Here are some recommendations to prepare for studying and writing your exams.

Studying

Different students will have different studying strategies, however here are some that may be helpful.

• Check the exam schedule and manage any exam conflicts and deferrals as soon as possible. In order to write your exam, you need to know when and where it is to help plan.
• Find out what type of exam you are writing for each course. Knowing the format will help you determine what to study, how to study and what you need to prepare.
• Once you have your exam schedule, plan out your study schedule. By keeping important dates in mind, you can plan out how much time to dedicate to a given course and ensure that you can give yourself enough time to prepare for topics that are more challenging.
• Refer to your syllabus, course schedule and course objectives to understand what the course outcomes for your class are. This can help identify important areas of focus that require more attention than others.
• Gather and organize your class materials. Lecture notes, assignments, assigned readings, tests, practice questions, etc. Study a variety of course materials and compare them to the course objectives to understand what you need to understand about various aspects of the course.
• Study actively by creating something new. Reorganize the information in your course material, rewrite your notes, re-summarize your readings, redo tests, create new ways of presenting information discussed in class. This obliges you to fully engage with the material.
• Avoid cramming. Cramming is an overload of the brain. There is only so much you can retain in a short period of time and this can lead to poor results.
• Instead of cramming, if you are short on time, prioritize chapter summaries, course objectives and the material you are less familiar with.
• Test yourself. Redo tests and quizzes. Create and answer your own questions. Try to summarize topics or concepts without referring to your course materials, then go back and fill in any gaps.
• Do LOTS of practice problems, especially if you are in problem-based courses like Math, Statistics, Chemistry, Physics, or Engineering. Do the hardest questions. Approach problem solving in an organized way using the Academic Learning Centre’s GUESS method.
• Be proactive. Ask questions! Talk with your course instructor or teaching assistant and see what supports they can provide. You can also find recorded Academic Success Workshops that can help you continue to succeed, or you can book an appointment with an Academic Learning Centre content/study skills tutor.

Practise Self-care

Focusing on your wellness is as important as studying. It is difficult to retain information and prepare yourself for what is to come if you are not functioning at your best. UM’s supports are numerous. Here are some supports offered this exam period

• Get support and reach out. The Student Counselling Centre offers counselling services for students and has a variety of groups and workshops throughout the year.

• • If you need help developing an action plan for a specific challenge, the SCC offers Single Session Therapy appointments to help you finish the term.
  • If you need a place to study that is not the library or you want to connect with student supports, visit the Student Wellness Centre. The Centre can support you, connect you to supports you may need and more generally offers a safe, calm space for students.

• Attend some of the events on campus designed to support students.

• • Refuel & Charge Ahead! — Monday, April 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Swing by the Fletcher Argue hallway for a quick pick-me-up! Our Charge Ahead mentors will be handing out coffee and cookies to students who stop by. Come say hi, grab a sweet treat and charge ahead into exams energized!
  • Doughnut Stress, You’ve Got This! — Tuesday, April 15 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Visit the Connection Desk 109 UMSU University Centre for a free doughnut and affirmation to help power you through the day. 
  • Crunch time — Wednesday, April 16 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. | Staff from the Student Wellness Centre will be going around campus to fuel students with snacks and deliver the good news that the SWC will be open throughout the spring and summer. Make sure to say hi and grab some brain food!
  • Coffee and Cookie delivery — Thursday, April 10 and Wednesday, April 16 from 7 and 9 p.m. (both days) | Spiritual Care and Multi-Faith Services in partnership with UMSU are gearing up to deliver coffee and cookies to students studying on campus in the evenings for final exams.
  • Doughnuts and Coffee — Monday, April 21 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (while supplies last) | The International Centre is hosting doughnuts and coffee in the T. K. Lau Global Lounge (541 UMSU Centre)

• Develop good habits. Connect with UM’s Coordinator of Student Health and Wellness Education to discuss health and wellness topics such as stress management or other ideas for healthier living. The Healthy U website also has multiple resources you can access at any time. 
• Take short breaks regularly. Get up, move, stretch, give your mind a rest, stare at the wall or at something far away to rest your eyes. Essentially, give your body and your mind a rest so you can come back to studying refreshed.
• Make time for things that bring you joy and help you relax. Enjoy a hobby, spend time in nature, tidy up your space or connect with friends and family.
• Celebrate all of your wins: Prepping for finals and finishing your course load can be a long journey. Waiting until the result of your exam or last class is certainly worth celebrating, but so is all of the work you are accomplishing along the way. Attending class, learning a challenging concept, or getting through your most recent study session are all your wins as well. Celebrate yourself as you go, you deserve it.

Although rare, medical or compassionate circumstances may arise which prevent a student from writing an exam as scheduled. An exam deferral is a privilege that may be granted under extenuating circumstances.   UM developed the Self-Declaration Policy for Students with these circumstances in mind. 

If you are unable to write an exam, and no other documentation is available, you must complete the Fillable Self-Declaration Form for submission with your request for a deferred exam(s).  Students should be aware that submitting a Self-Declaration form either dishonestly, or for a non-valid reason, is the same as submitting any other fraudulent (false) document, which may result in disciplinary action under the UM Student Discipline By-Law. 

