I don't have to tell you that finals are coming up, you wouldn't have clicked on this little article if you weren't fully aware. I could tell you that everything will be fine (I am sure that it will), I could tell you that you will pass with flying colors, or that you will maintain a healthy sleep schedule and lifestyle within this final stretch. I love cheering people up or supplying them with a confidence boost and motivational quote, but today is not that day. Let's face it, finals are going to be a rollercoaster - and not one that you are going to necessarily want to ride again. When I was thinking about someone who perfectly emulates my feelings during finals week, I thought about the great Nick Miller of New Girl.
1. Trying to get in the holiday spirit.
There's a chill in the air, Christmas lights on the campus bushes, and holiday songs on the cafeteria radio. Elf seems to be on every five minutes, and you wish you could snuggle up with a warm cup of cocoa. Yet, it's hard to enjoy the most wonderful time of the year when you're drowning in loads of work.
2. Spending an unproductive night in the library.
Sometimes, announcing that you went to the library or that you are going to go there sounds like a huge accomplishment. It makes it sound like you got a substantial amount of work done and you should be proud of yourself. When in reality, you spent your time using the library as a quiet place to watch a few episodes, online shop, or scroll through Twitter. Hey, it counts if your exam guide was open in a tab the whole time.
3. Getting distracted by a really good song.
Listening to music can really help motivate you to blaze through a study guide, and it can get your mind off of the boring things that you have to retained. But, there comes a moment when a certain song comes on that distracts you from all your scholarly responsibilities. You feel as though you would be neglecting this great song if you ignored it, and it causes a vicious cycle of you replaying it after the first (or third) round.
4. Taking a study break.
I'm sure that by now, we've all heard of that theory that says that taking study breaks helps you memorize information or something. However, 30 minute breaks easily turn into 2-hour breaks, and before you know it - you're taking breaks before you even start studying. This especially applies to those days where you don't have exams, and you think that it counts as a 24-hour break.
5. When something you didn't study is on the exam.
It's that heart-stopping moment when you eye a question that you never expected to see. It's like your brain goes into overdrive, searching for an answer much like when Spongebob and his tiny friends searched for his name. No matter how hard you try to gather the brain power to form an answer, you will never know it. It's impossible to know something that you didn't study - unless you're some freak of nature (congratulations).
6. Listening to your friends saying that their exams were easy.
There's nothing more annoying than hearing how much the people around you aren't struggling during this week. You're not sure if they want a medal, a gift basket, or a pat on the back. Frankly, it doesn't affect you if their exams are a breeze, and you really couldn't care less. For some reason, they feel the need to announce how well they are doing at life - cheers!
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7. Finding a study group full of people that you never talked to before.
Desperate times call for desperate measures, and that might mean forming a bond with a group of people that you have never exchanged words with the entire semester. Perhaps there's that kid who always sort of freaked you out, but has done well on every homework assignment and quiz. Or, you can't express your dislike for that girl in the third row - but she has her stuff together. Whether you like it or not, you're forced to conspire with people who actually know what they're talking about. You're not here to make friends, you're here to get a solid B+.
8. Binging on chips all night.
Call it stress-eating, call it entertainment or comfort food, call it whatever you want - there's nothing that eases your mind quite like a bag of chips. And, once you're done with those chips, you'll move on to the popcorn, the cheese puffs, and the pizza. Calories don't count during finals week, I'm pretty sure that law was passed decades ago. Your stomach may not thank you later, but as long as it's thanking you right now - that's okay.
9. When people wish you luck.
Whether it's a good luck text from a parent, a friend wishing you luck as you leave for the first one of the day, or your professor sending a good vibes email - nothing helps. Their kind words are appreciated, of course, but they don't possess any magical powers. You crack the smallest and most pathetic smile, mutter an unenthusiastic "thanks," and move on with your life. Sometimes, it's just easier to accept the power of the universe instead.
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10. Leaving your exams in the past and going home.
There's nothing like running out of the classroom after that last exam, feeling the weight of the world fly off your shoulders. Suddenly, none of it matters anymore. Maybe you passed, maybe you didn't - but it's officially your one month break, and you know that you have earned it. The semester grades are approaching you in a matter of no time, but you've already packed your things and fled to your childhood bed.
