Imagine this: you spent all week studying for an exam, pulling multiple all-nighters, and cramming every known fact into your brain. During the test itself, you feel stressed.
Then comes the nerve-wrecking wait for that dreaded Canvas notification. Hours, days, weeks, you don’t know when you’ll know your fate. But don’t let exam results haunt your days. Even if you fail your exams, there’s always time to improve before the next.
Some signs of stress include poor sleep, being less motivated to look after your health, and feeling less connected to people. Physical effects include headaches, dizziness, upset stomach, and loss of appetite. There are numerous ways to amend this, like trying to talk with people around you. Sometimes, just discussing your struggles can help alleviate your worries. You should maintain a normal routine and stick to any plans you made with friends. Don’t let that stress consume your life. Finally, when you do get the text scores back, don’t compare yourself to others. While it seems like other students got higher grades without putting in as much effort, the only standard that you should judge yourself by is your own.
If you are looking to prepare for your next exam, try to stick to a consistent study schedule. While it can be difficult at first, with enough time, it will eventually become a habit. When studying, break it down into smaller sessions as it will be less stressful and more effective. Remember to remove any distractions so you aren’t tempted to take a “quick break” that leads to hours of procrastination. Eat a meal or snack beforehand, so you don’t rummage through the fridge as a distraction. When you finish studying, reward yourself. It could be something small, like candy or 10 minutes on your phone for every hour of studying. Or, for longer-term goals, you could treat yourself to a sweet treat as a congratulations.
As for tips and tricks on how to memorize more effectively, try to rewrite the material in your own words. Re-summarize it and write down bullet points on the important material, especially if the class requires more memorization. Furthermore, you could teach the material to someone else. Find a study-buddy to explain the material as if they are hearing it for the first time. This helps you reframe the information and recognize what you need to focus on.
If you are looking to destress and take your mind off the exam, there are always some fun fall activities occurring throughout Stevens and Hoboken. For example, on October 26, Stevens Outdoor Adventure will host a hiking trip along the Appalachian Trail. It’s the perfect time for a walk as the leaves are turning orange. Registration in DSE opens on October 22. Many clubs also have de-stress or study sessions around this time. Be sure to check on DuckLink for the latest events and to help you plan ahead.
While it might feel like it, it’s not the end of the world. There’s still plenty of time to improve before finals. So go out there and give it your all!
