With finals week beginning May 13, 2019, for the Stevenson community, and with many colleges across the country preparing to end their spring semester, students can often be under great amounts of stress. They have to juggle studying for exams, writing papers, and preparing final presentations. In order to be successful at this, here are a few tips to ace final exams and stay healthy.
The new reading room in Garrison Hall provides a quiet study space during final exam week. (Villager file photo)
Julie Sanz, the assistant director and nurse practitioner in the Wellness Center, said that getting enough rest and avoiding all-nighters is critical. Failure to build healthy sleeping habits can negatively impact a person’s memory, which may affect students during test taking, according to Sanz.
Sanz added that eating a well-balanced diet full of vegetables, fruits, and proteins will be important. Additionally, the Wellness Center, located in the Caves Sports and Wellness Center, offers several free services to students, including Pause, which is a free guided meditation, on Mondays.
Sanz emphasized that any sort of physical activity, whether it be a workout in the Garrison fitness center or a quick walk around campus, can be beneficial for concentration or fatigue.
Jordan Pirrello, a junior business administration major, said her key to success for finals is making sure she gets enough sleep and studies in a quiet environment.
Pirrello said, “Another way I find success during finals week is by studying in a group environment; it allows everyone to share their viewpoint and benefits the whole, rather than the individuals.”
Pirrello added that her new favorite place to study is the reading room on the second floor in Garrison Hall North. It offers a calm, quiet space on campus that is free from many distractions. Pirrello said that she will also be taking full advantage of any sunny days during finals week as a study break to get outside.
If feeling stressed during finals, Sanz said, “Stop in [the Wellness Center] for a free stress ball, a mindfulness jar, or a Mustang journal for wellness, with journaling ideas and coloring pages!” She also suggests trying different breathing exercises and using essential oils like lavender on the pillow at night for a sound sleep.
The Owings Mills library will be open 24 hours a week, starting on Sunday, May 5, and ending on Friday, May 17. In order to reserve a study room, visit the Stevenson Library website to find an available time slot. The Garrison reading room will be open 24 hours as well.
The Wellness Center will be open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours until 7 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday. The Wellness Center also provides counseling services for students. To contact the Wellness Center, call 443-352-4200.
