 "Photo: Hemali Tanna")
The taste of pumpkin pie, honey ham and stuffing has started to satisfy minds and stomachs. Yet, students cannot help but think ahead to those dreadful finals.
As always, the Student Computing Center, Evans and Annex libraries will be full of students cramming material in the hopes of passing classes. This ultimately means one thing: all-nighters.
"It is preferable not to do all-nighters at all," said Betty Milburn, associate director of counseling at the Department of Student Counseling Services. "The reason being is because it impacts the way you learn the material if you study all night. Your thinking may not be clear when you get to the exam."
No worries. This short guide will help you get through finals in an efficient manner that won't turn a 20-minute nap into a missed final.
Before you start loading up on gallons of coffee, keep one thing in mind: caffeine may be ineffective to some people.
"Caffeine can have different effects on people," Milburn said. "Too much coffee, particularly in combination with lack of sleep, can cause a lot of anxiety."
The effects of caffeine are still questionable for many researchers.
"The performance of complex intellectual tasks is neither worsened nor improved by caffeine, whether in the morning or in the evening," said Richard Gilbert, author of "Caffeine: The Most Popular Stimulant."
Although the results may vary with each person, the crash afterward is common. Thus, Milburn said sugary and fatty foods should be avoided.
"You don't want to eat heavy, greasy or sugary foods or anything that has a lot of carbs," she said. "This will make you feel sluggish. Eat something with protein for energy."
Fruit or juices may be a healthier alternative. A popular option would be to drink a cold glass of water. The icy temperature can wake you up almost instantly. Also, if you drink one often enough, you'll be busy taking trips to the bathroom instead of nodding off.
Setting the scene to study in can also affect your success. Some prefer secluded places, but some prefer louder areas or at home with plenty of study buddies to help each other stay awake.
"A quiet place and being alone for the most part helps me concentrate and study the most before a big test," said Yessenia Vega, senior bilingual education major.
"When I feel like I need a lot more preparation the night before an exam, I drink a lot of coffee and listen to very upbeat music," said Jacqueline Santamaria, sophomore international studies major.
The different techniques of students are endless. Staying positive can help with getting through the night.
Counselors on campus advise to remain detached from the panic mania around you. Being around panicky and nervous people will only enhance sense of anxiety.
"An all-nighter for me happens when I study for the beast that is accounting," said San Juana Ortega, a junior accounting major. "I sit on the sofa, have ESPN or Disney Channel on and start the party. My guests: accounting notes, old quizzes, book, pencil and a calculator."
Switching subjects during a study session can also refresh the mind.
"Try not to study for two similar courses consecutively," the counseling team said. "Break up similar courses with a different course."
SCS also advises to schedule breaks and not set unrealistic goals like studying for hours at a time without taking a break.
"I try to study for 50 minutes at a time, then the last 10 minutes I'll take a break," said Hayrelyn Dejesus, a graduate accounting major. "I'll switch subjects after a while, and when I start to get sleepy I take breaks more often just so I won't give up and just fall asleep."
The counseling center said to take things a little slower the day of the. Milburn also suggests not to show up too early before a test because students might hear others discussing test material. This could get them nervous about material they haven't studied for.
"Relax for the half-hour before the test," said the counseling team. "Take a break between your exams, when your schedule permits. Try to unwind a bit."
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