So it's late April, the weather is warming up, and sandals are replacing boots on college students everywhere... Yes, it's almost time for finals! Now, I don't want to think in advance about the prospect of finals week any more than the average person, but I do think it is important to prepare your mind and body for hours of studying and test-taking before the day your finals actually start. This way, you won't be quite as overwhelmed with how to handle your mountain of papers, exams, and general nonsense that come with the end of every semester.
1. Clean your room now, not later.
Unless you truly thrive in a messy environment, this will help clear your head and alleviate any anxiety you feel with coming home and seeing piles of books and clothes everywhere.
2. Stock up on study snacks that make you happy.
This perhaps isn't as much a mental preparation as it is a logistical preparation. Everyone will be buying snacks and food to get them through finals week as soon as it starts. Why not get ahead of the game and buy comforting snacks in advance?
3. Try to finish any readings you just ignored at one point.
I know I try my absolute hardest to do all of the reading for every class, but sometimes, a few pages just fall by the wayside. This tip may vary in importance by class, but in general, you'll probably be more prepared for your exams if you make a concerted effort to actually read all of those articles for your psych class, or some equivalent academic scenario.
4. Cherish any remaining chances to go out with your friends.
Once finals start, there are suddenly many fewer events and parties to attend. You certainly should use this time to be productive and work hard to finish off the semester well, but if you find that you have a "free" evening and decide to go out, really enjoy it. The library will soon seem like the most lit place on grounds.
5. Make study playlists for all potential study moods.
I enjoy listening to music when writing final papers and making flashcards, and depending on my mood, I could go for musical theater, modern pop, or alternative rock while studying. It's important to anticipate that sometimes you'll need music to cheer you up while studying, and sometimes you'll need music to indulge your terrible mood while you realize that you are hopeless in a certain subject.
6. Don't forget about having to move out of your room/house.
This especially applies to first years, but if at all possible, try to start packing up some of your stuff before the day you leave for the summer. You'll probably find that you brought down a lot more than you actually used regularly throughout the year. Completely useless clutter needs to be packed up too!
7. Plan out what studying you will do on which days during finals week.
Going into finals with some semblance of a plan for how to attack it will lift a huge weight of anxiety off of your shoulders. You may not stick exactly, or even remotely, to this plan, but the point is, you planned. Just don't procrastinate on studying by making plans for when to study...
8. Realize right now that you will not spend every second of the day studying, even if you think you can.
I know I tend to overestimate the amount of work that I can do in a certain amount of time, so you should just immediately lower your expectations in that department and you'll feel a lot better. This may sound pessimistic, but it's just realistic. No one can be perfectly productive on any given day. This is why planning out times to study each day and sticking to it is so important.
9. Move your favorite, comfiest clothes to the top of your drawers so they're easiest to reach.
When you're walking to and from the library and spending your day crouched in front of books, papers, and computer screens, you'll want to be comfortable and wearing clothes that make you feel good. This will be easier if you take a few minutes before finals start to make your go-to outfits more accessible. That moment when you know you want to wear a certain shirt, you open the drawer, and there it is right at the top is a magical, healing moment.
10. Remind yourself that you will have to eat actual meals at normal times.
It can be tempting to skip a meal while stressed out about studying, but decide before finals start that you will at least attempt to stick to a regular eating schedule. Entering finals week with this mindset will leave you happier, healthier, and less reliant upon eating random foods as meals.
11. Remember fondly all of the fun things you did this year.
Finals week may seem like an upsetting time, but the impending stress might be easier to swallow if you take a couple of minutes to reminisce about your favorite events from the year. Even a single thought that brings a genuine smile to your face can significantly improve your mood while you're worrying about slaving away in the depths of Clem.
12. Believe in yourself!
It may seem daunting, but it is possible, because you are a smart, competent student who is fully capable of doing well on a few exams or papers in a short amount of time. With these tips, you will hopefully be more prepared to fight the dragon that is finals week, but none of this is possible if you are not in a healthy state of mind. Take a deep breath and realize that you are probably more prepared for finals week than you think. This, too, shall pass.
