By Gionna Bean, Opinion Editor
The end of the school year is near, and while this means the emergence of beautiful flowers and all the possibilities summer break holds, it also marks the period of preparation for end-of-year exams— known colloquially as finals.
Students Alissa Harte and Natalia Bluin study for finals – Photo by Anastasia Benstead
For students, preparation for these final exams can look different depending on the person. “Locking in” for study sessions requires curating an environment that is suited to the individual.
“I personally prefer to study in silence because if I listen to music I’m more likely to get distracted or use my phone,” sophomore Giovanni Cantillo said.
And while some prefer this method, others tend to find that music does the inverse— it helps them focus.
“I like putting on my music while I study because it blocks out others around me,” sophomore Brody Traxler said. “I can’t focus if I can hear the people around me, even if they’re trying to be quiet.”
Music seems to be a favorable tool for studying among many students. Some add that music not only blocks out those around them, but their favorite music can put them in a good mood, which helps them stay positive while studying.
“I like to pick out my favorite playlists for studying and just play those through,” sophomore Kariesue Taghon said. “Some of my favorites for finals especially are kind of more classical stuff.”
Another tool for studying can be found in a bean— a coffee bean that is. Caffeine can help students to study for hours on end by giving them increased energy.
“I love studying with a good cup of coffee,” junior Savanah Hammock said. “It really helps me to get stuff done and it’s yummy too.”
Latte and croissant at a local coffee shop- Photo by Gionna Bean
The Midnight Express Cafe, located on Fulton Avenue, stays open until 1 p.m. every day of the week. For students who love studying with a mug in hand, cafes like this are perfect. They stay open late and have the caffeine they crave.
Although finals are usually stressful for students, having a reliable study method on call can make the process that much easier.
The Saint 