Now that Thanksgiving has passed, it's full speed ahead to finals week; also known to college students as "Hell Week." Not only do we have three essays, two group projects, and a presentation to do, there are also the endless days and nights of studying in preparation for the test. For some students, these study hours will make or break their grades. We all cope differently, but here are some little things you can do to (hopefully) make Hell Week a little easier.

1. Change up your study spaces.

This makes more of a difference than you'll ever know. More and more this semester, I've discovered just how little I get done in my own room or apartment. Try going to a local coffee shop or even the library - just go somewhere other than the place you know you can bum it out and relax.

2. Start your studying with a full stomach.

This one may sound a little odd, but it helps tremendously. Frequently while I'm studying, I find myself looking for a reason to do something else, and eating is a big part of that. If you make the plans to eat before sitting down for a study session, you're less likely to get distracted and you'll probably be more comfortable.

3. Prioritize.

If you go into a study session with a big long list of to-dos, it's very hard to get anything done. When you're making your to-do list, write down the dates and decide when each thing needs to be done so that when you sit down to work, you've got a clear idea of what you need to do first. I like to use sticky notes, one per day. For each day, I'll write down anything that is due that day or if there is a test.

4. Don't stay up all night.

There is truly no point in staying up until the wee hours of the morning when you can make the time to get everything accomplished by 10 o'clock. As a current sophomore in college, I've found no instance in which I wasn't able to be done with school work before 10. If you make the time during the day, your nights are freer and therefore you'll get the much-needed sleep you need during finals.

5. If you need a break, take a break.

There's no sense in making yourself crazy cooped up in the library. If you've been at it for a couple hours and you feel yourself falling asleep or losing focus, take a break. You can go for a walk, grab a coffee, or even just change locations. Brainlessly studying isn't going to do any good

Bonus: Prepare in advance.

Go to the grocery store and get your favorite snacks and drinks in preparation for the stressful week ahead. You'll thank yourself later and will be much happier when it comes to needing a break and already having your favorite items around.