The Daily Campus

Issue date: 12/8/08 Section: Commentary

Media Credit: Nicole Harris

So, finals are finally here. This brings late nights in the library fueled by coffee and energy drinks. You would think that students would be good at handling stress and managing time by now. We do it every semester right? But this of course is not the case. Students need to learn how to properly manage their stress levels during this time of the semester.

High stress can adversely affect exam preparation and study habits.

The final exam schedule is put online fairly early in the semester. We are all aware of just how much time we have to study and how much material is expected to be on the exam. I wonder how many people start studying for finals after their last exam. Or maybe even two weeks before the end of classes. I don't know about you, but I definitely did not spend my Thanksgiving break going over my notes or doing all the readings I've been putting off. But guess what, now I have my first exam today and now I'm stressed! We're given so much time to study, but procrastination affects all of us.

Time management is not something students are best at and this is clearly shown during finals. If you really look at your schedule for finals week, only eight to 10 hours of your time is devoted to time in class taking your exams. There is so much more free time than a normal class week, but do we spend our free time productively? I definitely don't.

Study schedules are a great way to try to and tackle this issue. Try to bring out the over-achiever in yourself and plan your study time. It is usually helpful to alternate your subjects because it is supposed to aid memorization. Also, don't forget to take a break every now and then. All that studying really will burn you out and drive you crazy.

In addition to spending enough time studying, it is really important to make sure you eat and sleep properly. I know every teacher since second grade and the "Stall Street News" have been telling you to get a full night's rest and a good breakfast before an important test, but it really is the truth. Just because the library is open 24 hours, it should not be your home for the next week. Get some sleep! Sleeping helps you to retain the facts you have been cramming into your head all day. Without some sleep time, you'll really lose out on all the studying you already forced yourself to do. Eating right is also very important, regardless of the quality of the dining hall food. No dining hall can ruin cereal, bagels and salad. Listen to your mom for once and try to get your eight hours and eat your fruits and veggies.

Finals are not the end of the world. Bad grades will not ruin your life. It is not worth giving yourself a nervous breakdown if you can avoid it. It is very important to try your hardest, but make sure to do it the right way. Spend your free time next week studying, sleeping normally and eating a balanced, nutritious diet and you'll perform well on your exam. Good luck!



Weekly Columnist Megan Lynch is a 3rd-semester political science and criminal justice double major. She can be contacted at Megan.Lynch@UConn.edu.

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