A Bear's Life: Student Stories

Student stories from our peer counselors

Finals Countdown (Spring 2026, Week 15) 

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It’s that time of year…again. Finals week is just around the corner. Missouri State’s campus has some amazing resources for students to prepare for, survive, and crush finals week! This is now my fourth finals week at MSU, so I’ve got some tips and tricks up my sleeve to share with you all.  

Study Spots on Campus 

The location where you study is crucial to the quality of your focus and productivity. Missouri State University has the best nooks and crannies around campus! The Meyer Library has four floors, with designated “social” and “quiet” zones. So, when studying in a group, the social zone is perfect for you or if you do your best studying in silence, the quiet zones are where to go.  

The library also has study rooms for groups or to study alone, whiteboards for making flow charts or taking notes, dry-erase markers you can rent and so much more! It has specific finals week hours tailored for students to do early morning or late-night study sessions. The walking desks on the second floor make this spot my personal favorite; they are great for students, like me, who might get antsy after studying for a period of time. 

Glass Hall has balconies where you get a beautiful view of campus while you study. In contrast, you can also go to the Plaster Student Union picnic tables to enjoy the spring flowers and see the famous quad! Bonus points to the PSU for easy access to get a caffeine pick-me-up. I could go on forever about the awesome study spots on campus, so just know you can’t go wrong! 

Study Resources 

In addition to great study locations, Mo State also has incredible resources available to students. The Bear Claw, located in the southeast corner of the first floor of the Meyer Library, provides tutors for a variety of classes all semester long. Furthermore, many courses offer PASS sessions, or peer assisted study sessions. These are custom designed for the course and led by students who have already succeeded in the course. They often make practice tests, slide shows and study sessions during the week of your exams.  

Another resource not always highlighted is attending professors’ office hours. Each professor has blocked off time in the week for students to come to ask questions or get further help. I think of it this way: there is no one who knows the exams and course content better than them! They are the perfect person to ask. You can easily find when and where each professor holds their office hours by looking in your course syllabus or emailing them.  

Study Tips 

Once you’ve got your study nook and utilized your resources, it is so important that you study efficiently. I don’t know about you, but there have been many times that I’ve spent hours in the library and studied something that should have only taken an hour. Here are a few techniques you can use to make sure you are studying to the best of your ability! 

The Pomodoro Technique  

This study technique includes separating your studying into 25-minute intervals, followed by 5-minute breaks. For example, if I have two hours to study for my psychology exam, I will study diligently for 25 minutes and then take a break for five minutes by walking around, looking at my phone or talking to a friend. I then repeat these three more times to reach the two hours. This technique is super effective and easy! 

Minimize Distractions 

While it is not a specific method or approach to studying, it is just as important that you minimize distractions. While it can be difficult, you must put your phone away! Even a few seconds of distraction can break our focus. Leaving your phone in your bag, giving it to a friend or setting screen-time limits are all beneficial ways to maintain focus on your schoolwork.  

Additionally, get to know yourself and the ways you study best. If you know that you are easily distracted around your friends, it might be best to study individually and then meet up with them later. On the other hand, if you do your best collaboratively, then you should invite your classmates to the library! The whiteboards are a great tool when in a study group. 

Take a Break! 

Last but certainly not least, take a break! Finals week can be stressful and exhausting, so it is crucial to let yourself rest and recoup. Some simple ways to do so include taking a walk, getting coffee with a friend or taking a nap. Doing so will not only help ease anxieties but also improve your overall test-taking abilities and study habits. Finals week may feel overwhelming, but with the right environment, resources and study habits, you’ve got this. 

Takeaways 

So, with finals just a few weeks away, set yourself up for success! Find your favorite study spot, utilize the resources on campus and practice strong study techniques and habits. Looking for more final tips or help with other academic skills or university resources? Meet with a Success Coach or Peer Mentor! Most importantly, remember to take care of yourself, stay focused and finish the semester strong. Go Bears! 

~Sophia Clinton 

(Bio: I am a second-year Exercise Science major at Mo State. Fun Fact about me is that I love to run and completed my first half marathon in November.) 

A Tour Through The Bear CLAW (Spring 2026, Week 13)

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Struggling with course load in your English class? Not understanding the topics in your biology course?

You are not alone; you don’t need to figure it out by yourself either! I’ll admit I’ve felt this way too. Luckily, the Bear Center for Learning and Writing, also known as the Bear CLAW, is here to help.

Located on the 1st floor southeast corner of the Meyer Library, the Bear CLAW offers a variety of services with student success as their primary goal. Their mission is clear: “to empower students to reach their academic, personal and professional goals by providing high-impact learning experiences” (Bear CLAW, Missouri State University).

Tutoring

The Bear CLAW offers tutoring for a wide variety of subjects including math, science and business/economics, along with additional sessions offered outside the main office (check the website for more information).

To receive these services is simple; drop-in sessions are available five days a week! All you have to do is stop by during tutoring hours and head over to the designated tables.

If this doesn’t work for you, the program offers online resources for tutoring as well. You can book an appointment through MyMissouriState by navigating to the Student Success Resources Card and using the Bear CLAW TracCloud link.

Writing Center and Presentation Center

Furthermore, the Bear CLAW is home to both the Writing Center and Presentation Center on campus. Whether you’re working on a paper, needing assistance with citation styles, or preparing a speech, they’ve got you covered.

At the Writing Center, the Writing Consultants will support you through every stage of the writing process. From developing ideas and organizing your thoughts to revising drafts and refining final details. It’s not just about correcting grammar; it’s about helping you grow into a more confident, effective writer.

The Presentation Center offers similar support for public speaking. You can practice your presentation, receive feedback on delivery and build confidence before stepping in front of a class. Whether you’re nervous about presenting or wanting to improve your skills, it’s a great resource to take advantage of.

Bear CLAW worker explaining a math problem on a white board to a student
Kevin White/Missouri State University

My Favorite Part

My favorite part of this program is its accessibility. If I have an hour between classes, I can easily stop in and ask a few questions about my science test or get some feedback on my essay and job applications.

It is the perfect combination of both approachable and effective. The tutors are fellow students who have recently taken and succeeded in the course they offer support in. This makes their assistance relevant and useful because they are up to date with both professors and class content.

A Missouri State student adds that “the Bear CLAW environment is supportive and not as scary as some students may think,” illustrating that while it can feel intimidating to ask for help, the staff are welcoming and eager to offer their support.

Takeaways

If you ever need help with a class or want to strengthen your academic skills, the Bear CLAW makes it easy to get support. Whether you drop in, book an appointment or attend a workshop, there’s something for everyone. I’ve seen firsthand how helpful this program can be and would recommend trying it out to every student.

Be sure to check out the Bear CLAW website for additional information and resources. At Missouri State, the Bear CLAW is truly a gem that can make a big difference in your college experience!

Looking for help with general academic skills? Right next door to the Bear CLAW, you can find the CAST office, or the Center for Academic Success and Transition. Here you can meet with a success coach or peer mentor who can offer guidance, advice and connections to campus resources.

~Sophia Clinton

(Bio: I am a sophomore majoring in exercise science with a minor in nutrition. Fun Fact: I am an out-of-state student from Chicago, Illinois!)