By: Abbie Hrabar

Pensacola’s campus has various resources and tools at the fingertips of each student. For any issue or problem that you might have, there is a service or department that can help. To find more information, https://www.pensacolastate.edu/current-students/student-services/ has links, sources, and thorough information about each service. These are only some of the many services offered by the college. 

The writing lab is a great resource for those who need help with essays or other writing-related problems. The tutors can help with a variety of essay-adjacent issues; they help with citations, paper ideas, grammatical errors, and more. They also have online tutoring sessions via Zoom. The writing lab is in Building 4, in room 448 on Pensacola’s main campus. 

The main campus also has a math lab in Building 1, room 111. There, they help with math problems of any kind. They have experienced tutors who can help with any level of algebra or other math-related problems you may have. There is also virtual physics tutoring for all you students defying gravity this semester. Virtual tutoring via Zoom is also available for the math lab.

In Building 6, the testing center is in room 635. There, students can work in a quiet space away from their classroom. The testing center is there for those who need an isolated place to do a make-up test or any exam. They give each person a fair shot at their work and maintain a professional environment for people to excel. 

For those who need extra testing help, ADA services give accommodations for those who need more time or an isolated place to do their test. The sign-up process is simple, and all you need to do once you get your official ADA letter is to send it to your teachers for the semester. Once the process is complete, you get a whole year to use your ADA letter. It’s perfect for those who need just a little extra help. 

Each campus has a library, and each library has online and in-person sources. The main campus’ library is located in Building 20. While the library can be a great place to work, do not forget the librarians! They can be great people to talk to when looking for book recommendations or help with academic sources. The online library catalog – available through your Microsoft Apps dashboard – is organized to help students find academic sources easily with libguides galore. For more specific assistance, the librarians are able to be accessed in person or on Zoom.

How to Ace Your Finals

The Learning Center at the University of North Carolina [at Chapel Hill] has a resourceful list of study habits and practices to help you better your habits. These are the basics of their list of basic ways to study. Head to https://learningcenter.unc.edu to find more thorough explanations. 

Reading is not studying

Just reading the content and nothing else can lead to forgetting the content quickly. Properly studying means doing things like creating a study guide, making examples, working problems, and understanding the big idea.

Remember the ‘Study Cycle’

Developed by Frank Christ, the Study Cycle breaks down the different parts of studying: previewing lessons, going to class, reviewing content, and checking your understanding at the end of studying. Implementing these steps into your study routine can ensure success. 

Spacing out is good

Spacing out your study time is a good way to learn information more deeply. Instead of trying to cram as much as you can the day before, spreading out things that you have to study can make for better memorization and less stress. 

It’s good to be intense

Short bursts of lots of work can be better than drawn-out studying. Working for about 30 minutes then taking a break after is more effective than working nonstop for hours. Just remember that brain breaks are important.

Silence isn’t golden 

Finding where you do your best work is important for studying. While some might work best in a silent library, others might need ambiance or background noise. Finding what works for you can help you focus. 

Problems are your friend

More technical subjects like math could need more working and re-working. Actively doing the problem will make it easier to remember a formula or problem. Doing something like putting together a study guide worksheet of the most difficult problems can be incredibly beneficial. 

Reconsider multitasking

In almost every case, multitasking is not beneficial for studying, because it increases the amount of time needed to learn the selected material. Instead, eliminate distractions and focus merely on the subject at hand. This way, you work smarter, not harder and absorb information better. 

Switch up your setting 

A change in scenery might help you to study. Working in a space that no longer works for you is not going to help you keep focused and memorize content. Finding out when and where you study best makes your learning more effective. Make sure not to have just one specific spot; having several good spots to study under your belt can make things even more enjoyable. 

Become a teacher

Attempting to explain the material in your own words makes for easier understanding. Teaching yourself the material in your own way can make it better for you to absorb and learn. Going as far as making a quiz for yourself can also be extremely helpful. 

Take control of your calendar 

Controlling distractions, your schedule, and your time can help you accomplish goals. Being in control of your calendar means you stay on top of work, and thus can organize more time to review the material. While daily and weekly calendars work, marking things down can help with organization and time management.