By JRN 200 students
With finals week just around the corner, students at Southern Connecticut State University are beginning to fill empty spaces across campus and easing into study mode to finish out the last stretch of the semester.
With finals starting May 12, students across campus begin to shift into high gear, dedicating more time to studying and reviewing class materials.
The libraries and study lounges become packed with individuals focused on textbooks, laptops, and color-coded notes. Many students create detailed study schedules, attend review sessions, and form study groups to prepare for exams.
The pressure to perform well often leads to late nights and early mornings. Whether cramming or reviewing steadily, the energy around campus reflects the shared goal of ending the semester strong.
There is no one-size-fits-all strategy to studying. An important aspect of enhancing one’s ability as a student is discovering what techniques and routines work best for their academic goals.
Juliana Robles, a junior psychology major, highlighted her study routine for maintaining academic success.
She believes that reviewing her notes consistently is crucial for retention: “I make sure to go over my notes several times a week to reinforce what I’ve learned.” She also recommends collaborating with friends or utilizing tutors when needed as another resource.
In addition to reviewing notes, Juliana shared her approach to exam preparation, emphasizing the benefit of studying with peers.
Furthermore, Juliana praised the value of online resources, noting, “There are so many online resources that offer great strategies for studying.”
A strategy that plays a major role in limiting stress is maintaining an orderly space for your work.
Estela Baka, a senior Psychology major at Southern, says she prioritizes organization, beginning her process by gathering the notes she took during the semester and arranging them to her liking.
After sorting through the catalog of information, Baka says, “I then go over them and create flashcards depending on the class.”
Baka also emphasizes the importance of being proactive while preparing for finals. While in many cases studying for exams is a daunting task, the process can be simplified by starting to prepare early.
Saniah Wint, a junior majoring in communication, says she usually makes Quizlets with her notes, which helps her retain her information more easily.
She typically studies in quieter environments to stay focused. Her go-to spots include Common Grounds Café in downtown New Haven and the silent rooms in the library. To stay on track, Saniah sets aside two hours a day per class leading up to finals and prefers to study alone so she can concentrate without distractions. Wint’s tried and true methods are being utilized by more individuals than just her.
Junior nursing major Rebecca Anastasio at SCSU is already deep into finals prep. “I’m usually in the library for hours on end,” she said. “I’m a nursing major, so it never ends.”
She starts preparing about a week and a half in advance, mostly in Buley Library. Her go-to strategies? Study guides and practice questions to reinforce key concepts.
Studying for a number of rigorous Health Science classes can be difficult, yet some students make these final weeks seem so effortless. For one smart and determined girl, the Southern Connecticut State University’s new business building becomes her sanctuary.
“During finals week, I spend around 6 hours in the business buildings’ study rooms”, states Brianna Grace Otto, a sophomore at SCSU.“I am non-stop studying when I go into that building.”
Otto recommends studying throughout the weeks approaching finals as it helps her retain the material better. Watching YouTube crash courses and scanning her professor’s lecture material comes handy for her.
Freshman Alayna Petroski is taking a balanced approach to finals. “I’m lucky that I only have one final exam,” she said.
In addition to studying from her textbook, she’s working on a four-week painting project and a final paper. She prefers to study in the Farnham Hall lounge and recommends being consistent and finding what works best for you.
Sarah Mosatta, a senior majoring in Psychology, also shared her go-to strategies for preparing during finals week.
“I use Quizlet Premium for everything,” she said, explaining how a flashcard-based platform helps her stay organized and retain key concepts, especially for exams.
She emphasized that investing in the premium version of Quizlet is worth it. When it comes to her environment, Sarah prefers quiet, distraction-free spaces, whether that means at home, at her desk or in an empty outdoor area. She finds that having a clear structure helps her manage stress and stay focused.
No matter the method, SCSU students are proving that with determination and the right strategy, success is within reach.