Finals week — a week filled with the dread of studying but also the joy of knowing that the semester is officially over. Finals week is a roller coaster of emotions from stress to relief to "I seriously cannot study anymore." Here are a few things to remember during finals week.
1. Your grades do not define you.
Sure, we've probably all heard this at one time or another, but it's so true. Your grades are not a reflection of who you are as a person. Everyone has their own way of learning. Naturally, there will be some subjects that are a breeze for you and some that require a lot more studying and reviewing. Don't worry if you feel like you can't figure out that one class you keep studying for. Nobody is amazing at everything. As long as you're putting your best foot forward and taking the opportunity to be the best that you can be, you're doing the most you can for yourself.
2. Don't procrastinate.
Honestly, this is one that I personally need to remember. It's so easy to procrastinate. When you feel like you have a million assignments due, naturally we want to push them off because it feels overwhelming. But, if you work out a system for yourself to get your papers and work done, that overwhelming feeling suddenly goes away. Read your syllabi beforehand and make a small schedule of when you'll be able to get things done, and if necessary, work on them a little at a time and your assignments will be done before you know it!
3. Keep a positive attitude.
Finals can bring out every stressful emotion there is. It's normal to freak out when you hear that you have to remember an entire semester's worth of information, especially when you hear it for more than one class. But the only person who can choose your attitude is yourself. If you keep a positive attitude throughout finals and studying, chances are you'll feel a lot better about taking your tests because your mind will be focusing on the bright side of things.
4. Take as much time as you need to finish a final.
One of the most intimidating things during a final is seeing people getting up to hand in their work and you're still in the middle of writing or working. Don't let people getting up to hand in their work distract you from your own work. Everyone works at different paces and it's better to work at your own speed and review your work instead of rushing to finish to keep up with everyone else.
5. Breathe.
OK, so you may be thinking this one's a no-brainer, but what I mean is don't let studying consume you. Make sure you take a break from studying to eat and sleep and don't let yourself try to cram so much that you're up until 3:00 a.m. Finals week is definitely a stressful week full of studying, but as long as you remember to breathe and take a time out, you'll do great!
