With finals approaching, some Utah Tech students are hitting the books, reserving study rooms and finding strategies to stay productive through the stress.
Study rooms
There are options on campus to study. The Holland Centennial Commons is full of resources and study spots. You are able to reserve a room for any time you need.
The Campus View Suites all have study spots in them as well. They have small study rooms in each building to reserve on each floor. This is another option if you live on campus or the Holland is full.
The General Classroom Building and Science, Engineering, and Technology Building both have designated private study spots too.
Study techniques
After finding your go-to study place, find tricks and techniques for studying that work best for you, whether that is writing on a whiteboard, creating note cards or making practice quizzes.
Harvard University released an article with 10 study tips to study like a Harvard student. Those tips included:
- Plan ahead
- Use the buddy system
- Take breaks
- Reward yourself
- Set specific goals
While every tip doesn’t have to be used, finding what works for you will help you study more effectively.
“I make PowerPoints out of notes, and so at the end of the semester, I have all of the PowerPoints to look back on,” said Saige Coates, a senior nursing major from Herriman.
Creating PowerPoints lets you review your notes as you go, while also making the process more enjoyable. Then you can color-coordinate your notes, making it easier to memorize the information.
“For nursing specifically, concept maps are really helpful,” Coates said. “For me, that’s really helpful because I can draw it out and I can see everything in one spot.”
Another resource to use can be fellow classmates. You’ll both have to study the same material, so study together and quiz each other. It can be beneficial to learn from your peers.
Prioritize your mental health, sleep and physical well-being. It is one of the most important things to do. If you over-stress yourself, you won’t be able to sleep which does affect your academic performance.
Taking breaks allows your brain to refocus and can help boost your retention.
“Using a list, organizing what needs to be done by due dates, and prioritizing assignments that are worth more can help you stay organized and focused during the stressful weeks,” said Carson Gallacher, a freshman biology major from Provo.
Test anxiety can reduce your confidence, so finding a way to recognize your testing style and build that confidence to help you perform better, Coates said.
Testing accommodations
Utah Tech offers testing accommodations through the Accessibility and Disability Center for students diagnosed with anxiety, attention deficit disorder or depression. To receive accommodations, students must register with the center and provide documentation of their condition. Once approved, the center notifies professors of the accommodations, which may include extended testing time, a quiet room or other exam resources.
The Booth Wellness Center can also help students by diagnosing conditions such as anxiety. After meeting with a therapist, students can receive the necessary documentation to qualify for accommodations.
“My biggest thing for avoiding stress when it comes to tests is just remembering they don’t exist until I have to take them,” said Jessica Anderson, a senior communication studies major from Cedar City. “I schedule my time to block it out and take the test. That way you’re not stressed and anxious.”
