The beginning of the end is here! We’re so close to Christmas that you can already see yourself waking up to family, brunch, and presents on Christmas morning—you just have to get through finals first. You can do it! Here are some tips on how to get through finals week with both you and your GPA intact.
1. Don’t procrastinate studying.
Studying is the last thing that anyone wants to do. This is the most cliche advice ever, but if you tackle a couple of chapters/topics from class starting the weekend before exams start, it makes the night before your exam a lot less stressful.
2. Study more than one way.
This one goes right with number 1. I like to review my notes and make outlines a few days before my exams, look over the texts from class the next day, then on the night before I just look over what I've already done. Other alternatives are any study guides provided by your professor (obviously), making flashcards, talking about major themes and concepts with you classmates, and whatever else works for you!
3. Get a good mix of snacks ready.
You're gonna want to go to the grocery store the Sunday before finals week and get whatever provisions necessary. Make sure they're easy to prepare, and that you get some healthy food as well as some indulgent options like chocolate.
4. Find/make a studying playlist if you need it.
Make sure to comb through the songs on a playlist that you didn't make yourself and take out songs that do more to distract you than help you.
5. Go to the library or another quiet place.
Finals week really isn't the time to "study" with your friends on first or second floor PLC. Finals week calls for the Old Side of the Library or any study spot where you're most productive.
6. Have a rewards system.
Whether it be after you finish reviewing a chapter of reading, watching an episode of your favorite show before you call it for the night, or heading to Starbucks for your favorite holiday drink after your exam, make sure you plan some fun but structured study breaks and post-exam outings to incentivize your studying and congratulate yourself for all your hard work.
7. Make fun plans for your last day of finals/first day back at home.
This goes along with number 6. Having a fun night planned with your friends after your exams are done can really be a light at the end of the dark, hopeless tunnel of despair that finals week can feel like.
Happy studying and best of luck for finals!
