It's that time of year again. Cue the late night study sessions, the cramming, and stress. Exam season is upon us. It's easy to get stuck in a stressful cycle and feel the pressure closing in on you, but remember that this is all temporary. To keep everyone going during this trying time, I've listed my top five methods of surviving exam season.

1. Make a plan.

Grab a cheap planner or calendar and write out your plans for studying. What subject do you want to focus on that day? When will you take study breaks? How will you be studying? Of course, these plans can change, but just having something structured to go off of will make you feel productive. Also, if you schedule yourself to start studying a few weeks ahead of time, you'll be able to get much more done than if you were to cram.

2. Go on an adventure.

Whether it be to a beach or the far away from McDonald's, an adventure can replenish your energy while refreshing your mind. Take half a day to go have fun with friends, relax, and recognize that these tests aren't the end of the world. Life will go on no matter what, and there is a lot to appreciate in life. Once you've had your amazing time, come back ready to take on the world during exams.

3. Take study breaks.

I find that the best way to absorb information is in small doses. Small breaks for food, a walk, or a quick television show can help relax your brain and give you sustenance to keep the hard work going. Burning yourself out won't help at all, so be sure to take care of yourself and allow yourself some relaxation during exams.

4. Go to the library with motivated friends.

It sounds tempting to go study with those friends who you constantly chat to, but the productive and least stressful way to go are focused friends. If you can stop to talk every once in a while, but they're willing to tell you they need to get back to work, they are the perfect study buddies. There's a balance that needs to be struck between fun and productivity so that after the meet-up, you aren't stressed about not getting enough done.

5. Make studying fun!

My personal favorite method of doing this is a Jeopardy-style game with friends. Have some friends from your course over and have everyone write up a bunch of questions based on the material. Make the harder one's worth more points and the easy ones worth less. Find an impartial host, and start up this game show! Answering and listening to the questions will keep your brain on the material while offering a fun-filled, stress-free way to prepare for exams.

Although exams are important, your mental and physical health are more so. Be sure to treat yourself right, relax, and take your time while studying. Of course, different methods help different people, so find what works for you. Try out some of my advice and comment with your top ideas for making it through exams.