Finals Week Survival Guide

As finals week approaches, students across NDSU’s campus are beginning to review material, complete assignments and prepare for cumulative exams. Finals week is May 11-15 and is often a stressful time for many students.

With increased academic pressure and limited time remaining, effective preparation strategies can play a key role in student performance.

Final exams and projects account for a significant portion of students’ grades, making preparation essential. Creating a study plan, managing time effectively and maintaining these strategies can also help students approach exams with confidence.

Creating a study schedule is one of the first steps students can take before finals. Breaking study time into smaller sessions allows for manageable workloads. This workload can also reduce the chances of becoming overwhelmed.

Focusing on challenging subjects is another important strategy. Prioritizing more difficult material allows students to strengthen weaker areas before exams begin. This can improve overall understanding and performance.

Addison Miller, a first-year student at North Dakota State University, said she was most productive while studying for midterms last fall when she left her dorm room and used study rooms in her residence hall. She said changing locations helped her stay focused and avoid distractions. Miller also found the Minard coffee shop on campus to be an effective study location.

North Dakota State University offers a variety of study spaces for students seeking alternatives to their living environments. In addition to the Minard coffee shop, the Memorial Union provides multiple seating areas suitable for studying. Newer buildings such as Sugihara Hall and A.G. Hill offer bright, naturally lit spaces for students who prefer studying in sunlight.

A.G. Hill also includes private study rooms equipped with whiteboards and televisions. These spaces support collaborative or individual study sessions. Many students use these features to review their material more effectively.

ACE Tutoring is another resource available to students on campus. Students can schedule appointments or do a drop-in style session for subject-specific assistance. This service is free and available to all students. For more information, visit their website at https://www.ndsu.edu/ace/tutoring.

The university library also provides study spaces and academic support. Students can reserve study rooms, which often fill quickly during finals week. The library also offers a writing center for students seeking help with written assignments. For hours and more information on these services, visit https://library.ndsu.edu/.

Online resources can also support the studying for the upcoming final tests. Platforms such as Quizlet and Kahoot provide interactive ways to review material. Study groups can also be effective by promoting accountability and shared learning.

Jocelyn Kilber, a first-year student at NDSU, said turning off her phone during study sessions helped her stay productive. She said limiting distractions made it easier to focus on assignments. Kilber also said writing information on a whiteboard and reviewing material out loud improved her ability to retain information.

Because study habits vary from student to student, identifying the methods that work best for everyone can play a key role in effective exam preparation.

Maintaining healthy habits is also important during finals week. Getting enough sleep, eating regularly and taking breaks can support overall performance and focus.

Finals week remains a demanding time, but preparation can make it more manageable.

By starting early and using effective strategies and campus resources, students can approach finals week with greater organization. Strong preparation can support academic success and reduce stress.