Final’s week has passed! Now, the Kean community is preparing for commencement or enjoying their summer break before the fall semester. As exciting as the end of the semester is, getting through finals is a key part for all students in their college careers. Here we have some students who will share their experiences and tips for whoever will be taking finals again in the future.
Gianna Lepanto, an English major and senior at Kean University, is ready to be done with the semester just like the rest of us. It has been a rough semester, adjusting to being back in person, which also means finals week is that much more stressful. Especially for those graduating this semester, like Lepanto, it feels like more pressure to do well.
When asked how she prepares for finals, Lepanto explained, “It depends on what types of finals I have. When I had finals that involved lots of tests, I would review my notes, use them to make study guides and then spend time throughout my day reviewing those guides. When it’s more essays and projects, I try to think about how I’m going to budget my time to work on each final, when I want to have each one done by, and so forth.”
One of Lepanto’s biggest pieces of advice is to find time for things other than studying and stressing about finals. Being able to de-stress is very important because students' mental health is just as, if not more important, than grades. Spending time with friends, going on a walk, reading a book, or watching a comfort show can mean the difference between burning oneself out during finals.
When preparing for finals, Shalyn Spratt, an elementary education major explains, “I usually would "shut off the world" to study. No social media distractions. When I am done studying, I treat myself to some sort of small self-care. (Face mask, a nap, a bath/long shower, etc)”
Surely we have all heard of last minute tips and tricks to get through finals or to not procrastinate but it is something that we all do. Going from online school, including online finals, back to everything in person is definitely a change of pace. Students have had to readjust back to in person testing, which is no small feat for college students, ask any of us.
“I’m sure you’ve heard it a million times before, but don’t wait until the last minute! I’m a bit of a procrastinator myself, so I know it’s tempting, but try to tackle things early. Break down what you have to do into smaller, more manageable tasks and try to do a little bit each day. And don’t be afraid to reach out and/or make use of mental health resources if you need them! Ultimately, your health is more important than grades” added Lepanto.
Spratt suggested, “I tend to take more naps during finals because it's often exhausting and sleep lets you recharge. I also like to spend time with people who make me feel energetic and calm so I can steer clear of worrying too much.”
All students can agree that finals week is scary and stressful but is also the means to an end. Either the end of the semester for most or for some, the end of the past four years of their college experience. No matter which one it is, just remember that there are always support systems if/when you need them, especially at Kean.
