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As the semester draws to a close, Lackawanna College students have one more challenge left: finals week.

This last test of your knowledge can feel stressful, so it’s important to take a step back, lay out a schedule for the week, and take care of yourself!

Here are three important tips to cut down on your study time and boost your physical and mental well-being:

1. Don’t wait until the last minute.

Let’s be honest finals week is often filled with all-nighters, cramming for tests and writing last-minute paper. We have an important lesson for you – you can’t memorize a semester’s worth of information in one night! Finals week is a marathon, not a sprint.

Make a schedule of your upcoming tests and due dates to see where you need to prioritize your studying efforts. Why study for a math test on Tuesday when you have a science test Wednesday morning?

2. Utilize resources on campus.

If you are struggling to understand your course material, don’t be afraid to get help! Lackawanna College’s Student Success Center (SSC) has multiple services available to help you succeed all semester, and especially during finals.

The SSC’s Tutoring Services are available by appointment – professional, peer, individual and group tutoring sessions are available free of charge to registered students.

For extra help with math or writing, the SSC is also home to the Math Center and the Writing Center. Collaborators are available to teach you how to locate errors and provide you with proper strategies for success.

3. Prioritize your health.

Your education is important, but so is your health! Students tend to neglect sleep schedules by pulling all-nighters to study for their finals. Although it seems counter-intuitive, you will be better off getting eight hours of sleep before an exam instead of pulling an all-nighter. A missed night of sleep can negatively impact your memory and logical reasoning skills.

Don’t forget to eat and hydrate, too! Schedule a break from studying and fuel your body. Studies show that students learn better when they’re well-nourished and will achieve higher grades and process information faster.

Mental health is just as important as physical health, so take some time away to get exercise. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, physical activity helps reduce stress. Other activities to give your brain a break include reading, taking a nap or taking a walk.

Finals week doesn’t need to be stressful! These three tips are a few ways to reduce stress and anxiety as you work your way through finals. If you are feeling overwhelmed, don’t forget to take a mental break or reach out to the SSC or the Student Wellness Program for help.

Good luck on your finals, Falcons, and congrats on making it through another semester!

References: https://www.bestcolleges.com/blog/college-finals-week-tips/; https://www.chc.edu/student-blogs/post/tips-finals-week