Examples of non-valid reasons 

• Attending a personal or family event (e.g., vacation, wedding) 
• Optional travel
• Technological difficulties
• Competitions or events, related to personal interests (choir, acting, pageants, exhibitions)
• Employment-related commitments
• Academic/Exam Related Stress

Students who are not able to meet academic requirements due to experiencing high levels of academic or exam-related stress should seek out support by contacting Student  Accessibility Services or Student Support Case Management.  

Examples of valid reasons 

• Sudden illness or injury on the day of an exam
• Unexpected compassionate circumstances
• Known conflicts of religious observance
• Bereavement or loss of a loved one
• Participation in an inter-university, provincial, inter-provincial, national or international scholastic or athletic event 

Be sure to check with an advisor in your home faculty (or your faculty’s website) to confirm which events and other reasons may be supported by the Self-Declaration form. There are some circumstances in which other documentation may be required by your faculty. If you are experiencing anxiety around your academic obligations, please use the student supports and resources available to you, such as: 

• Academic Learning Centre for study skills, exam preparation, writing workshops 
• Student Wellness Centre, Student Counselling Centre, or other Student Supports to manage stress and anxiety
• Student Accessibility Services if related to an ongoing or chronic health condition 

 Best wishes to all students preparing for final examinations.

Here are some recommendations as you focus on studying and writing your exams.

STUDY SMART

Here are some recommendations to maximize your effectiveness and efficiency as you focus on studying and writing your exams.

• Check your exam schedule and manage your exam conflicts and deferrals ahead of time. Make sure you know when and when you write your final exams.
• Create a study schedule by working backwards from the exam date and allowing extra time for courses and topic areas that are more challenging for you.
• Use your syllabus and course objectives to determine what you need to focus on most when studying.
• Find out what type of exam you are writing (e.g., multiple choice, short answer, essay, open book). Knowing the format will help you determine how to study.
• Gather and organize essential materials, such as assigned course readings, lecture notes, and practice questions.
• Study actively by creating something new. Just re-reading or recopying your notes is not effective and can lead to poor results. Instead, re-organize the information by creating charts, concept maps and/or timelines.
• Avoid cramming. Cramming overtaxes your memory—you will likely remember less and may even get confused about the material.
• If you’re short on time, read chapter summaries and chapter objectives. Focus on material that will be covered on the exam, but that was not covered during class. Review the material you don’t know well before reviewing material that is easier or more familiar.
• Test yourself. Complete the chapter quizzes. Create and answer your own test questions. Challenge yourself to write down everything you know about a course topic, concept, or section without looking at your notes or textbook, then fill in the gaps. Not knowing is part of learning, so don’t stress if you don’t know much the first time you do this. Your knowledge will improve!
• Do LOTS of practice problems, especially if you are in problem-based courses like Math, Statistics, Chemistry, Physics, or Engineering. Do the hardest questions. Approach problem solving in an organized way using the Academic Learning Centre’s GUESS method.
• Be proactive. If you have questions, your first step should be to contact the course instructor or teaching assistant. You can also find recorded Academic Success Workshops that can help you continue to succeed, or you can book an appointment with an Academic Learning Centre content/study skills tutor.

PRACTICE SELF-CARE

Focusing on your wellness as much as your studying during exam season can help ensure you are functioning at your best. Many resources can help you thrive and take care of yourself. Here are some suggestions:

• Find a balance. Consider eating foods that fuel you, get the rest you need, and move your body in whatever way makes sense to you! Take advantage of UM Recreation Services’ wide range of virtual workout sessions and the facilities and programs on both UM campuses.
• Get support. If you get anxious about exams, you are not alone. The Student Counselling Centre offers counselling services for students, including groups and workshops available throughout the year.
  • Enhance your coping abilities with SCC’s Stress and Wellness 101 . You can attend one, two or all three sessions in on of the two following series:
    • Series 5: In-person on Monday, March 25, April 1 and 8 | 10:30 to 12:20pm
    • Series 6: In-person on Thursday, April 11, 18 and 25 | 10:30 to 12:30pm
  • Join Mid-day Mindfulness meditation on Wednesdays at 12:30-1:30.
  • If you need help developing an action plan for a specific challenge, the SCC offers Single Session Therapy appointments to help you finish the term.
  • Looking for a place to study, rest, learn or connect? Visit the new Student Wellness Centre (SWC). The SWC can support you in getting well, being well and staying well during your time in university.
• Develop good habits. Connect with UM’s Coordinator of Student Health and Wellness Education to discuss health and wellness topics such as stress management or other ideas for healthier living. The Healthy U website also has multiple resources you can access at any time. 
• Take short breaks regularly. Getting up and moving when you’re studying can help prevent neck pain and headaches. Doing this also gives your mind a rest so you can return to your work feeling refreshed.
• Make time for things that bring you joy and help you relax. Enjoy a hobby, spend time in nature, tidy up your space or connect with friends and family.
• Remember to breathe. It’s easy to forget this when you’re feeling stressed. Simply close your eyes and count your breaths, focusing on inhaling and exhaling slowly and deeply. Looking for  somewhere to take a moment and breathe, the Spiritual Care and Multi-Faith Centre offers a meditation space for students and the Student Wellness Centre offers a “calm space” for students to disconnect from the chaos of campus.
• Remember that your self-worth and value as a person is not determined by one test score or one exam. No matter the results of your exams or course grades, you are worthy of living a good life. Acknowledge how hard you’re working, show yourself kindness and remember that you are doing the best you can.
• Celebrate all of your wins: Prepping for finals and finishing your course load can be a long journey. Waiting until the result of your exam or last class is certainly worth celebrating, but so is all of the work you are accomplishing along the way. Attending class, learning a challenging concept, or getting through your most recent study session are all your wins as well. Celebrate yourself as you go, you deserve it.

