By Kayla Raynak and Kailyn Turko
Next week is SRU’s finals week leading into winter break.
During the past few weeks, students have begun preparing for exams, practicing presentations or finishing any assignments that might need done.
Finals week is known for being a stressful period in the semester for students.
The Rocket was curious how SRU students are preparing for the week.
A survey was conducted, and students shared how they were feeling with finals week approaching.
Many students shared that they are feeling nervous and anxious for the week.
“I have been feeling overwhelmed because of the amount of work that has to be done,” an SRU student said.
“I’m really worried. My personal expectations are really high. The pressure is on,” another student said.
Many students said they find having a reward in mind for after they are done studying is their method of keeping productive.
“I try to give myself something to look forward to after studying. I’ll tell myself I can eat dinner after I finish a certain amount of studying, or I can go to the gym after I submit this assignment,” an SRU student said.
“Lock myself in the library for hours. Break up study sessions into 30-60 minute intervals by using a Lo-fi study timer on YouTube,” a student said.
“Rewards! I reward myself with breaks and I have designated friend time on my calendar,” another student said.
Others find it helpful to think of the people that motivate them.
“I think about the people that supported me to get to this point, and also, I try to have fun with it to take away some of the stress,” another student said.
There are countless places to study on campus, yet many prefer to study in their dorms.
“In my living room with a random YouTube video on for background noise,” a student said.
Another popular location is the Bailey Library where the floors are divided by sound level allowed.
“Third floor of the library gets rid of all the distractions,” an SRU student shared.
Many students share that their biggest studying tip for finals is to take breaks.
“Pace yourself and take care of yourself. Eat, drink and sleep! It’s over-shared but so important. Especially with it being cold season,” a student said.
Other students think organization is the key to success when it comes to studying.
“Something that helps me is writing out exactly everything I need to do and what days I want to do them. It gives me a plan and keeps me organized so I don’t forget anything,” an SRU student said.
“Be organized, have a quiet space,” another student said.
Some also recommended keeping phones out of sight to help with distraction.
A student also recommended studying with friends.
“Focus on one subject at a time so you don’t get overwhelmed and stay motivated, also take time to do things for yourself. And also study with friends. Even if you are working on different things,” a student said.
Students were asked if they reward themselves after taking a final and, if so, how.
Many students shared that they get a sweet treat or a Starbucks drink.
“I immediately take a break from studying and get a sweet treat like a hot chocolate because I just sat for 2+ hours,” a student said.
Other students make plans with friends to celebrate their hard work.
“Yes, at the end of finals my boyfriend and I go out for dinner to celebrate the end of the semester,” a student said.
SRU offers many resources to assist students with school work, including The Writing Center and Tutoring Center.
The Bailey Library also offers extended hours with private study rooms. Information and hours can be found here.
As many clubs and organizations are wrapping up for the semester, many meetings before finals week consists of parties or relaxing events to help destress and prepare for final exams.
Boozel offers a “Moonlight Breakfast” during finals week where students can study while having snacks available to them.
They have extended hours from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m, this event happens every semester and is an SRU tradition.
Finals week begins Dec. 9 and continues until Dec. 13.
