Spring Finals: Your Guide to Finishing Strong by: Delani Bauer

Finals week at Hardin-Simmons University will begin on May 6, and continue through May 9.

The official spring final schedule has been provided to students in preparation for the semester’s conclusion.  The schedule outlines each class's designated testing times. While finals week is often associated with high stress levels, it provides students with an opportunity to finish the semester strongly.  HSU supplies numerous resources to all students, setting them up for academic success.

To maximize success in the classroom, students are encouraged to take proactive steps in preparation.  These steps all contribute to a well-balanced, high achieving and less stressful finals experience.

Finals Week Tips

Be in communication with your professor.  Each course syllabus outlines the professor's weekly office hours.  This dedicates time for students to ask questions or seek clarification.  HSU’s professors are committed to student success and are willing to help each student.  Taking the extra time to meet with your professor can increase your understanding of the course material.

Create study groups.  Studying with classmates can provide new insights and perspectives on material.  Group study sessions help clarify difficult concepts and keep students motivated.  Additionally, they provide students with a sense of community, holding each other accountable for their exam preparation.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle.  A well-balanced diet and regular physical activity are key to overall well-being.  Proper nutrition fuels the mind and body, allowing you to stay focused and alert for exams.  Physical activity not only releases stress, but also improves cognitive functioning. 

Get enough sleep.  A recommended eight hours of sleep each night is essential for college students during exam week.  Sleeping allows the brain to rest and recharge, improving memory retention and cognitive functioning.  Prioritizing rest sets the body and mind up for success.

Take breaks and prepare early.  Breaks are an important part of the studying process, allowing the brain time to process new information.  Studying earlier reduces the habit of last minute cram studying, ensuring the material is retained over time.  The earlier you begin, there is more opportunity for breaks, leading to reduced stress levels.

Stay organized.  Keeping a well-written planner or calendar ensures that all assignments are completed on time, helping in preparation for finals week.  Shay West, sophomore mechanical engineering major from Wall says, “I write down everything that I have to do and check it off as I complete each assignment.  This helps me feel productive and on top of everything.”