Tips for Finals Season

Caleigh Montoya, Staff Writer

Finals season is upon us! Here are some tips on how to handle the work, the stress, all while balancing your mental health.

Study Tips

1. Avoid procrastination

Although procrastination is easy to fall into, finals time is the worst time to fall behind. Getting rid of distractions, taking small breaks, and making checklists are a great start to motivating yourself to keep going.

2. Find a spot to study

Studying is very hard for me at home so I usually try to go to a library or cafe. This puts me into work mode and helps me retain information.

3. Try different methods of studying

Attempting to study different information the same way is not helpful. Trying unique styles and different methods of studying to see what works best for you.

4. Take practice tests

Practice tests help test how much information you are remembering. This will give you insight into what topics you need to study more, and into what topics you feel confident in. 

5. Study with a group

Studying with a group can make studying more fun and interactive. It can also allow you to bounce ideas off other people and seek help from your peers. 

Stress and Mental Health Tips

1. Stay hydrated

Water is key to sustaining healthy brain functions and in boosting healthy moods. Water is your friend in keeping a healthy mindset during these stressful times.

2. Get enough sleep

Lack of sleep can cause depression, anxiety, and a doubtful mindset. Quality sleep will allow more thorough retention, positive attitudes, and better day-to-day moods.

3. Set boundaries

Saying no to some opportunities will help you when it comes to finals. Making sure that you are prioritizing your time and energy is not a bad thing, especially in times of overwhelm. 

4. Go outside

Being in nature is a great way to remind yourself to appreciate the little things. Fresh air will always do some good when it comes to your mental and physical health.

5. Eat good food

Eating before a test is giving fuel to your brain. Ensure that you are eating balanced and nutritious foods to allow for a great brain day.

You got this!

Back to Yellow and Blue: Readjusting to Life at Regis Post Study Abroad

By Grace Admire, Staff Writer

Studying abroad was the best thing I ever did, even if it ruined my life a bit. Last August, before I embarked on my four-and-a-half-month long stint in Germany, I found myself walking across the quad and thinking to myself, I’ve really made a home here. I think I’m gonna miss this place while I’m gone. And though there were a few moments where I found myself missing Regis (mostly my friends), my memory of that feeling ended up being used as a reminder that there would still be something for me here when I came back. While I was gone, I had worried a lot that things would be different when I came back. In a lot of ways, they were—not because my surroundings and friends were so different, but because I was so different. 

The readjustment process came with a lot of grief. They tell you that when you study abroad, you’ll miss and grieve the people you met there and the deep bonds you form with those around you. I miss the bliss of not knowing what I was missing out on before living in a walkable city with high-quality, cheap food and accessible public transportation. I miss speaking German and feeling proud of myself when people asked me for help in the city I lived in, and I could confidently answer in a foreign language, as if I weren’t American at all. I miss all the little things about Marburg that made it feel like home, an ocean away from everything I ever knew. But no one told me I was going to grieve the way I used to feel about my life back home when I got back. When I returned to life in Colorado, depression hit me like a truck. I got a gnarly stomach bug (E. coli, probably) days upon arriving home and was still recovering from a torn tendon in my ankle that made walking horrendously painful. Even seeing my friends who I love so deeply didn’t make me feel better. And I felt this way for weeks.  

Nearing the end of the semester, things have ebbed and flowed in the level of bearableness for me.  But, as I took a position writing the Highlander, I started thinking about the students abroad this semester, and how they may, soon, experience the exact same things. So I sought out to find some of the best answers from other students who have gone abroad. For starters, here is a bit of what they said: 

• 65% of respondents claimed their readjustment process was moderately challenging to difficult and overwhelming, whereas 35% stated their transition was smooth and seamless. So, if you’re studying abroad now, there’s a pretty good chance that you’ll be totally fine. 

• People found themselves taking refuge in a myriad of support systems: some relied on family and friends, some relied on long-distance support from friends abroad, some used substances, and one respondent even said they were only helped by “me, myself and I”. 

• Respondents studied abroad between one semester and 10 years ago, and of all of the responses, 40% stated that they haven’t fully recovered from their experiences abroad. The others fell in a range from no time at all to 6-12 months. 

This data may look a little grim, but oddly, not a single respondent regretted any level of their experience abroad. Like everyone else, despite the many challenges I have faced, I wouldn't change my experience for the world. Even if I returned home feeling in ruins, the necessity of picking up the pieces forced me to focus on the relationships that really mattered and double down on figuring out what was actually important for me. I recognize now that studying abroad (not just for me, but also for my peers) is a blooming season in which we reap the benefits of incredibly rich memories and unforgettable, invaluable life experiences, and afterwards comes time to rest, recover, and to sow seeds for the next adventure. To those of you who might be thinking of going abroad, do it. To my friends I’ve been blessed to make here in Colorado and abroad, you make my life so much sweeter. And to Denver International Airport, let’s hope we see each other soon.

