Surviving Your First Finals at IUP: A Freshman’s Guide

Starting your first semester at IUP can feel like a lot — new classes, new friends, and a new rhythm. As the end of the fall semester approaches and finals loom ahead, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But with smart preparation and by tapping into IUP’s support services, you can walk into finals week feeling ready to do your best.

1. Get Organized and Make a Plan Early

Don’t wait until the last minute. Begin by collecting all your class syllabi, notes, assignments, and any study guides your professors provided. Then, build a study schedule — map out what you’ll review and when. Break content into manageable chunks and spread sessions over days or weeks. Even dedicating 30–60 minutes each study session can add up to real progress.

2. Use IUP’s Academic Support Services

One of the biggest advantages at IUP is the wide range of built‑in support for students. Harness these — they exist to help you succeed. Some of the key resources:

• IUP Tutoring Center (in 103 Stabley Library) — offers free, peer‑to‑peer, walk‑in tutoring in a variety of subjects. No appointment is necessary. Indiana University of Pennsylvania+1
• Kathleen Jones White Writing Center — located in Stabley Library, this center helps with writing assignments, essays, papers — everything from brainstorming to final edits. They also support multilingual students and offer sessions in person or online. Indiana University of Pennsylvania+1
• Supplemental Instruction (SI) and Department Tutoring — For courses that are particularly challenging or have high enrollment, IUP offers SI sessions: small‑group review sessions led by students who have already succeeded in the course. There’s also discipline‑specific tutoring (for example, chemistry, math, computer science) offered by relevant departments. Indiana University of Pennsylvania+1
• Study Spaces & Library Resources — You can use the main library (Stapleton/Stabley Libraries) and other campus study spaces like the student center or student union building for quiet, focused reviewing. IUP Libraries also provide resources to help with research, citation, and information literacy — useful if you have papers or essay‑based finals. Indiana University of Pennsylvania+1
• One-on-one Coaching, Advising & Navigators — Through the University College at IUP you can access academic advising, success coaching, and help exploring majors or managing course loads. Each student also has a personal navigator — a staff member you can reach out to with academic or other issues. Indiana University of Pennsylvania+1

Using these services doesn’t mean you’re struggling — it means you’re using every tool available to set yourself up for success.

3. Prioritize Based on Exam Format and Difficulty

Not all finals are the same. Some might be multiple‑choice, others essay-based or problem-solving. Once you know the format, tailor your prep accordingly. For writing-heavy finals: schedule time with the Writing Center to draft or refine essays. For math, science, or technical courses: make use of tutoring sessions or SI groups to work through problem sets.

4. Study Groups + Smart Use of Spaces

Study groups can be a great way to review — but only if they’re structured. Form small groups of classmates who are serious about studying. Set goals: review concepts, quiz each other, walk through practice problems. Meet in quiet zones on campus — like library carrels or study rooms in Stapleton Library — to minimize distractions.

5. Take Care of Your Well‑being

It’s easy to get caught up in deadlines and forget about sleep, meals, hydration, or mental health. But your brain works best when it’s rested and refreshed. Try to maintain a regular sleep schedule, eat balanced meals, take short breaks during study sessions, and step outside or move around a bit — even a short walk helps.

6. Prepare Everything Before Finals Week

Know when and where each exam is, what materials (calculator, pens, notes, ID) you need, and set aside what you’ll bring the night before — that way the morning of the exam is less stressful.

7. Ask for Help Early — Don’t Wait Until Panic Time

If a course feels overwhelming, or you don’t understand the material — reach out early. Contact your tutor, attend Supplemental Instruction, visit the Writing Center or talk to your academic advisor. The later you wait, the tougher it gets. IUP’s support system is there for you, you just have to take advantage of it.