Sometimes a marathon comes down to the final sprint. For students, it means capping a semester of steady reading and writing with frantic cram sessions.

Vanguard Photo | Arianna Paver

Last week, the Residence Hall Association hosted a studyathon for students preparing for final exams. The event offered studying tips, help from tutors and a place to work with a group.

To help students with their last-minute studying, the Residence Hall Association hosted a studyathon each night from Monday, Dec. 5, through Wednesday, Dec. 7, which featured activities and studying tips from tutors.

The event allowed students to experience the benefits of working in groups rather than working alone.

One student was nursing sophomore MacKenzie Pilat. She prefers group studying to studying alone because of the extra help available.

“When you’re in a group you can ask questions,” she said. “There are less distractions, too, because there aren’t any TVs or anything like that.”

The event had snacks and prizes available for those who attended.

“Just like when you are taking a test, it helps me relax when I have gum or something,” Pilat said. “It stimulates the brain and calms you down.”

Each night was geared toward different majors. Monday was for science, engineering, technology and health and human sciences.

Tuesday was directed towards business management and art and behavioral sciences majors.

The final night was for education along with any other courses not covered.

Jari Wilson, secondary education sophomore, attended the studyation on Wednesday, the day for education majors. She preferred going somewhere where other people were also studying because it prevented her from procrastinating.

“It helped me because I have been staying up all night studying,” she said.

Having a night specified for different majors helped because tutors were also available for students. It was a easy way for students to study for exams.

“I think being in a room with other people studying helps,” Pilat said. “When you look around and see other people are working hard it just makes you want to study more, too.”

Those who came were able to seek help from tutors when needed and could also get help from those around them.

“Some people might think that being with your friends or others while studying could be distracting,” Wilson said. “But it was actually the opposite because it was easier to relax with people you knew.”