Tips from UW Badger and sophomore Mia McCauley, Student Affairs Intern
It’s the end of the semester, and finals are around the corner. This time of year can be stressful – a reminder there are many resources available to provide you with support to help you successfully finish out 2023 strong.
Peer to peer, here are some academic tips and tricks to get you to the finish line:
- Find a spot and don’t cram. Find a spot to study where you feel comfortable—consider noise level, lighting, and potential distractions. Spread out studying. Don’t try to cram for exams. Repetition is important to retain information.
- Create a study schedule. It’s important to stay on track with studying. Make a schedule, chart out what you have to get through, and check things off as you go. It’s important to develop a rhythm around studying and find time to consistently incorporate it into your routine.
- Find the right method of study for you. Whether its using Quizlet, forming a study group, or rewriting your notes, there are options to choose from. Try different methods to find what is right, but ultimately, make sure you are doing what is best for you.
- Rest and take breaks. Everybody needs to take breaks, and it is okay to recognize when you need to pause while studying. If you can’t focus or you feel you’re struggling to remember something, take a meaningful break. Go for a walk, go somewhere new, or do something new. Spend time with people you care about. Give yourself time to recharge and don’t overwork yourself.
- Eat healthy foods and drink plenty of water. You can’t keep going if you don’t refuel your body. Make sure you drink plenty of water, don’t overdo the caffeine, and give your body healthy food.
- Keep moving. Join Self-care Week with Recreation and Wellbeing Dec. 14-21 or get outside, take a walk, and breathe in some fresh air.
Now that you have your study tips, a reminder that you have several academic and study resources available to you during finals, and throughout the year.
- Study Day — Campus Study Day is Thursday, Dec. 14 and is an opportunity for students to prepare for final exams.
- Dean Olstad is hosting a Study Day break event at College Library on Dec. 14, 2:30 – 4:00 p.m. Rev up with coffee or hot chocolate to help finish strong.
- Dean Olstad is hosting a Study Day break event at College Library on Dec. 14, 2:30 – 4:00 p.m. Rev up with coffee or hot chocolate to help finish strong.
- Center for Healthy Minds app — The UW Center for Healthy Minds has a meditation app to help you maintain your mental health. Download it here.
- Greater University Tutoring Services (GUTS) — GUTS offers finals week support through drop-in tutoring services. See the full daily drop-in schedule.
- Library — College Library offers a variety of quiet and group study spaces and is open every day during regular semester sessions. Many services are available on a walk-in basis, and you can make group study room reservations for a quiet place to study.
- The Writing Center — Schedule an individual appointment with The Writing Center or visit drop-in hours for help at any stage of those final papers. In-person or online appointments are available.
We know this time can be stressful. A reminder that you’re not alone and support is available to you.
- University Health Services (UHS) has a 24/7 mental health crisis line. If you notice changes in yourself or someone you care about and are concerned, call 608-265-5600 (option 9) for immediate support.
- The Dean of Students Office connects students who are navigating personal, academic, or health issues to supportive campus and community resources. Call the Dean of Students Office at (608) 263-5700, email doso@studentaffairs.wisc.edu, or attend a drop-in (virtual or in-person) appointment week days 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Fill out this form to get started.
The following resources from UHS are available without an appointment and include opportunities to connect with a counselor virtually or in-person.
- Meet virtually with a counselor through Uwill. — UHS Mental Health Services has partnered with Uwill to offer every UW-Madison student access to free, flexible, virtual counseling. Sign up with your wisc.edu email and get three sessions automatically. Sessions are typically available within 24 hours, including nights and weekends. You can sign up anytime – including over the winter break.
- Drop in with a UHS counselor at Let’s Talk. — Let’s Talk is an informal, confidential, one-on-one consultation with a UHS counselor. No topic is off-limits. Let’s Talk sessions are offered virtually and in-person through Dec. 15. No appointment required.
Now more than ever, it’s important to take care of yourself, whatever that means for you. You’re almost to the end. Good luck, Badgers! Feel proud of how far you’ve come. #FinishStrong