It is the season for evening study sessions and morning exams. It is the time of year that can create additional stress for students, which can be difficult to handle. CALS has created this quick guide to help you navigate through all the “test week fears” and keep your personal well-being in check.
Find the perfect study place
If you’ve ever spent hours studying, then you know the impact the right environment can have on your productivity. Whether you work best in our bustling student union or in the quiet corners of the famous Bookstacks, NC State has a study place for everyone.
Did you know that you can explore all of the library spaces available for student use on the North Carolina State Libraries website? There’s even a customizable feature that allows students to find the best indoor and outdoor locations based on their personal noise level preferences for independent or group work. And don’t forget to reserve a room. Reservations are recommended to get the space that’s right for you. Make sure you have your unit ID and password ready to reserve a room. Let’s be honest, finding the perfect space to study on campus will help you focus and avoid the Netflix spiral that inevitably occurs in your bedroom or apartment.
Take care of your physical health
One of the best ways to handle test week stress is to take care of your body. You cannot expect your brain to function at its best if you are not providing your body with food, sleep, and some form of movement.
The Wellness and Recreation Center at NC State offers a wide range of programs that are tailored to the wants and needs of different students to encourage healthy movement. Students can enroll in group fitness classes to exercise in a fun, community-building environment. Classes range from cardio kickboxing to hip-hopi dancing to cycling. There really is something for everyone to solve the added stress that comes with exam week!
Another great resource from WellRec is Outdoor Adventures. During exam week, Outdoor Adventures will sometimes schedule relaxing programs designed for students to get out and about. From kayak trips on Lake Johnson to day trips through Umstead, Outdoor Adventures will help you burn off some steam.
To participate in these fun physical activities, you have to make sure to fuel your body. It can be easy to skip a meal for another hour of study or opt for a dinner of Fountain Waffle Fries and Howling Cow Ice Cream instead of something a little more balanced and nutritious. NC State Dining offers a variety of on-campus dining options including everything from dining rooms to take-out at Talley and the Atrium. If you’re running out of lunch money or dinner dollars at the end of the semester, visit the Feed the Pack food pantry to stock up on groceries at a much lower cost than conventional grocery stores.
Movement and feeding your body are very important, but so is making sure you get enough sleep. It can be very tempting to stay overnight before an exam, but ultimately, this is doing more harm than good. Schedule breaks and rest times. Don’t be afraid to put your books or study notes away for an hour or two. If your only option is to stay up late, add a nap to your day so your brain and body have time to recover from the stress of the week.
Take care of your mental health
Let’s avoid coffee breaks and crying in strange places this round. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. There are several resources available for students to manage stress during finals week. The Student Health Center is good for more than just a sick visit. They have qualified and trained professionals who provide counseling services to help students deal with additional anxiety.
One of the best ways you can take care of your mental health during exam week is by taking time to unplug. Put down your laptop and get away from TikTok for a few minutes and go for a quick walk, whether it’s across campus in Pullen Park or a stroll through the JC Raulston Arboretum.
Stay connected with others
Studying in groups is a great way to get some human interaction and do your homework at the same time. Even if you’re not working on the same things, sharing a study room with a friend can allow you to socialize without wasting valuable hours of school work. If you share a class with friends, studying in a group can help you better understand the material while still “hanging out.” Don’t you know anyone at your big conferences? No problem! The Navigate Student app has a feature that allows you to connect with other students interested in forming a study group. This is another way to make friends and be ready for the final.
Definitely treat yourself
Exam week is not a joke, so you have to celebrate all the victories, even the small ones. Did you study for an hour without being distracted? Treat yourself! Did you turn in that final job on time? Treat yourself! Did you wake up for your exam without hitting the snooze button? Treat yourself!
The most classic and Wolfpack way to indulge yourself is by buying Howling Cow ice cream. Students can use the money to dine at Talley or drive to the Creamery and Dairy Education Center.
Another way to treat yourself (but it could double as a study space) is to have a coffee at one of the many nearby coffee shops. Cup of Joe is a popular spot, with two locations nearby. Another fun spot is Global Village Organic Coffee, just across Hillsborough Street from the North Carolina Courthouse. For a front row seat to see our newly renovated bell tower, visit Jubala Coffee at the corner of Hillsborough Street and Maiden Lane. All of these places are great for a bit of afternoon spirits, as well as a nice change of scenery for some study.
Now, if you’re looking for a way to pamper yourself that doesn’t involve spending money, the university offers many fun events during exam week. The College Activities Board sponsors all kinds of meetings that involve meeting other students and hanging out with friends. Their home page has a calendar of activities for the month, one of the most popular being UAB Movie Nights in Witherspoon. Movie screenings are free for students and a great option to pamper yourself without having to take out your wallet.
Again, remember to take care of yourself and others, and don’t forget to breathe deeply. You got this! Now, speed up those exams!