Before any college student notices that the holiday season is finally here, he or she first meets the dreaded realization that "finals season" precedes the overdue freedom from classes. With this heavy burden to bear for the next few weeks, the library begins to overflow with a variety of different students—some that visit quite often, and some that step foot through those doors for the first time that semester. It's not too hard to spot the five very common types of college kids you'll see in your school's lib as this semester comes to a close.
1. The temporary resident
With phone charger in hand, this student basically moves in, bringing pillows, blankets, and enough snacks to last them the entire week of finals. It's normal for them to shamelessly sport their favorite pair of PJs. Knowing that they won't be budging until required to, they grab the most comfortable spot such as the bean bags or couch so they don't risk future back problems. It is fully possible for this guy or girl to live in the nook between the computer lab and coffee kiosk on the first floor for a week straight, as most college libraries are open 24/7 the week before finals. Expect three-course meals to somehow make their way onto this person's study table as well.
2. The excessively motivated, loud, and optimistic annoyance
It's great to maintain a positive attitude during the stress-filled days before everyone is attacked with finals, but this person just takes it too far. This student typically blasts loud music out of their headphones to stay pumped for the upcoming exams without acknowledging that they might as well have set up speakers throughout the entire library.
They also try to spread false happiness and comfort by assuring every doubtful student that they will experience nothing but success for the next five exams.
The appropriate response to this student:
3. The sleep-deprived wreck
This student is quite similar to the temporary resident. They rarely leave the library during the week, but not only do they devote all their time to the lib, they also refuse to get enough sleep and therefore loose all emotional composure. Something as small as a pencil that has run out of lead can leave this person feeling heartbroken and betrayed.
Tears of sorrow might turn into sobs of laughter.
Proceed with caution when communicating with this person. You never know when they might snap.
4. The clueless wanderer
You can find this student wandering the aisles, searching for the knowledge they missed out on while sleeping in class.
In turn, they don't even know where to begin when it comes to studying for finals.
It will take a miracle for this student to make it through finals without turning into the guy on the second floor, the sleep deprived wreck.
5. The average Joe—who drinks lots of joe
And then there's the rest of us. We did all right throughout the semester, but no matter how much preparation or confidence we think we have before finals, we're still sweating from over-consumption of caffeine and uncomfortable nervousness. Yet, most of us still procrastinate and wait to study until the week before finals.
The therapy dogs brought in to reduce stress during finals week are irresistible. So you spend all day socializing with service dogs rather than doing yourself a service and studying.
If you're one of these students, expect to stare at your finals with a blank gaze of hopelessness if you don't get your act together—ASAP!
No matter how you're going about studying for finals coming up, there's one phrase we will probably find ourselves muttering by our last exam:
But once you're done, you're done! No need to worry about any of those painful classes ever again.
Enjoy a whole month free from the bondage of school and enjoy the holidays!
