunday, May 7 –

  • Finals Breakfast – sponsored by Student Senate
    • 9 – 11 p.m. – The Perch

Monday, May 8 –

  • Monday Morning Treats! – sponsored by Student Senate and Student Ambassadors
    • 9 – 11 a.m. – various locations
      • Student Center – Zingers
      • May Hall – Muffins
      • Murphy Hall – Donuts
      • Klinefelter Hall – Cookies
      • Ag Building - Coffee