Reminders for Final Exams

By Paige Robinson, Staff Writer

Attention Regis Students,

You are almost there! As you stand on the threshold of finals week, I want to remind you of something crucial: you are capable, resilient, and equipped to conquer the challenges ahead. The journey you've embarked upon is not easy, but it is extremely rewarding. In the challenges of finals week lies an opportunity for growth, learning, and ultimately triumph. So, as you prepare to face your exams, essays, projects, and more, I urge you to embrace the following affirming statements.

1. You Are More Than Your Grades

While academic success is important, it does not define your worth as a person. Your value extends far beyond the letters on your report card. You are talented, creative, and capable of making meaningful contributions to the world, regardless of your GPA. Always remember you tried your hardest, and that is what matters!

2. Progress Over Perfection

Strive for progress, not perfection. Understand that it's okay to stumble along the way. Each mistake is an opportunity to learn and grow stronger. Do not beat yourself down, but instead take it as a learning moment. Approach your studies with curiosity and a willingness to embrace the learning process, knowing that true mastery is achieved through perseverance and resilience.

3. Mental health is priority

In the midst of deadlines and late-night study sessions, don't forget to prioritize your well-being. If you ignore your mental health for too long, it can have a negative toll on you and possibly others. Take breaks, nourish your body with healthy food, get plenty of rest, and engage in activities that rejuvenate your mind and spirit. Remember, self-care is not selfish—it's essential for sustaining your academic success and overall happiness.

4. You are not in this alone

Finals week can feel overwhelming, but you are not in this alone. Reach out to friends, family, professors, or campus resources for support. Whether you need a study buddy, a listening ear, or practical advice, there are people who care about your success and are eager to lend a helping hand.
5. Celebrate Your Wins

Take a moment to celebrate how far you've come. Reflect on the challenges you've overcome, the knowledge you've gained, and the growth you've experienced throughout the semester. You've worked hard, and you deserve recognition for your efforts, regardless of the outcome of your exams.

6. Never doubt yourself

Above all, believe in yourself and your abilities. You possess the intelligence, determination, and resilience necessary to thrive, even in the face of adversity. Trust in your capacity to rise to the occasion and overcome any obstacle that stands in your way.

As you embark upon this final stretch of the semester, remember that the journey is just as important as the destination. Embrace the process, savor the moments of discovery and growth, and above all, have faith in yourself. You are capable of achieving greatness. You may not know me, but just know that I have every confidence that you will emerge from finals week stronger, wiser, and more resilient than ever before. I am your biggest fan! And always remember, you are truly loved.

Wishing you strength, courage, and success as you tackle your finals!

Between Studying and Socializing: Time Management

By: Sarah Gomez, Staff Writer

College students are often described to either be party animals that go out every weekend, or students that are just trapped studying in their room. This then begs the question, could someone study and do well in school while also managing to make time for socializing? In addition to this, it may feel hard to get the college experience when you’re constantly in your room trying to pass a class. However, it is possible to find a balance between studying and getting schoolwork done, and socializing and spending time with your friends.

I find the most helpful thing to know when trying to hang out with friends is knowing what’s due in the coming days. One thing I would highly recommend to anyone going to college is downloading the app “Brightspace Pulse” – it's available on the Appstore and Google Play. This app helps by visually showing you what you need to get done for each of your classes week by week. In addition to this it also notifies you when grades are posted and lets you open WorldClass within the app.

Knowing when you have anything due is only the first step though. From there you can decide when you actually do your work, study, or socialize. Something I’m sure everyone has heard before is the classic saying: “Sleep more than you study, study more than you party, and party as much as you can.” That is a great rule of thumb, however for all of us not partying the lines can get a bit blurry. Let’s break it down.

We have 24 hours in a day, 168 in a week. Let’s say you sleep 7 hours every night. That leaves around 120 more hours. Then we subtract the time spent in class, let’s say about 15 hours a week. We are now left with just 105 hours of time to do anything else. Let’s now subtract time spent in the bathroom or showering, now were at about 100 hours. Then laundry and self-care, 95 hours left in your week.

Using the 95 hours, you can now choose where to fit in study times, mealtimes, and socializing. However not all of these are exclusive. You can study and eat, you can eat and socialize, and even study and socialize. The idea of studying more than you party doesn’t just mean going to huge house parties, social time also includes just hanging out in a study room with a friend or two.

Even if you have friends that are taking completely different classes, you can still get together in the student center and make small talk while going over your notes for a class. If you don’t want to study with your friends, another good way to fit them into your schedule is to have lunch or dinner together. You’re going to eat anyways, so might as well have some company with you.

The best way to manage your time in college is to remember what you’re paying for. Remember your time is valuable in every aspect, and you should be conscious of how you use it.