It's that time of the year again. Finals week is just around the corner. Time for ample amounts of stress, coffee, and late nights. In the midst of all of this chaos, I have a few things you busy bees need to remember.
1. It is NOT the end of the world
Final exams may seem like the apocalypse, especially to you little freshman, but it is not. Yes, it is a big deal. These tests tend to be a large portion of your final grade and they usually are cumulative, but in the grand scheme of things, they are just tests. Not doing so well on one won't tank your whole undergrad career. Take them seriously, but don't dwell on them.
2. You NEED sleep
As much as the thought of going to bed at a decent time the night before a final exam scares you, you need to do it. Cramming until the early hours of the morning won't help you all that much, so you might as well sleep instead. That sleep will help you function the next day when you really need to. It will also help you retain what you spent time studying for. Don't be shy of a little shut eye, you'll thank me later.
3. Schedule your study time
If you're a procrastinator like me, you'll probably save your studying (and frankly everything) until the last minute. I'm begging you not to. It will not go well. To avoid scrambling the night before a final exam and cramming into the early hours of the morning, take a little bit of time in the few weeks before finals week to study for each subject. Don't overdue it, but set aside about two hours every other day or so to study a subject. You'll be well prepared come time for the final exam and you'll be able to be well rested for it.
4. Don't overload on caffeine
I love coffee just as much as the next person, but too much of a good thing can become a bad thing. I know that studying for final exams has you up late and waking up early causing you to reach for a ridiculous amount of coffee. But, limit yourself. Too much can make you sick or will not work as well as a few cups. Figure out what works best for you and go with it. Coffee is life, but your health is more important.
5. It's only temporary
Yes, finals week is hell on earth, but those are a few ways to make it a little more bearable. You've got this! I believe in you! Best of luck to you all!
