How to study for finals

According to a study conducted by the University of California Santa Barbara, students study an average of 14 hours a week. Photo by flickr user Nadiaux

 By Sandy Hoang and Lindsay Danley

1. Plan ahead – Before you study, plan what you are going to do before. Stay organized and make a schedule for yourself so you can set aside time for studying and time for relaxing. It will save you a lot of time and stress!

2. Ask questions – Better to ask for clarification now than later! Wording in a textbook can sometimes be confusing, so write down questions as you are reading to ask in class.

3. Choose a good place to study – Find a spot that is quiet and comfortable. Make sure there are no major distractions in your study area so you can stay focused and accomplish more in the time you have set aside to study.

4. Take breaks – Sometimes, a few minutes of clearing your mind could do wonders! Make sure that after a couple hours of working, you take some time to relax so you don’t burn out or overload on work. After a short break, it will allow you to return to your studies refreshed and ready to keep pushing through!

5. Eat healthy – Don’t forget to eat a lot of food with vitamins and proteins in it. Just because you don’t have time to make food doesn’t mean you should opt for ramen or junk food. Make yourself a peanut butter and jelly sandwich to give yourself energy during the day to last through your exams!

6. Sleep early – Sleeping early is actually more beneficial than staying up the night before trying to cram study. It helps you recall more material during your exam, and you will feel more refreshed and focused.

7. Reward yourself! After all your hard work, remember to reward yourself! Work for a couple hours then reward yourself with a nice treat or watching one episode of your favorite TV show.