Encouraging Words

By Ayrwyn Cousins

The end of the semester can be stressful for students due to final assignments, final exams, moving back home, money stress for the summer, etc. It is easy for students to fall behind in their studies or other aspects of life as a result, so here are some tips that can help you cope with stress and burnout during this difficult time; 

To manage my stress, I go on walks or drives - especially in areas with lots of nature, like the countryside or some parks in Edmonton. The area around our university is stunning. At the end of Ada Boulevard, there is an incredible view of the city skyline. I find it very peaceful there, so if you want a nice view and a calming environment, I highly recommend that spot. 

Another way to manage stress is by maintaining a schedule concerning your studies and free time. While it is essential to study for your exams, it is also just as important to be rested and relaxed during this time. Stress is the most significant factor in causing student burnout, making it even harder to get through final exams and important assignments. Having a schedule or some kind of timetable may help you organize the last few weeks of the semester more productively. 

Spending time with friends and family can be helpful during this time. Talking about your stressors with people you trust can be a fantastic way to relieve pressure from your life. 

Believing in yourself and your ability to do well is vital. Second-guessing your ability can set you back, so you must build confidence when approaching your exams/assignments.

Use the office hours your professors provide to communicate with them about the topics you are struggling with; they will offer solutions to get through the end of the semester.

Here are some studying tips to help you get through final exams; 

Take time for yourself - don't always be on the go. This leads to my second point above, but it is important to maintain a healthy mindset and body during the end of the semester. Forcing yourself to study non-stop is not productive; it only wears you down.  Don't leave everything to the last minute; space out your studying time and time to work on your assignments efficiently and productively. This will relieve stress and prevents you from overworking yourself because you don't have nearly as much work to do in one sitting. One thing I do to study is rewrite the notes and topics that are most important - then I study those rewritten notes. I find that rewriting notes/topics helps your brain remember them more clearly, and repetitively studying them can also be helpful in that regard. 

Another silly tip I use that is genuinely helpful is making a little jingle or song with some of my notes. For example, when I study History and need to remember specific dates, I'll sing them in my head, which helps. 

Study groups with friends can also be beneficial. Having friends to talk with and share notes and ideas with is very helpful in memorizing concepts. It's also nice to have people around you going through the same study struggles you are. 

Good luck with your exams, everyone; you made it through the year! Remember to be proud of yourself no matter how you do on your exams. University can be challenging, so take this as an accomplishment. You all have so much potential; you should be proud of yourselves for harnessing it. Have a fantastic summer break!