In my (almost) three years at UBC, I have seen multiple ways to prepare for finals. My friends have slightly different study habits than me, their friends probably do things differently, and I’m pretty sure there is no set ‘way’ to study. I do though believe that there are things that anyone can do to improve their study habits, or to find the study technique that works best for them. With that in mind, here are my three study tips for you as we begin this finals season.
Follow your Learning Style
Some people are visual learners, others learn by listening, I myself learn best by writing or reading, and the list goes on… Each person has a unique learning style, and by experimenting, can learn what works best for them. When studying for your finals;
- Follow how you best learn, whether that’s rewriting your notes, practicing examples, discussing the subject with someone… etc.
- Know what works for you and follow it. Also know what doesn’t work for you and don’t focus on it.
- Don’t be afraid to try new learning styles and study techniques! You will definitely learn something new about the material or about yourself 😀
Study Alone AND With a Group
Studying in a group is great! You can work on concepts together, explain to each other, and support one another during this more stressful time. Although working together is a great way to study, it should not be your only way of studying! I believe that studying alone is just as important and should come before and after group study sessions.
Before a group study session, you should go through the material, test your knowledge, practice the ideas, and get a general grasp of concepts.
After a group session, you have likely done some practice, discussed the material with your buddies, and now have a good understanding of the subject. This is the best time to apply that knowledge by practicing some problems alone and making sure that you can solve questions in an exam-like situation.
Stay Healthy
Although not a study tip, staying healthy and in tip-top condition is vital during this finals season. For me, staying healthy means;
- Making sure to get enough sleep every night
- Making sure to eat well and drink plenty of water
- Staying active by doing exercise or going for walks and getting some fresh air
- Taking some time for self care in between study sessions
- Staying connected with friends and family for support