The best way to reduce stress during finals is to prep in advance

It’s that time of the year again! The leaves are changing colour, the air is getting colder, and the final exam season is just around the corner.

As the end of the semester quickly approaches, students across campus are preparing for their finals. For many, this is a time of stress and anxiety. However, it doesn’t have to be! With some planning and preparation, you can ace your finals easily.

Here are our top tips for acing your finals:

Schedule study time

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First and foremost, make sure you give yourself enough time to study. Try not to cram everything in the night before. It’s important to review regularly in the weeks leading up to your finals so you can confidently go into the exam.

Finals can be daunting, but it won’t seem so bad if you break down the material and start studying early. But, of course, the best thing is to have a study schedule and stick to it!

Incorporate habits of note-taking

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This one is for all the visual learners out there. When taking notes, try using different colours or highlighters to code information. It will help you to quickly identify what’s important and make the review more efficient.

If you’re not a writing fan, try making study cards or use apps like Quizlet to create digital flashcards.

Find a study group

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If you’re struggling to focus on your own, studying with friends might be the key. It’s also a great way to bounce ideas off of each other and study in a more interactive way.

Having someone to share resources with and hold you accountable can make all the difference. Finals are no fun, but they’re more bearable when you have someone by your side doing it with you.

Pace yourself

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The final exam season is a marathon, not a sprint.

You might feel like you need to pull all-nighters and go at it full force, but that’s not sustainable (or healthy). So, ensure you take breaks, get enough sleep, and eat well. Finals are essential, but your health is important too!

Get enough sleep

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This one is important! Exam season can be stressful, and if you’re not getting enough sleep, it will only make things worse. So make sure to get at least six to seven hours of sleep at night and take breaks during the day to relax.

You should also avoid pulling all-nighters, as they are proven ineffective and can tire you.

Eat healthily and exercise

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It’s easy to fall into the trap of eating unhealthy food and not exercising when stressed out, but taking care of your body during finals is essential. Eating healthy food will help you concentrate and feel better, while exercise can help reduce stress.

So make sure to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, drink lots of water, and get some exercise! Even a short walk around the block can make a difference.

Reach out for help

GIF by The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon

If you need some help with your finals, don’t be shy! Talk to your professors, tutors, or friends and ask for advice. They might know what it takes to get those grades up! In addition, many resources are available on campuses, such as the Library & Learning Commons Service and the Writing Centre.

You don’t have to dread finals season. By following these tips, you can make it through finals with flying colours. So good luck, and don’t forget to take time for yourself!


Are you looking for more ideas for meal prep? Here are easy meal ideas to survive exam season.

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