With finals season upon us, these last-minute study tips will help you stay productive and focused as you power through the final stretch before winter break. 

1. ‘Eat the elephant one bite at a time’ 

There’s a saying I often recall when stressed: “Eat the elephant one bite at a time.” College students face heavy workloads and tight deadlines, especially during finals season. When it feels like your to-do list is never-ending, breaking tasks into smaller parts is key. Imagine the elephant as your workload. You wouldn’t try to eat it in one bite, just like you cannot tackle everything at once. The saying serves as a reminder to take things step by step. If you do not know where to begin and feel so overwhelmed that you can’t start, just try beginning somewhere. Before you know it, you will have made significant progress. 

2. Pomodoro Technique 

For me, breaking study time into timed blocks has always been helpful. Studies show the Pomodoro Technique is highly effective and efficient for studying. This method involves active studying for 25 minutes, followed by a five-minute break and then repeating the cycle.  

3. Quality over quantity 

Commit to shorter bursts of focused study time instead of hours-long, distracted sessions. Rather than scrolling through social media or responding to texts, focus on staying present in your study session. I love putting my phone on “do not disturb” so I can decide when to check my notifications. This is especially helpful while studying, as avoiding your phone can motivate you to stay focused until your next break.  

4. Use active recall 

One effective study method is active recall, which involves testing yourself on key concepts with flashcards or writing down the information. For many of us, passive reading isn’t enough to help our memory retain all the necessary information. Practice actively using this method to ensure effective studying. 

5. Consistent effort, better results 

Rather than cramming for hours a day on different topics, shorter, daily study sessions for each class can significantly improve memory retention. Studies show that studying for even just an hour a week is far more beneficial than 12 hours of cramming the day before a big exam. Try your best to keep every class in mind and try to set aside time each day in the lead-up to finals. This approach also gives your brain a break by switching topics and breaking everything down into smaller parts.
 

6. Take breaks, prioritize your mental health  

Pushing yourself to study for excessively long periods can backfire. While it’s okay to push yourself, taking breaks for a short exercise or self-care can actually boost productivity. It may seem counterintuitive, but taking breaks helps you stay focused, remain sharp and ultimately prevent burnout. Maintaining a positive outlook, even when studying feels overwhelming, can also make a big difference. That’s why prioritizing your mental health as finals season approaches is essential. Good luck, you’ve got this!