Opinion: Find new study places for finals
As finals week approaches, stress rises as time to prepare falls. In order to avoid the repercussions of last-minute studying, start now at the best locations on campus:
It doesn’t matter where you’re at in your degree or what degree you’re getting: exams are hard. To decrease some of the pressure of it, Utah State University has resources available.
Carolina Bell, a recently hired “success coach” at Utah State University, aims to help students academically.
Bell had many suggestions on what can help students. A large part of prepping for exams is keeping yourself well-rested, well-fed and to not overload yourself.
Bell suggested studying two weeks in advance to the exam. Spend the first week trying to see which areas you have gaps and form study groups.
Study groups are essential to final exams. It allows students to collaborate, build off of each other and fill in the gaps of knowledge.
Bell said optimal study locations are dependent on the individual. Whether they thrive in quiet or bustling locations depends on the students’ needs.
Certain majors prefer different locations on campus, as well as different locations depending on if it is a group or private study.
For instance, based on a survey I recently distributed to 50 students at USU, the majority of College of Science and College of Engineering students prefer private study in the engineering building.
However, the majority of business students prefer private study to be in the Huntsman Building’s study rooms. For group studies, overwhelmingly students across all majors preferred the library. From the first-floor booths to the study rooms to the Library Media Collections, the library is a beloved place for all students to study and has numerous resources for students to check out.
Brook Harris, a psychology major, loves the LMC at the library for private study. The privacy it provides and the resources the library have help her keep focus and not need to leave the library to be productive.
The library provides rentals for laptops, chargers, headphones, calculators, whiteboard markers and other studying materials for students. In addition, they have study rooms that students can reserve up to two days in advance in order to secure a place for group studies.
Some of the locations students like to study at are “hidden gems.” To name a few: the TSC third-floor booths, the balconies in the Eccles Science Learning Center and the basement of Old Main.
Popular locations such as the library and Huntsman are busy during finals so look for less busy areas in your favorite buildings on campus. For first-year students, you can ask your teacher assistants in your classes, or your resident advisor for ideas on places to study.
As the weather starts to warm up this month, the outdoors is a perfect place to study. Research has shown studying outside lowers stress levels, increases the ability to focus and boosts memory.
Locations like the Quad and the Huntsman balconies are great locations to get fresh air and sunshine.
For final exam prep, take care of yourself and find the best location beneficial to you and your group.
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Sara Prettyman is a Maryland-born-and-raised sophomore majoring in applied mathematics. She loves drawing, running and reading.
— A02342348@usu.edu
Featured photo by Paige Johnson