How students are changing their routines for finals preparations

TCC students discuss finals and how the remote learning environment has affected their preparation process.

Some students are making efforts towards taking care of their health to ensure they are at their best when they have to take their finals.

“To prepare for the upcoming finals, being on a healthy sleeping schedule and eating balanced meals are my biggest priorities,” NE student Esme Nava said. “If I am able to take control of that, retaining information comes much easier.”

Focusing on organization has become a top priority during finals.

“I’m preparing for finals by organizing my planner, listing out everything due for my classes and also trying to not overwhelm myself and take time to relax and read a great book,” South student Valerie Vallejo said.

Having a strict study schedule has helped NW student Rebekah Luper to ensure she is prepared for each of her finals.

She said that it’s all about finding a schedule that works for you.

“In a normal in-person semester, I’d have a study day on campus where I’d study for multiple classes all day but designate at least an hour per class, if needed, with a tutor for anything I’m struggling with,” she said.

Some students are finding it difficult to manage their time in a remote environment and are having to go to extra lengths to study for finals.

“I always felt a lot better at time management and productivity [when attending in-person classes] because I had to use the hours given to me instead of having to chart my own schedule at home and risk the chance of getting sidetracked,” TR student Mary Ma-

turo said. “It’s been an uphill battle keeping my focus.”

Student Bethany Harper said that she feels she has access to more resources to assist her in finals preparation in the online setting compared to an in-person semester.

The in-person setting allowed students to go straight to the source to receive extra help, and now they have to rely on emails and video chat study sessions to answer all their questions.

“I’d usually plan to meet with my professors or classmates for study sessions, however, now I am relying on my time management and communication with others to make it happen,” Nava said. “I’m frequently communicating with classmates to he er in places we feel uneasy about.”