Final words of advice for finals week

May 10, 2016 | by Sarah Olson

As the stress of finals week sets in, it’s easy to forget basic rules for success: eat healthy meals, sleep regularly, take breaks. But these healthy habits will boost your performance when paired with smart study habits.

Ace your finals week with these tips to stay calm, healthy, and focused.

Before your exams…


8 tips for studying smarter

Re-reading is inefficient. Instead, try drawing visuals and testing yourself with flashcards. Your study time is precious, so make the most of it!

 

 

 

10-minute breaks 10 different ways
Get outside, take a deep breath, or bust a move. Studies show taking breaks boosts productivity and creativity. You can also find guided meditations here.


During crunch time…


 Sleep is the key to finals week

If there is one thing you need during finals week, it’s sleep. Unfortunately, sleep is the first thing students usually give up during exams. Try these tips for better sleep.

 

 

 

Undergraduates kick off a new academic year on the first day of class in a Nutritional Sciences 132: Nutrition Today course taught by senior lecturer Peter Anderson in Agricultural Hall at the University of Wisconsin-Madison on Sept. 2, 2011. (Photo by Bryce Richter / UW-Madison)

Test anxiety tips
Visualize yourself acing the exam, moving smoothly through difficult problems. If you panic during an exam, take a deep breath to refocus.

 

After the frenzy…


 End of semester reflection

As the semester ends, take a minute to reflect on your accomplishments. What went well? What was challenging? How could you make next semester better?

 

 

 

4 places to sell back your textbooks
Don’t throw your expensive textbooks away or let them gather dust in a box! Many online retailers will buy used books, or sell them back to the University Bookstore.

 

 

 

Graduates put their creativity on display with decorated and W-themed mortarboards during UW-Madison's spring commencement ceremony outdoors at Camp Randall Stadium at the University of Wisconsin-Madison on May 17, 2014. The graduation event is being held at Camp Randall for the first time in more than two decades and is expected to be attended by approximately 5,400 bachelor's and master's degree candidates and their guests. (Photo by Bryce Richter/UW-Madison)

Your post-graduation health
So you graduated, but now what? Transitioning from college to professional life can sometimes feel overwhelming. Try these tips to stay physically and mentally healthy.