Category: Opinions and Advice

There are only 14 days until Christmas! But first, we have to conquer all the final exams.

A good study environment is essential to productive work. Study places on campus have become more and more crowded with students who are cramming last minute for exams. Luckily, there are some hidden gems that are yet to be discovered.

 

Irving K. Barber Learning Centre

Hours: open 24/7 from December 3 to December 18

The IKB Learning Centre is one of the most popular places for studying. It is almost impossible to find a table after 11 am on its upper floors. However, most people do not know that there is also a floor under. Walking down the stairs, you can find more seats and study rooms, and the space is generally quieter. This is ideal for those who need to concentrate for a long time as the place is open 24 hours during exam weeks.

 

Woodward Library

Hours:

Monday to Thursday: 8 am to 10 pm

Friday: 8 am to 6 pm

Saturday: 10 am to 6 pm

Sunday: 12 pm – 6 pm

The library is probably one of the closest libraries to engineering buildings. They also carry engineering related books so it is your go-to place whether you want to find a textbook or additional material for studying. The hours for this library are slightly shorter but I usually go there to clear my head and do some final review right before an exam as it is close to almost all major exam locations. My favorite part about the library is its sunshine-covered carrel desks on the second floor. When it is not raining in Vancouver, you just have to enjoy the sun.

 

Law Library at Allard Hall

Hours:

Monday to Thursday: 8:30 am to 10 pm

Friday: 8:30 am to 6 pm

Saturday to Sunday: 10 am to 6 pm

This is a library that has been highly rated among UBC students. I have not personally visited the place but it is definitely on my to-do list. The library is a quiet study space in general. During exam weeks, there are reserved tables and carrels for Law students so please observe the signage when entering.

 

Beans Around the World

Hours:

Monday to Friday: 7 am to 7 pm

Saturday and Sunday: 8 am to 6 pm

Beans Around the World is probably the best coffee you can find on campus. It is located about 10 minutes walk away from the main campus on Thunderbird Blvd. Enjoying a good walk and a cup of coffee before settling down to study on a sunny winter day in Vancouver can be so relaxing.

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