Finals are coming up fast! Whether you’re feeling ready or a little behind, starting now is your secret weapon.Early preparation doesn’t just reduce stress; it allows your brain to form stronger, lasting memories (ditching the useless cramming!) so you walk into the exam room feeling calm, confident, and well-prepared.This guide walks you through setting up a powerful strategy, from planning your schedule and using evidence-based techniques to leveraging smart tools and prioritizing your well-being.
Before You Start Studying
- Set SMART goals for each study session. Make each study session clear and doable: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Rather than “study English,” try “review chapters 2–5 and make notes in one hour.”
- Create a time-blocked study schedule. Use a physical or digital calendar (like Google or Apple Calendar) to block out specific time slots for studying, working around your non-negotiables (classes, meals, etc.). Time blocking means you commit to when and for how long you will work, ensuring you spread sessions out over many days to prevent over-scheduling and cramming.
- Prioritize wisely. Start your day or study session with the hardest or least fun tasks first (“eat your frogs first”) so the rest flows easier. Focus on exams that are sooner or subjects you’ve studied or understand less.
- Choose your best time and place. Are you more alert in the morning, or do you find yourself with more energy in the evening? Do you study best alone, or do you need others around you to keep you accountable? Be intentional about finding the environment that helps you stay focused.
While You’re Studying
- Use proven techniques:
- Spaced repetition: Revisit content in intervals, not just once right before the exam (e.g., if you have two weeks until your exam, review on days 1, 3, 6, 9, 11, and then do a final review the day before the exam, on day 14).
- Active recall: Test yourself!Instead of just passively rereading your notes, try practice questions or writing down what you remember without looking at your notes and flashcards.This works because your brain strengthens memory by pulling information out, not just passively taking it in.
- Feynman technique: Pick a topic and try to teach it to a friend, a pet, or even a rubber duck. If you struggle to explain something, that’s your cue to review.
- Mnemonics: Turn abstract information or phrases into acronyms to help you memorize. For example, turn Aristotle’s rhetorical appeals (Ethos, Pathos, Logos) into the phrase “Every Person Listens.”
- Study in focused bursts: Try the Pomodoro method: 25 minutes of study, 5-minute break.Repeat for a total of four sessions, then take a longer break.
- Mix it up: Switch subjects every so often to avoid fatigue and help your brain connect ideas.
Tools to Make Studying Easier
Here are some tools you may find helpful.
- Spaced Repetition Flashcards (For definitions, formulas, vocabulary): Try Anki for a powerful digital option or use physical flashcards.
- Note Organization & AI Synthesis (For making review easier): Use NotebookLM to organize all your course materials (notes, slides, readings) into a single source. It can generate summaries and practice questions, build glossaries or mind maps, and even produce audio summaries (like a personalized podcast!) so you can review on the go.Alternatively, you can create a classic hand-drawn mind map to see connections visually.
- Practice Exam Generators (For simulating test conditions): Use SmartExam.io for customized quizzes or simply use the review questions found at the end of your textbook chapters or the ones you’ve generated yourself for some great active recall.
- Focus Timers (For staying on track during study sessions): Use Pomofocus for a dedicated timer or just use the timer on your phone for the Pomodoro method.
During the Exam
- Take a calming breath before you start (see our Calming Techniques section for more ideas).
- Start with a quick brain dump. As soon as the exam begins, write down formulas, dates, acronyms or any other details you might forget.
- Scan the whole exam first. This helps you spot easy wins, plan your time, and not have any surprises.Be sure to check both sides of each page so you don’t miss anything.
- Stick to your timing. If a question is taking too long, move on and come back later.Don’t let one question eat up your whole exam.
General Tips
- Prioritize sleep, nutrition and movement. Sleeping helps your brain store what you’ve learned. Fuel up with balanced meals and stay hydrated because your brain needs energy! A short walk or stretch between study sessions can boost focus and reduce stress.
- Create a focus zone and ditch distractions. Optimize your study space by ensuring good lighting, comfortable seating and a clean desk. Silence or completely turn off notifications on your devices. If you need your device for notes, use browser extensions (like Cold Turkey or Freedom) to temporarily block distracting sites during your focused study sessions.
- Pack your essentials. Bring a snack, water, extra pens/pencils, your student ID and even earplugs to your exam if it helps. Check to see if your professor has suggested any other allowed material. Packing this the night before helps you start the day calm and ready.
Calming Techniques
Feeling stressed before or during an exam is completely normal. Try one of these quick techniques to help you refocus.
- Box breathing: Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4. Repeat a few times.
- 5-4-3-2-1 grounding: Name 5 things you see, 4 you can touch, 3 you hear, 2 you smell, 1 you taste.
- Progressive muscle relaxation: Tense and release muscle groups from head to toe.
- Positive self-talk: Remind yourself: “I’ve prepared. I can do this.”
- Mini-meditation: Close your eyes and focus on your breath for 1–2 minutes.
Ways to Mix & Match
- Combine tools and techniques:
- Schedule a 30-minute Anki session in your calendar for spaced repetition.
- Use NotebookLM to organize notes and create a practice quiz for active recall.
- Match the method to the material:
- Use the Feynman technique for big-picture concepts (like Philosophy).
- Use flashcards for details (like historical dates or formulas).
- Pair strategies thoughtfully: After a Pomodoro break, try a quick active recall session to reinforce what you just studied.
- Make it your own: Experiment with these ideas and customize your study plan to fit your style and schedule.
Conclusion
Final exams can feel overwhelming, but the right strategies make a big difference. By setting SMART goals, planning your time, and using evidence-based techniques like spaced repetition and active recall, you’re building skills that last beyond finals. Remember, studying isn’t just about the grades; the planning, discipline and self-care you practice now are essential skills for your future success.
And if you want a boost of motivation or accountability, join the Faculty of Arts Mentors at our December 3 study event (details on Instagram @uo.artsmentors) or in the Mentoring Centre! You don’t have to prepare alone!
TL;DR: Finals in a Nutshell
Plan it: SMART goals + time-blocked schedule.
Learn it: Spaced repetition, active recall, Feynman, Mnemonics.
Tech it: Anki, NotebookLM, SmartExam.io, Pomofocus.
Live it: Sleep, eat, move! Don’t skip self-care.
Pack it: Snacks, water, ID, pens.
Dump it: Do a quick brain dump at the start of your exam.
Scan it: Review the whole exam first to spot easy wins and avoid surprises.
Calm it: Try box breathing or grounding if stress hits.
Own it: Join our Dec. 3 study event for extra support!