The BEST Finals Study Tips & Tricks

By: Ela Rybak ‘25

With finals around the corner, studying is at the forefront of most people’s minds. However,  you may feel stuck in a rut with study techniques that no longer feel beneficial. There are a variety of study methods, and the most effective method will depend on your learning style and preferences. Here are some general tips and strategies that may be helpful as you prepare for these major cumulative exams.

Stay Organized with a Planner

This may seem self-explanatory or even unnecessary, but I can say from experience that following a study timeline for finals makes a difference. Although I prefer using a physical planner over an app, it really comes down to what works best for you! Color coding your final schedule with a different color for each class allows you to tell which class you’ll review on that day at a quick glance.

Get a Breath of Fresh Air!

Since studying for finals can be very stressful, it’s also important to take time for yourself. Make sure to get out of Leavey Library or your dorm room to eat, drink water, or simply get fresh air outside. Even stopping at a Starbucks on campus halfway through your study session to reward yourself while giving your brain a much-needed break from constant reading, computing, and writing can help.

Change Study Locations

Switching up study locations on or around campus can be a game changer. Many people frequent Doheny and Leavey Library, but there are so many other places to study, including study rooms, the Alumni Park lawn, and nearby coffee shops. Some of the most popular study rooms are in Fertitta Hall, which can only be reserved by business students. However, there are many other little spots throughout Fertitta Hall that offer quiet areas for studying. The New Annenberg Hall also offers many secluded spots to study without interruptions. If studying at a coffee shop is more your vibe, Dulce and Starbucks in the Village, as well as It’s Boba Time on the corner of Vermont Avenue and 36th Street, are perfect places to enjoy a thirst-quenching drink while also appreciating the overall cafe atmosphere.

Teach Your Peers

Do you ever struggle with conceptualizing information while you’re studying? Often, reading from a PowerPoint slide or a textbook will not lead to an overall understanding of the material. However, teaching your peers is a great way for both you and your classmates to better grasp the material. For example, using a whiteboard to illustrate a difficult concept, whether it be mathematical or conceptual, will help the information be at the forefront of your mind while taking your final. Using new methods of studying, like the Pomodoro Method with set time increments, may prove to be extremely helpful.

It is important to remember that what might work for your best friend may not work for you. If your current study habits aren’t working like they used to, take advantage of some new tips to find a method that works for you. Good luck on finals, Trojans!

Want more from Trojans 360?

Visit Trojans 360 on Facebook & Twitter to stay up to date with more student content! You can also Ask A Trojan an anonymous question, and we’ll try to answer it in a future post. And don’t forget to follow us on Instagram!

Trojans 360 is USC’s official student-run blog. Content created by students, for students.