Finals are here and students are beginning their regular pilgrimage to Perry Library to get in some last minute studying. To help, we've gathered tips from around campus, from librarians to the student rec center, to help you get the most out of studying.
From Twitter user @Inesazimmer
- When I study I turn off the TV, music, and put away my phone so I am not tempted/distracted easily. I try to schedule how long I will study for so there is an end in sight!
From Elizabeth Hogue, liaison librarian for Humanities
- Write down in your calendar a place and time to study.
- Allow for breaks in-between.
- Keep hydrated by drinking water.
- Formulate a study group to help keep you motivated.
From James Rhoades, liaison librarian for Social Sciences
- Pick up exam materials early, e.g. blue books, scan-trons, pencils, etc.
- Stay hydrated.
- Exams only represent a portion of a final grade.
From Abbie Basile, liaison librarian for Engineering and Physical Sciences
- Avoid being distracted by your phone - put it in a hard to reach place or turn it to silent.
- Take a break every hour.
- Stand up and stretch or walk around.
- Reinforce what you're studying by trying to explain or teach an important concept or set of facts to another person.
- Use practice questions from your textbook chapters, your professor's handouts to quiz yourself.
- Eat breakfast - especially the day of an exam.
From Joleen McInnis, liaison librarian for Health and Life Sciences
- Rewrite your notes by hand.
- Write a summary of your notes—it will help you discover what you don't understand completely.
- Get some sleep.
From Gay Accompanado, Art Library supervisor
- Check out alternative study spaces in the Hofheimer Art Library and Diehn Composers Room if Perry is too crowded.
From ODU
- Find ways to improve your concentration! Try chewing gum or listening to music.
- Study with a friend.
- Power off your devices.
From ODU SEES
- Exercise is good for the brain! Need a study break? Stop by the SRC!
From ODU Office of Intercultural Relations
- Get your sleep and keep your energy levels high.
- Study 50 minutes of every hour and spend the last 10 clearing your mind.
- Organize your calendar with designated studying times, free time, and exam times.
- Make study guides.
- Study in groups but don't let them be a distraction.
- Take your time studying.
- Exercise!
- Relax!
- Do a practice quiz.
- Eat healthy.
When you're done with exams, don't forget to celebrate! And when you get back to campus next semester, heed the words of Miriam Bridges, liaison librarian for business and economics, and "do the research! Never research and write your paper at the last minute." Don't forget, the Old Dominion University Libraries are here to help whenever you need us.