Finals week is here, and I know how overwhelming it can feel. I’ve been there too, juggling late-night study sessions, group projects, and that creeping anxiety. But over the years, I’ve picked up a few strategies that made all the difference. So, I’m sharing my top10 tips. Let’s get through this together.
Start with a Plan
The first thing I always do? I plan it all out. I list my exams, what they’ll cover, and how many days I have to study. Then, I break it down into bite-sized sessions. Don’t try to cram everything into one night, it never works.
One method I’ve had success with is the Pomodoro technique: 25 minutes of studying, then a 5-minute break. After four cycles, I take a longer break. It sounds simple, but it helps me stay focused and avoid burnout. It also creates a rhythm. Experts say it reduces mental fatigue and helps your brain store what you’ve learned. When I first tried it, I was amazed at how much more productive I felt—no more zoning out after an hour of cramming.
Mapping out your study sessions also makes big exams feel less intimidating. You don’t need to study for 10 hours straight. You need consistent, focused time over a few days. Trust the plan.
Study Actively, Not Passively
I used to just reread my notes and highlight things. But let me tell you, it didn’t stick. The game-changer for me was active recall. That means closing your notes and trying to remember what you know first, then checking what you missed.
It feels harder at first, but that’s the point. Struggling to recall information strengthens your memory. It’s like lifting weights for your brain. One of my academic success coaches even joked that rereading notes is as helpful as getting a manicure before an exam. It might feel good, but it doesn’t prepare you.
So now, I quiz myself. I use flashcards, practice tests, or just write everything I know about a topic. It helps me find the gaps and fix them. It’s uncomfortable, but it works.
Trade Brains with the Teacher
This one’s kind of fun. Pretend you’re the professor writing the exam. What would you ask? What topics came up again and again in class? What were the big themes in the readings?
I scan my syllabus for essential questions. If a section says, “How does communication shape cultural identity?” I know that’s a huge clue. I try to answer those questions like an essay prompt. It forces me to think deeper.
I even make mock quizzes or lists of potential essay questions and test myself. This strategy helps you connect the dots and prep for higher-level thinking. You’re not just memorizing facts, you’re understanding how ideas connect.
Join a Study Group
I used to think study groups were a waste of time, just friends chatting in the library. But when done right, they’re one of the best tools you can use.
Now, I meet with a group of classmates the week before finals. We each come with questions or topics we struggled with, and we take turns explaining things. It’s surprising how much explaining something out loud helps you understand it better.
It also helps me stay accountable. When you know others are counting on you to show up and contribute, you’re more likely to prepare. It’s also great for talking through tough material and hearing different perspectives.
Create Your Own Study Sheet
This is one of my favorite tips. Even if your exam is closed-note, making a study sheet forces you to summarize what matters most.
I limit myself to one page, sometimes front and back. I include formulas, key terms, concepts, and example problems. It’s like making my own mini-textbook.
There’s research showing that students who use a study sheet feel more confident and make fewer mistakes. You process the material differently when you condense it into your own words. Plus, if your professor allows it, it’s a huge boost to walk in with something you created yourself.
Pick the Right Study Spot
Where you study matters. I’ve tried studying in bed, on the floor, in the dining hall, and honestly, most of those didn’t work for me.
Now, I pick a spot where I feel alert and focused. For me, that’s a quiet corner in the library or a café with low music. I keep my phone in airplane mode and bring only what I need.
Some universities even make guides to campus study spots, with notes on whether they’re good for groups, solo work, or have food nearby. If your school has one, check it out. Don’t settle for a loud, distracting spot. Your environment affects how much you retain.
Sleep Like It’s a Class
I know it’s tempting to stay up late. I used to think sleeping less meant I had more time to study. But it backfired every time. I’d feel groggy, stressed, and forget stuff I thought I knew.
Now, I treat sleep like it’s an essential part of my prep. I aim for 7–8 hours, especially the night before an exam. Sleep helps your brain store everything you studied during the day.
Experts say poor sleep messes with your focus and memory. And let’s be real, your brain needs rest to work at full power. Don’t cheat yourself by skipping it.
Focus on Understanding, Not Memorizing
It took me a while to realize finals aren’t just about facts. They’re about understanding. So instead of cramming flashcards, I focus on grasping the “why” and “how” of things.
For example, in one of my Bible classes at Grace, instead of just memorizing chapter summaries, I created visual outlines of key themes and scripture connections. I used something called dual coding, combining visuals with text, and it helped a ton.
Another trick is elaborative interrogation: ask “Why is this true?” or “Why does this matter?” When you can answer that, you’re not just memorizing, you’re learning.
Take Care of Your Body
Finals week feels like survival mode, but I promise your body matters just as much as your brain. I bring healthy snacks with me, nuts, fruit, even dark chocolate. I drink water constantly.
I also take movement breaks. Stretching, walking around the library, or even doing a few jumping jacks wakes up my brain.
Experts say your physical health is tied to your academic performance. It’s true. When I eat well and move, I think clearer. Don’t neglect your body, you need it to show up and perform.
Practice with Purpose
The last tip? Practice like it’s the real thing. If my exam is multiple-choice, I make quizzes. If it’s essays, I write outlines or full answers.
One of my favorite things is doing a brain dump. I grab a sheet of paper, write everything I know about a topic, and then check my notes. It’s hard, but it shows me exactly what I know and what I don’t.
Experts say this kind of retrieval practice strengthens your memory and helps you perform under pressure. It makes studying less about guessing and more about preparing.
You’ve Got This
Look, I know finals are tough. But you’re tougher. You’ve learned so much already. Trust your preparation, stick to your plan, and take care of yourself.
Soon this will all be over, and you’ll walk away proud of how you showed up. Let’s finish strong, together.
