Students share tips on writing stress-free exams

[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/studying_opt.jpg” caption=”Oliver Ondrade and Meaghan Calder study for exams. Photo credit: Susan Andersen”]It's that time of year again — exam time — and students across campus are gearing up for the many exams that will be written between Dec. 7 and 21.

The anticipation of exams can be a stressful time for students. From first year to upper year, they can bring a lot of worries and concerns.

For many students, like third-year psychology student Meaghan Calder, preparation is key to finding peace of mind. She says focusing on five courses at once is the hardest part. “I feel that it would be much easier if we only had one course to study for. A full course load is a lot.”

Third-year life science student, Oliver Ondrade agrees. “Exams are a lot of work,” he says.

Because of the short period of time in which exams fall, time management skills are a major asset to any university student. Calder feels that using her time wisely and getting a good night's rest are essential in helping her complete exams successfully. “I try to space my study time according to my exam schedule, so that I don't end up wasting time and can get lots of sleep the night before an exam.”

Unlike Calder, Ondrade prefers late nights and a lot of coffee. “I find I work best later in the evenings and into the night.”

For students like Ondrade, the McMaster Students Union has made available an All Night Study Program (ANSP). From Dec. 1-15, meeting rooms in the student centre are available for silent study. For those who prefer group discussion, the atrium and lounges are open for group study.

Campus libraries will be open late as well. For complete hours see the library Web site at, http://library.mcmaster.ca/

Because many students study late into the night, being safe is essential. For this reason the Student Walk Home Attendant Team (SWHAT) is available to walk students anywhere within a 30-minute radius until 1 a.m. every night during exams. SWHAT is easily reached from anywhere on campus at ext. 27500.

For students caught up in the bustle of exam time and forget when or where their exams are held, the final exam timetable is available at http://registrar.mcmaster.ca/internal/examt.

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[img_inline align="right" src="http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/studying_opt.jpg" caption="Oliver Ondrade and Meaghan Calder study for exams. Photo credit: Susan Andersen"]It&#039;s that time of year again -- exam time -- and students across campus are gearing up for the many exams that will be written between Dec. 7 and 21.<p><br />
<br />
The anticipation of exams can be a stressful time for students.  From first year to upper year, they can bring a lot of worries and concerns. <p><br />
<br />
For many students, like third-year psychology student Meaghan Calder, preparation is key to finding peace of mind. She says focusing on five courses at once is the hardest part.  "I feel that it would be much easier if we only had one course to study for.  A full course load is a lot."<p><br />
<br />
Third-year life science student, Oliver Ondrade agrees. "Exams are a lot of work," he says.<p><br />
<br />
Because of the short period of time in which exams fall, time management skills are a major asset to any university student.  Calder feels that using her time wisely and getting a good night&#039;s rest are essential in helping her complete exams successfully. "I try to space my study time according to my exam schedule, so that I don&#039;t end up wasting time and can get lots of sleep the night before an exam."<p><br />
<br />
Unlike Calder, Ondrade prefers late nights and a lot of coffee. "I find I work best later in the evenings and into the night." <p><br />
<br />
For students like Ondrade, the McMaster Students Union has made available an All Night Study Program (ANSP).  From Dec. 1-15, meeting rooms in the student centre are available for silent study. For those who prefer group discussion, the atrium and lounges are open for group study. <p><br />
<br />
Campus libraries will be open late as well.  For complete hours see the library Web site at, <a href="http://library.mcmaster.ca/">http://library.mcmaster.ca/</a><p><br />
<br />
Because many students study late into the night, being safe is essential.  For this reason the Student Walk Home Attendant Team (SWHAT) is available to walk students anywhere within a 30-minute radius until 1 a.m. every night during exams.  SWHAT is easily reached from anywhere on campus at ext. 27500.<p>  <br />
<br />
For students caught up in the bustle of exam time and forget when or where their exams are held, the final exam timetable is available at <a href="http://registrar.mcmaster.ca/internal/examt">http://registrar.mcmaster.ca/internal/examt</a>.

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