Spring into success: Tech resources to blossom through finals

With exam season rapidly approaching, it’s important to make a plan and prepare for all things finals. There are a plethora of free university tech resources available to students that are sure to help reduce any finals fears. From computer labs (in-person and online) to LinkedIn Learning, don’t miss out on these valuable tech assets to prepare for papers, tests, and other end-of-the-year assignments.

LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning offers a collection of free video courses that can help students ace their final exams or learn healthy habits for destressing throughout the week. From note-taking tips and exam day prep to embracing meditation and prioritizing sleep, LinkedIn Learning provides endless options to help students make it through their last final.

Microsoft Office
All current Rutgers students have free access to a suite of Microsoft Office products including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote and more.

You can take notes digitally during class or transfer your physical notes online using OneNote, use Excel for charts or tables or to keep track of your own studying progress, or create and share PowerPoint presentations with classmates during review sessions. Assigned a final paper? Word has you covered with its built-in editor tool, which checks for grammar, spelling and writing issues without having to use a third-party application.

Adobe Creative Cloud
Adobe Creative Cloud is another great academic tool during finals week. Adobe Illustrator can be utilized to create helpful graphics and materials for coursework, Adobe Express can be used to design the perfect slideshow or infographic, and Adobe Acrobat Pro will help students manage any and all PDFs. For students in art classes or who just want a study break, Photoshop, Lightroom, and InDesign are perfect to get your creative juices flowing.

ScarletApps
Rutgers’ ScarletApps offers all core Google applications to students like Gmail (ScarletMail), Drive, Docs, Calendar, Slides, and more. Easily share documents and study materials with classmates via Google Drive, utilize your Google Calendar to create a study plan and manage time, or use Google Slides to collaborate in real-time with peers on a final presentation.

Rutgers computer labs and virtual computer labs
Need a quiet study spot? A place to print? Access to a Mac or PC desktop computer? The Rutgers computer labs will be your go-to space during finals season. Labs are spread out across all campuses and staffed with consultants who are ready to help.

Can’t make it to a physical lab? Students can still get the same desktop experience from their own personal device – anytime, anywhere – using the virtual computer labs.

Rutgers IT Help portal
While the Rutgers IT Help portal may not be able to help you answer question number 10 on your exam, it can definitely help solve any technical issues you are experiencing. Explore the frequently asked questions to get the tech answers you’re looking for during finals week.

This story has been updated (originally published on Dec 1, 2023).