Finals are rapidly approaching, and the end of the semester is almost here. In these times, it is extremely important to focus on the goals you have set since the beginning of the semester and not procrastinate in your academic work.

These study tips for college students will help reduce the stress that finals week tends to bring:

Organization is key. It is crucial to always keep academic school work organized in order to receive better grades. Students should always keep a planner or notebook to write all of the assignments that need to be turned in as well as the appointments that one has to attend. Being organized includes keeping your notes together in an orderly fashion so that when finals week is around the corner, you study effectively. Sometimes, students merely rely on their memory, but this is not effective; the memory is not always perfect.

Being college students, there are distractions everywhere, including friends. A group of friends may invite you somewhere, but there is always a limit. According to College Board, it is ok to say no; there will always be more opportunities to hang out in the future. Next time you have too much homework, try rescheduling plans to see a movie. The movie will still be there by the time you finish your homework.

There are many places where a student can study, not just the library. According to The New York Times, cognitive scientists suggest that alternating study spaces is a more effective way to retain information because memory is colored by location. So instead of heading over to your regular spot, try a different scenario for memory enhancement.

Another good idea is to study and work in groups. Six pairs of eyes are better than simply 2. People tend to think differently and see problems from another perspective that they may not see. According to an article from The Hufftington Post, “Dividing and conquering is an effective way to reduce your stress — and to make sure you understand the material.” And who knows? Maybe you’ll even gain a friend. Kill two birds with one stone.

One of the most important study tips of them all is to not procrastinate. Many students tend to add stress to their lives all by themselves because they do not know how to manage their time. Not everyone procrastinates, but those who do know the struggles of losing to this costly problem. An article in College Atlas Encyclopedia of Higher Education advises to always know your learning style. If you are not a morning person, do not schedule your classes at this time because it will prove to be more difficult to attend. Many people may think that the early bird gets the worm, but this is not entirely true if you miss your class because you could not wake up. This is the easiest way to fail a class without even trying. While studying, plan to study at times when you feel most relaxed; time is crucial.

Some professors have the final count as 25% of their grade so this is not the time to procrastinate. These are universal study tips that will eventually change your habits even at work. This will reduce the finals-induced panic that usually tends to occur at the end of the semester.