Finals Survival

Final Exams are fast approaching, which can push students into panic mode overload. Before the panic and anticipation begins to control you, there are some tips, tricks, and resources provided at DSU to help you succeed during this stressful time frame.

According to the Student Health Service at the University of Connecticut, there are 7 general tips to “finals success.” These tips include:

1)Start as soon as possible. If you tend to procrastinate, challenge your excuses. Cramming is counterproductive.

2)Make sure to get a good night sleep. “All-nighters” do more damage than good. Studies show that lack of sleep can reduce your test-taking effectiveness by as much as 25%.

3)Know your best time for studying. This means that it may be in the morning or night Use the non-productive times to take those needed breaks.

4)Make sure to eat well within a Balance Diet. Healthy eating maintains energy levels and helps with concentration, Include energy- packed foods such as yogurt, cheese and crackers, tuna, veggies, hummus and trail mix.

5)Avoid the “Body Crunch”. Good ergonomics at the computer, desk, or wherever you do your work maximizes your efforts.

6)Avoid alcohol and large amounts of caffeine. Alcohol slows your brain functions. Caffeine in excess can lead to sugar craving and sleeplessness.

7)Balance your mind-body connection. You have the ability to manage your frustrations. If you feel overwhelmed, stop and regroup, because your thoughts are powerful tools.

Also in contribution to the seven successful tips, the DSU library may become your best friend within the next few weeks, or your dorm room depending on where you are most comfortable when studying. If you do decide to camp-out in the library it is important to know the schedule for library hours during finals week. Midnight hours beginning Tuesday Nov 30: Sunday through Thursday, 8am to midnight; Fridays, 8am to 5 pm; closed Saturdays. There will be tempting goodies, such as cookies, hot chocolate, tea etc. beginning at 9pm during the midnight hour schedule, which will help with motivation to complete the preparation towards finals. The library also offers spaces for individual and group studying.

According DSU Research Library Assistant Rise Smith, there are many resources available to make your studying experience more useful. For example, if you have an upcoming final presentation there is help for practicing a PowerPoint presentation in the DSU Library room 201, by checking out the projector remote at the front desk. There are video cameras, audio recorders and other equipment are available for checkout to facilitate towards projects or memorization for studying.

The main piece of advice regarding successful finals, according to Smith, “ask for help.” There are tutors, librarians, and other staff members are ready to help students succeed during what can be considered a stressful short period of time.

Hopefully these tips and tricks will prove triumph for finals and remain mindful for spring semester, which will payoff in the end. This payoff includes your DSU college degree and steps towards a thriving future.

Danielle Rowe Final Exams are fast approaching, which can push students into panic mode overload. Before the panic and anticipation begins to control you, there are some tips, tricks, and resources provided at DSU to help you succeed during this stressful time frame. According to the Student Health Service at the University of Connecticut, there are 7 general tips to “finals success.” These tips include:1)Start as soon as possible. If you tend to procrastinate, challenge your excuses. Cramming is counterproductive.2)Make sure to get a good night sleep. “All-nighters” do more damage than good. Studies show that lack of sleep can reduce your test-taking effectiveness by as much as 25%.3)Know your best time for studying. This means that it may be in the morning or night Use the non-productive times to take those needed breaks.4)Make sure to eat well within a Balance Diet. Healthy eating maintains energy levels and helps with concentration, Include energy- packed foods such as yogurt, cheese and crackers, tuna, veggies, hummus and trail mix.5)Avoid the “Body Crunch”. Good ergonomics at the computer, desk, or wherever you do your work maximizes your efforts.6)Avoid alcohol and large amounts of caffeine. Alcohol slows your brain functions. Caffeine in excess can lead to sugar craving and sleeplessness.7)Balance your mind-body connection. You have the ability to manage your frustrations. If you feel overwhelmed, stop and regroup, because your thoughts are powerful tools.Also in contribution to the seven successful tips, the DSU library may become your best friend within the next few weeks, or your dorm room depending on where you are most comfortable when studying. If you do decide to camp-out in the library it is important to know the schedule for library hours during finals week. Midnight hours beginning Tuesday Nov 30: Sunday through Thursday, 8am to midnight; Fridays, 8am to 5 pm; closed Saturdays. There will be tempting goodies, such as cookies, hot chocolate, tea etc. beginning at 9pm during the midnight hour schedule, which will help with motivation to complete the preparation towards finals. The library also offers spaces for individual and group studying.According DSU Research Library Assistant Rise Smith, there are many resources available to make your studying experience more useful. For example, if you have an upcoming final presentation there is help for practicing a PowerPoint presentation in the DSU Library room 201, by checking out the projector remote at the front desk. There are video cameras, audio recorders and other equipment are available for checkout to facilitate towards projects or memorization for studying. The main piece of advice regarding successful finals, according to Smith, “ask for help.” There are tutors, librarians, and other staff members are ready to help students succeed during what can be considered a stressful short period of time. Hopefully these tips and tricks will prove triumph for finals and remain mindful for spring semester, which will payoff in the end. This payoff includes your DSU college degree and steps towards a thriving future.