We asked Badgers to share some advice for current students during finals week. Check out some words of wisdom from one Badger to another during this high-stress time.
Check yourself for the basics and take the time to take care of yourself. Eat, sleep, hydrate, and get up and stretch every once in a while. Be kind to yourself and celebrate your accomplishments big and small. You got this, Badgers!
Robin S.
The brain works so, so much better after a solid 8-10 hrs the night before, so if you want to have the best recall, the best cognitive, deductive functions, relax and go to sleep!
Donald N.
I used to study in the carrels and I usually aced all my exams. No distractions.
Carolyn L.
Set up a schedule for studying, sleep and keep exercising/taking walks. The more stress you create by changing your schedule dramatically, the less you will be able to pull up retained knowledge.
Teresa M. J.
The night before, review material just before going to sleep to set info in your brain, then review once again prior to final. Worked well for me when I was in college and had 2 young children.
Jo P. P.
Focus, focus, focus. There are plenty of distractions, and they will mostly be there when exams are over. You can't imagine what a degree from the UW will do for you the rest of your life!
Fins M.
You will survive even if you have your doubts.
Leanna Z. L.
Take one exam at a time. Focus on the moment. Then when it's all done, review how you prepared — was it enough? Alter your schedule and plan for next semester accordingly. Remember — it's not about memorizing for a test. They expect you to know what you've learned in the next level of the class, too. Always keep growing. You've got this!
Michelle K.
Eat a lot of vegetables and fruits. Easy to get run down and catch a cold.
Philip L.
Take mini breaks from studying, get up, and walk around.
Susan M.
Keep up with class work all semester. Cramming can be extremely dangerous, so try to set daily/weekly goals for yourself. Then go to your exams and keep your fingers crossed!!!
Jan F. R.
Set your alarm clock! This is so important if you had a late night studying.
Valerie H.
To freshmen: You do NOT have to wear a tie or otherwise dress up for your first finals.
George H.
Just do your best and have fun. Go to the Rathskeller with your friends after finals!
Susan M.
Study during the day. Eat. Go back to the library for a few hours at night. Get some sleep. Eat breakfast in the morning of the exam. When it’s over, don’t hang out and talk about it. Go for a walk; read a few chapters in a book. Prepare for the next one.
Peggy P.
Trust yourself! You know the answers. Don’t second guess. Quiz yourself with a study buddy!
Jamie M.
Sleep. Wake up early and go to bed when you are tired. Find a quiet place to study away from distractions. The library stacks are good. When you run out of practice questions, make up your own? Imagine if you were making the exam for this class, what would you ask? Answer that question.
Timothy E.
My best advice would be to go to class rather than try to cram at the end. Get some sleep the night before and do something fun, but not destructive during finals week.
Kari B.
A message from the author
Can any of this advice be applied to life after graduation? As someone who is seven years out of college, I can tell you that the advice of celebrating your accomplishments big and small feels applicable. Sometimes it's easy to forget to congratulate yourself on your own accomplishments! As adults, we don't get the satisfaction (or destruction) of grades for completing assignments. Use this as a reminder to celebrate your own accomplishments in a way that is meaningful to you. Post-grad life can be hard, too. Celebrate yourself, Badger!
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