Albertus Magnus College senior Mikayla Lyston is no stranger to balancing activities- from Lotus Club, Breakwater, Choir, Esports, and even being an Orientation leader. With nearly four years of finals under her belt, Mikayla shares her advice and experience with studying for final exams. 

Manage your time

For many students, sitting down and committing to studying can be the hardest part of preparation for finals. “It’s important to just get it done and get it out of the way,” says Mikayla. “I want to avoid it, but I know I need to get it done.” For Mikayla, the biggest mistake she’s made is waiting until the last minute to study, which can not only cause stress, but also affect the quality of your work. “Rushed work isn’t the best work you can do- you need to make sure you have enough time to do your work well. I always make sure I have time to go to the Germain Center for help if I need it. You have to plan accordingly and be organized. It gets really hectic, but it all works out in the end.” No matter what your schedule looks like, Mikayla notes the importance of having a plan, especially when you have a lot of activities. Creating a study schedule, or even a to-do list, is a great way to prioritize your tasks. 

Find your study strategy

Once you’ve successfully organized your time, it’s important to find a study strategy that works for you. For some students, that may include meeting with professors, making flashcards, or even reciting the material to fellow students. Mikayla’s strategy consists of listening to music, note-taking, and going through old homework assignments. “People need to find a study strategy that works for them. Some people may need music, study groups, silence, etc. You have to find what works for you,” says Mikayla. 

Manage Stress

Now that you have a study plan in place, it’s important to find a balance between getting your work done and doing things you enjoy to help manage your stress. Despite adding to her busy schedule, a lot of Mikayla’s extracurricular activities offer a great opportunity to decompress after a stressful day. With Breakwater Club, Mikayla finds that it appeals to her artistic side, which allows her to relax and breathe. Lotus Club also has benefits, as it is a time for her to meditate, do yoga, and release any negative energy. Even Esports and choir are a time for her to decompress, as it focuses her mind on something else. “It is easy to become stressed and overwhelmed,” says Mikayla. “You need to take time to step away from your work and come back to it later. When you give yourself a break, it can give you a fresh perspective and new ideas. Invest in self-care- maybe meditation, listening to music, taking a bath, anything that’s ‘you-time’.”

Utilize your resources

With so many resources available on campus, it’s important to make time to use them. As an English major, Mikayla is a frequent visitor to the Germain Center, which she finds incredibly helpful for writing essays. “The writing center is there to help you in any step of your writing process, which eases the stress,” Mikayla says. “Make appointments and use all your resources. Everyone on campus is there to help you.” For students who feel overwhelmed, Albertus Magnus College also offers Counseling Services, which can be great resource during Finals Week.

To make an appointment with the Germain Center, click here. To contact counseling services, click here. 

Key Takeaways

Finals week is a stressful time for everyone, but by designing a study plan, spending time doing things you love, and utilizing your resources, you can make it that much easier. We wish our Falcons the best of luck on all their final exams!