As students make their way back to campus and prepare to finish the last two weeks of the semester strong, many students start to feel the stress and pressure that finals can bring. But how do they cope with that?
One student, first-year Garry Letourneau, prefers peace and quiet when studying.
“I usually hide out in my room or in the library where it is quiet,” Letourneau said.
He mentioned it was important for him to review his schedule and re-prioritize his life balance so academics come first.
“I’ll review my schedule and decide what is important or not when it comes to academics,” he said.
Letourneau added that when studying, he often creates Quizlets from his study guide, notes or the rubric, and offered advice for staying focused.
“I take breaks when I feel myself losing focus,” he said. “I take a walk or go on my phone for a minute, but then I get back to studying.”
Another student, junior Emily Hussey, discussed a similar study strategy in preparing for her upcoming finals.
“I listen to music and set timers for breaks to limit going on my phone,” she said. “I plan to set time aside to go to the library and focus on studying for the final test and projects each day.”
A similar method works for junior Ethan Stanley, who said his preferred way of studying is “being in my room with some background music playing. I throw my AirPods in, put my phone down and lock in on my computer.”
But not all students prepare early. First-year Vincent Triolo said he relies on “cramming an hour before the exam.”
“I write my notes down on paper first–I think it helps you remember more–and then I’ll go over them an hour beforehand,” Triolo said.
While some students like to cram information, Hussey said she prefers to be prepared for her finals, saying her plan is to “study in chunks of time up until the finals rather than cramming everything in a few days.”
Echoing his peers, Triolo also said he enjoys the peace, quiet and freedom from the distraction of his phone.
“I study at my desk and put my phone elsewhere and usually out of sight,” he said.
Like many students, Triolo said he can’t wait to finish the semester. He said his mentality for the last two weeks of the semester is “study now and have fun in the sun over Christmas break.”
While students study in different ways, some say support from their organizations plays a key role in keeping them focused.
“Being in a fraternity positively affects my academic habits. The brothers encourage each other to do their best and exceed in scholarship,” said Stanley, a member of the Sigma Pi fraternity.
Hussey, a member of Delta Phi Epsilon, said her sorority offers similar support.
“We have a lot of academic support and guidance in the sorority if we need it,” she said. “It’s great because we have study nights that are planned where we get together and study with each other and hold each other accountable if we need to.”
In addition to student organizations, Keene State offers formal academic support resources as well. The Aspire Program provides academic support services to help students improve their study skills, stay organized and succeed throughout the semester, according to its website. Their last KSC Study Night is Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. in Mason Library Room 104.
Student Academic Support Services was contacted but did not respond to a request for comment.
Xander Noel can be reached at
xnoel@kscequinox.com
