In case you have been hiding under a rock the whole semester, it's finals week! Finals week is undoubtedly the toughest time for almost every college student. Whether it's crunch time on those papers you procrastinated on until the night before, last-minute late-night study group sessions, or hundreds of powerpoint lectures you have to go through, finals week is one of the few weeks that students question, "Will I make it out alive?"

The answer? Yes, but in order to do so, a student must be organized beforehand so that the studying process can go as smoothly as possible. So how does one truly prepare for the hell that is finals week? Here are five ideas I have compiled that will hopefully make your finals week less stressful than it already is:

1. Stay healthy.

Maintaining a healthy diet during finals week is essential for having better test results. Eating a balanced breakfast is a good pick-me-up before a major test. Some of my favorite snacks to munch on before an exam are almonds, walnuts, yogurt, fresh fruits, and granola!

2.Stay hydrated.

If anyone is a major coffee addict like myself, I know how hard it can be to get through finals week without at least 10 cups of coffee. However, drinking water helps the brain function more during those late-night study hours. Drinking coffee constantly will dehydrate you even more, causing fatigue, dryness, and headaches. So make sure to drink some water with that caffeine.

3. Find a nice study place.

Studying in a clean, organized, and quiet area is crucial for acing that exam! Sure, study groups help, but studying on your own will definitely keep out the distractions. If a dorm or apartment does not work, try your campus library, or a café.

4. Plan your time carefully.

It is easy to get caught up in what you have yet to do, turn in, or study for as time slowly ticks away. I have fallen victim to studying without planning ahead before, and the results were not pretty. So take my advice when I say plan what you have to study for a week ahead. It does not hurt to check your syllabus again, email professors last minute, or call friends to make sure you are keeping track of assignments or your exam date. Allocating your time wisely will benefit you immensely.

5. Breathe, relax, sleep.

When you feel your stress level is escalating, try taking a couple deep breaths; inhale and exhale. Try this a few times. You may be shocked at how much better you feel. Ultimately, just chill out and relax. You will be OK.

And yes, you will make it out alive. Good luck!