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How to Survive Hell Week: Exams Edition

HELL week, often associated with finals or examination week, can be one of the toughest times for students – bombarded with tasks, exams, and approaching deadlines. It’s essential to have effective strategies in place to overcome this challenging week. 

Whether you are a seasoned pro or still figuring out your study techniques, here are some tips to make hell week less ‘hellish’!

  1. Understand your material throughout the semester

Strive to understand your lessons as they come. This way, when exams approach, there is no need to cram as you will only need to review rather than start from scratch. Trust me, a solid foundation makes all the difference!

  1. Know your teachers’ testing styles

Understanding your teachers’ testing styles can give you a huge advantage. Some may focus on definitions, while others want to see if you can explain concepts in your own words. Tailoring your study approach based on this insight can help you prepare more effectively.

  1. Rank your subjects

Of course, every subject is important. But it’s actually wiser to start with the ones you find the easiest. Studying simpler topics first can boost your confidence and motivation. If you finish the easier subjects quickly, you’ll feel good about moving on to the more challenging ones!

So, rank subjects based on comfort and urgency, then spend more time on challenging subjects as you gain momentum.

  1. Familiarize AND memorize

It’s been an ongoing debate about whether familiarity or memorization is more effective, but for more chances of winning, why not both?

Although it may be time consuming, nothing is less efficient than memorizing information only to forget it due to overload, or reading to familiarize yourself without truly understanding the material. 

So, familiarize yourself with the concepts, then commit them to memory. This dual approach will help you make sure that when you see those exam questions, you won’t second-guess yourself.

  1. Write as you learn

Writing things down in your own words helps reinforce your understanding. If you genuinely grasp a concept, write it down! 

Doesn’t work? Then try teaching the material to someone else. If you can explain it clearly, that means you’ve truly mastered it. 

Don’t have someone to teach? No worries – talk to a wall! Don’t be shy; speaking your thoughts out loud can make a world of difference!

  1. Don’t take too much time making a reviewer

An aesthetically pleasing reviewer doesn’t guarantee better grades! If organizing your notes takes too long, you may lose sight of the purpose of studying. 

If you prefer a well-organized reviewer, then write and organize your notes as lessons come to save time.

  1. Lock in but take breaks

You don’t have to study all day, but focus on being present during your study sessions. Take small breaks to refresh your mind – stand up, walk away from that study area, stretch, or watch a quick video. 

These moments of relaxation can help you retain information better and keep you from feeling overwhelmed. You can’t keep stacking information in your head without letting it breathe, it’s not perfect!

  1. Manage information overload

If you’re faced with lengthy PowerPoint presentations, don’t let the load of information overwhelm you. Look for connections between concepts to create a mental map that makes it easier to remember. 

  1. Get enough sleep

Resting is just as important as studying, so don’t underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep! Staying up all night may seem productive, but studying after a restful sleep, or even just a nap, can give you better results. 

  1. Reward yourself

Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small! Solved a tricky problem? Treat yourself! Rewards can be motivating, and they don’t have to wait until after hell week. Incorporate mini-celebrations throughout your study sessions to keep your momentum going!

Remember,

Everything you overdo is counterproductive. Excessive studying can lead to burnout. Concentrate on your studying strategies and efforts rather than the outcome of the examinations. 

Regardless of how you feel about your performance, reward yourself – whether it’s with a well-deserved nap, a tasty treat, or hanging out with friends. 

After all, the difficulty of the exam is beyond your control; what matters is that you focus on what you can control, and that is your study efforts. 

So stay positive, work hard, and remember to take care of yourself along the way. You’ve got this!

With reports from Bea J. Larosa

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