Resources for Finals Week

Finals Week, which takes place April 19-23, is just a couple weeks away, and it is important for your student to have the tools they need in order to feel prepared and confident as they finish up their last few projects, exams, quizzes, essays, and more.

Tutoring and Study Help

If your student is struggling in a particular subject or needs some study tips or advice, here are some great resources that tackle several types of subjects and assignments.

  • Academic Center for Excellence (ACE). ACE is a learning center at FSU that provides students with various tutoring sessions and study tools in order to help them feel prepared for their courses. ACE offers several types of tutoring options, including Course-Based Tutoring, Group Tutoring, Math Tutoring, and Study Skills Tutoring. For more information about ACE, visit ace.fsu.edu.
  • Reading Writing Center. Currently, the Reading Writing Center is offering online appointments to students who are seeking help with subjects and assignments such as essays or written works assigned in class, resume and application letters, and additional writing endeavors. To learn more about the Reading Writing Center, visit wr.english.fsu.edu/reading-writing-center.
  • The Digital Studios. The Digital Studios has two locations that students can visit: there is one located on the second floor of the Williams Building (222B) and one located on the ground floor of the William Johnston Building (G062). Students can visit during walk-in hours or reserve a computer to use through their website. Here, students can receive guidance or help with multimedia projects like presentations, websites, portfolios, and other digital elements. For more information about The Digital Studios, visit wr.english.fsu.edu/digital-studio-home. 
  • University Libraries. University Libraries is also home to several tutoring opportunities through different subjects like Chemistry, Math, Physics, Modern Languages, and more. Tutoring through University Libraries is being conducted over Zoom until further notice. To learn more about University Libraries’ tutoring program, visit www.lib.fsu.edu/tutoring.

Places to Study

  • Strozier. Due to COVID-19, Strozier Library has opened up a select amount of study rooms and spaces for students. Students can visit their reservation calendar to reserve a study room for up to four hours at a time, once a day, in preparation for finals week. In addition to these study rooms, students can also head to Strozier to study in their main seating areas that don’t require a reservation.
  • Dirac. Similar to Strozier, Dirac Library has opened up a select amount of their study rooms and spaces for students ahead of Finals Week. Students can visit the Dirac reservation calendar to reserve a study room for up to four hours a time, once a day, in preparation for finals week. In addition to these reserved study rooms, students can also visit Dirac and study in their main seating areas, which don’t require a reservation.
  • Academic Center for Excellence (ACE). ACE is currently offering various study rooms that can be reserved for up to two hours at a time. Vacant study rooms can be used by any group that walks in. ACE’s study rooms consist of rooms with a white board, rooms with an interactive white board, and rooms with a mediascape collaboration station. For more information about ACE study rooms, please visit ace.fsu.edu.
  • Innovation Hub. Students can also reserve study rooms and spaces at FSU’s Innovation Hub, which is right off Landis Green. The Innovation Hub is home to a conference room, design labs, a lounge, common seating, and more for students to reserve in order to study for their finals or complete additional projects. Learn more about the Innovation Hub by visiting innovation.fsu.edu.
  • Some additional study spaces that don’t have to be reserved in advance and are for more casual study sessions include Argo Tea, the Williams Building Courtyard, Landis Green, or Langford Green. Students who live in FSU residence halls can also visit their study rooms within the hall.

Study Tips

In order to have the most productive and mindful study and work sessions, students can use some of the following tips in order to get the most out of their time.

One aspect of studying that is often overlooked is studying in bed. Since our minds associate your bed with sleep, it might be difficult for your student to pay attention, stay awake, and remain productive. If they have the option to work at a desk, go to a study room in their residence hall, or visit another location on or off campus, that is the best way to make sure they stay productive and get their work completed.

Additionally, students benefit from studying in a quiet setting, or at least a setting that is not distracting. If your student can’t focus well inside public spaces like coffee shops or crowded libraries, then perhaps reserving a study space or finding a quiet spot somewhere on Landis might be a good option for them.

A final important study tip is make sure your student is taking breaks and getting rest. Although it is important for your student to study so they feel prepared and confident about the course material, it is just as important for them to keep up their physical, mental, and emotional health as well. This includes taking breaks after long periods of studying, making sure to get some activity in their day (especially if they are constantly sitting at their desk), and ensuring that they are getting enough sleep and eating meals and snacks frequently.