By Monique James

University of Maryland students are relying on certain practices to help them get through final exams, whether that’s finding study spots around campus, registering for group fitness classes or new ways to study.

While some students have been through UMD finals before and know how to access support, others are facing finals for the first time and may feel isolated and overwhelmed by the experience. 

Sophomore family health major Victoria Nkonogolo’s previous experience with finals at UMD gave her a different perspective on how to approach finals and studying. 

“I try to take frequent breaks or focus on something else, so I don’t overwork myself,” Nkonogolo said. “I don’t think I’m as burnt out this semester compared to the past because I really like my classes this time around. I know what to expect.”

Acknowledging her experiences and applying them to her workload has been a beneficial approach for Nkonogolo towards her finals. 

Taking breaks can be beneficial for students because it can prevent burnout and allow them to have a healthier approach to finals. According to the American Psychological Association, a study found that groups that took a break while studying scored higher on an assignment. 

“Focusing our attention for too long can wear us out. Prolonged work seems to be depleting. You start to fade out and there’s a decline in performance,” the article said.

Some UMD professors avoid giving final exams because of the stress students may experience.

“I haven’t given a final exam in many years,” Merrilee Cox, a professor of journalism, said. “To be honest, I don’t like to add to the stress at the end of the semester, so in all classes I teach, I assign a final story which, I hope will be easier to handle for everyone involved.”

An article from Grow Beyond Grades stated that this approach is helpful for students because it gives them a sense of relief and reduces their workload. 

Greg Pask, the author of the article, wrote: “…exam-focused STEM courses usually have a test every 3-4 weeks with a final at the end of the term. This isn’t just enough of an opportunity to demonstrate one’s learning.”

According to the Journal of Affective Disorders, between 15% and 22% of students display test anxiety, showing that the psychological activation of the sympathetic nervous system, known as “fight or flight,” is activated during exams.

Sophomore journalism and global policy major Sophia Parkins said she finds that some UMD professors show little concern for how students are handling finals.

“I think I am burnt out,” Parkins said. “I have had a very hard semester as a transfer student. In the future, I plan on prioritizing my rest and allowing myself to explore social groups because the school is competitive. It can definitely be isolating.”

UMD offers many resources to help students manage the stress of finals week, including extending dining hall hours, tutoring sessions at the Teaching and Learning Transformation Center and stress management services at the Health Center.

Featured Image: McKeldin Library on the University of Maryland campus. Photo by Monique James.