Here are some recommendations as you focus on studying and writing your exams.

STUDY SMART

When you don’t know where to start, don’t panic. Keep calm, you still have time to get organized. Try using these pointers to help you get back on track and be as productive with your study time as possible.

• Organize essential test materials such as readings, lecture notes, practice questions, assignment questions and homework.
• Create a study schedule and pay close attention to courses and areas that you need to improve on.
• Be prepared. Use your syllabus and course objectives to determine what you need to study. Find out what type of exam you are writing (e.g., multiple choice vs. long answer, closed vs. open book). Knowing the format will help you determine how to study.
• Avoid cramming. Cramming overtaxes your memory, and you will end up remembering less or even get confused about the material.
• Start with current material, then move to the material you don’t know before you return to the material you are familiar with.
• Don’t play catchup. If you haven’t kept up with course readings, don’t start now. Instead, read chapter summaries and chapter objectives. If necessary, only read the chapter sections required for the exam and not covered during class.
• Test yourself. Just reading or recopying your notes is ineffective and can lead to poor results. Instead, re-organize the information you are learning using charts, concept maps and/or timelines. Take the chapter quizzes and make flashcards or test questions for yourself. Challenge yourself to write down everything you know about a course topic/concept/section without looking at your notes/text, and then fill in the gaps. Not knowing is part of learning, so don’t stress if you don’t know much the first time you do this. Your knowledge will improve!
• Do Practice Problems (lots!). If you are in problem-based course (Math, Statistics, Chemistry, Physics, Engineering), do LOTS of practice problems (even the hard ones). Don’t reverse engineer (i.e., don’t start with the answer and figure it out in reverse) because you can’t do that during an exam. If you have trouble figuring out where to start – use ALC ‘s GUESS strategy.
• Be proactive. If you have questions, your first step should be to contact your professor, instructor or teaching assistant. You can also find recorded Academic Success Workshops that can help you continue to succeed, or you can book an appointment with an Academic Learning Centre content/study skills tutor.
• Study with others. Reviewing material with a classmate and having a second perspective can benefit both of you. Studying in a group setting can also help you stay focused and motivated. Consider attending a Virtual Study Hall session through the Academic Learning Centre to study with others. No registration is required.
  • Study hall runs twice– on April 13 from 6 pm to 7:30 pm and Saturday, April 15 from 3 pm to 5 pm. The study halls will be facilitated by student staff with training in study skills and they can, if asked, help with goal setting and direct you to additional final exam study sources.

PRACTICE SELF-CARE

Focusing on your wellness as much as your studying during exam season can help ensure you are functioning at your best. Many resources can help you thrive and take care of yourself. Here are some suggestions:

• Find a balance. Consider eating foods that fuel you, get the rest you need, and move your body in whatever way makes sense to you! Take advantage of UM Recreation Services’ wide range of virtual workout sessions and the facilities and programs on both UM campuses.
• Get support. If you get anxious about exams, you are not alone. The Student Counselling Centre offers counselling services for students, including groups and workshops available throughout the year.
  • Enhance your coping abilities with SCC’s Stress and Distress Management program happening April 14, 21 and 28. You can attend one, two or all three.
  • Join Mid-day Mindfulness meditation on Wednesdays at 12:30-1:30.
  • If you need help developing an action plan for a specific challenge, the SCC offers Single Session Therapy appointments throughout April to help you finish the term.
• Develop good habits. Consult with the UM Health and Wellness Educator for tips on stress management and other ideas for healthier living. Healthy U also has multiple resources on their website that you can access at any time.
• Take short breaks regularly. Getting up and moving when you’re studying can help prevent neck pain and headaches. Doing this also gives your mind a rest so you can return to your work feeling refreshed.
• Make time for things that bring you joy and help you relax. Enjoy a hobby, spend time in nature, tidy up your space or connect with friends and family.
• Remember to breathe. It’s easy to forget this when you’re feeling stressed. Simply close your eyes and count your breaths, focusing on inhaling and exhaling slowly and deeply.
• Remember that your self-worth and value as a person is not determined by one test score or one exam. No matter the results of your exams or course grades, you are worthy of living a good life. Acknowledge how hard you’re working, show yourself kindness and remember that you are doing the best you can.