Congratulations! You have made it to the end of another semester. Just a few short weeks and finals will be over, final grades posted, and one step closer to graduation! I’ve added information below with tips for finals, possible plans for summer, and what plans should be in place for you as a student.
Final Exams
We’ve all taken plenty of exams throughout school, but finals can put more stress on students as many final grades are dependent on Final Exam grades. Here are some tips from a graduating senior on how to get through finals.
Make sure to eat healthy and drink plenty of water
I know this sounds cliché, however having good nutrients and plenty of water in your body will help with focus and overall make you feel better when stressed
Spread studying out over the course of a few days or weeks
I know that being a student feels like you should have started studying about 3 weeks ago, however, that’s not always possible. Try breaking up studying across multiple days and begin a study plan today. I typically begin studying for my exams a week out and switch between subjects each day to include some variation in my studying. I usually focus on one or two chapter(s) or concept(s) for each course every day. Remember: This is a review, not learning brand new concepts!
Try not to cram, but if you have to, plan accordingly
I could say to not cram at all, but we’re all college students, even the best students do it. If you feel like you need to cram, be prepared. Set up a study place and be sure to have snacks and plenty of water to prepare for a long haul study session. Typically, I spend about 30-45 minutes studying and then take a 10 minute break. Be sure to get some sort of rest the night before and try to rest after your cram session and before your exam.
Walk into your final exam with confidence
Walk into that final exam like you own it! Believe it or not, you have retained more than you may think you have. Start with the questions you know the answers to, do parts of questions you know how to do, and finally use what you have learned to figure out the questions you may not be so sure about. There’s plenty of time to take an exam, so use that time and what you’ve learned and remember to crush that exam!
What about classes?
At this point, you should already be registered and prepared for classes next semester. If you are unsure of your schedule, there is still some time to schedule an appointment with your Academic and Career Coach or a Peer Advisor through connect (Peer Advisors have appointments until May 6, 2021). If you are taking a summer course at UNC Charlotte, classes begin May 24th for the first session and most courses are M-F. If you are taking a course at another University and have not discussed this with your Academic and Career Coach, do so immediately!
It important to note that beginning in fall 2021:
Face-to-face classes will resume at pre-pandemic levels.
Our residence halls will be at full occupancy.
Employees will return to their offices, and all campus services will be offered in person.
All buildings and facilities will return to regular capacity, including dining and recreational options.
We plan to once again welcome spectators at Charlotte 49ers events, though the exact capacity is still being determined with the state.
For more information on what the fall will look like, please visit the Niner Nation Cares website. If you are not taking summer classes, we look forward to seeing you either in-person or virtually on August 23rd!
What should I do this summer?
Summer can be a tricky time for students as classes are over and responsibilities that come with Spring classes are done too. What are some things you can do this summer to get ahead in your business journey? None of these will take a ton of time, but will really help you in your professional experience in the long run!
Relax
First and foremost, take some time to relax! This has been a very stressful time and semester for all students, so take some time to do activities that you enjoy and take time to re energize yourself for the upcoming summer
Build a Resume and LinkedIn
If you do not already have a resume and LinkedIn created, spend some time this summer developing both of these. It’s a great way to establish and sell your personal, professional brand to future employers and build a network. For assistance with both of these, check out these Career Resources!
Internship or Part Time Jobs
Internships are great ways to gain experience in your professional field and many times get paid to do so. If you have not been offered an internship, part time jobs are great ways to gain some extra money and learn skills that can be applied to resumes and future careers.
Learn a New Skill
There are many new skills that employers are looking for in new hires. One of the biggest is Microsoft Excel. Even though you learned the basics in INFO 2130, I highly recommend learning high-level practice of excel as it could be useful for a future career. I typically look up YouTube videos who provide practice datasets and walkthrough videos of new concepts. Some other skills you could learn is negotiation, economics, or social media marketing. To learn more about some possible useful skills, check out this LinkedIn Post!
Summer is approaching quickly! We are so close to being through another semester, so focus just for a bit longer and have a good (and safe) summer break! See you all either digitally or in-person on August 23rd!
