It’s that time of the semester where students’ diets consist solely of carbohydrates and caffeine — finals week.
While preparing for final exams can seem daunting and overwhelming, Erin Wheeler, Center for Academic Success learning strategies consultant, said the first step for students is to create a master plan prioritizing which classes require the most studying and which ones will be most time-consuming.
Wheeler said it’s imperative that students figure out their learning styles so they can best prepare for final exams. She said the CAS website offers short surveys in which students can assess their learning styles and follow study techniques accordingly.
Briana Sicard, mass communication junior, said she prepares for exams by forming study groups with classmates and meeting at off-campus coffee shops.
“I do a lot better when there’s back and forth verbalizing,” Sicard said.
Final exams usually represent a hefty portion of students’ grades, which leads to high stress and anxiety, especially for students who do not normally respond well to high-pressure tests.
For those students, Wheeler said the solution is “one part preparation, one part mental.”
Students who do not thrive in intense testing situations should prepare for the exam well in advance and avoid cramming, Wheeler said. She said students should practice positive self-talk and take a minute to compose themselves before taking exams.
Julie Hupperich, associate director of the Student Health Center, said the center typically notices a high demand in mental- health services around final exam week.
“Unfortunately, people don’t establish study habits like they should throughout the semester, and then [around finals] they have high stress and pressure and seek services to cope with the situation,” Hupperich said. “It’s difficult to make up in a few weeks what you neglected for months.”
The Student Health Center encourages students to be proactive early in the semester, Hupperich said.
“Procrastination is unavoidable,” said Jacob McMahon, history and political science sophomore. “I drink lots of coffee and commit myself to misery.”
Hupperich said students should avoid drowning themselves in caffeine because the side effects make studying more difficult by hindering concentration and interrupting sleep habits.
She said its important that students sleep seven to eight hours per night and maintain a healthy diet.
While no foods have been proven to enhance brain activity, the best study snacks should be a mix of protein and carbohydrates, Hupperich said.
“I like to study at CEBA. I just go there and find a quiet, empty classroom,” said Hoa Tran, microbiology senior.
Tran said she typically starts studying the week before finals.
“My friends help me [when I’m feeling stressed],” Tran said. “I’m bad at managing stress.”
Middleton Library is open until 2 a.m. today and Saturday and will be open 24 hours during Monday through Thursday of finals week, according to the library’s website.
 
—————
Contact Emily Herrington at eherrinton @lsureveille.com