It's that time of the year. While a third of the college population is packing up to go home, another third is out drinking their life away, and the final third is doing what they should be: studying for finals. Finals season cannot be avoided, though many people seem to think so. I have compiled a list of study tips that have helped me through the distractions of friends leaving and sleep calling my name.
1. Pre-Plan your week leading up to finals
Something that has saved me this week is preplanning when I study for all my finals. It is easy to figure out where and when your actual finals are, but not when and where to study. Since I only had two real final tests this semester, it wasn't that bad. I wrote down which chapters I would study on what day of the week, and now I only have to study three hours a day for four days and not pull an all-nighter.
2. Find an awesome music playlist
My music tastes have always been eclectic. Sometimes I listen to rap, other times I want to listen to country, and sometimes i"m just really feeling Disney soundtracks. It's essential to find music that will motivate you, but NOT distract you. For this, I usually log into Spotify and listen to either A) classical music or B) movie soundtracks. There are tons of playlists pre-made for you, all you have to do is press play.
3. Pick a good study time
It is almost impossible to find a seat in the library. Or in the study lounge. Or anywhere really. I usually wake up around 9 AM and head over to the library in order to get a spot with a computer outlet. I've been lucky and haven't had issues this semester. Honestly, anyone who tries to find a seat between 10 AM and 7 PM might as well stay in their rooms. There is literally nothing.
4. Make time to hang out with your friends.
Friends are necessary to help you stay sane. Studying nonstop and going straight to bed is not a good way to live your life. Making time to see your friends will ensure that A) you don't go crazy from memorizing information and B) that you will get to say a proper goodbye before they leave.
5. Pack some of your things before finals start
Finals time also means time to move out of your dorm/apartment/house. Packing in between studying is just another way to take a mini break. Also, it ensures that you won't have to stay up until 3 AM the night before you leave putting everything in boxes. Just remember to leave out some thing to wear and some toiletries. You don't want to have to go without a shower for a week or two.
6. Check your grades beforehand, compare them to what you want your final to be
There are a lot of grade calculators on the internet. Or you can make on of your own on excel. (I tend to stick to the pre-made ones.) If you enter your grades and how much they are worth, these calculators will tell you what you need on the final to get an A/B/C etc. This will also tell you how much you need to study. Or that it will be impossible to get an A even with a 100 on the exam. These grade calculators honestly save lives and grades.
7. Don't worry about looking your best
There will be no cute boys in the library, and nobody wants to sit in a full face of makeup when you pull an all-nighter. This is the ultimate sweatpants week: embrace it.
8. Calories don't count
Finals week means stress. And stress means stress eating. AND some people still have $160 to spend on their dining plan (aka me). Beach bodies can wait, and diets can start when you get home. Pig out and don't feel guilty about it; it's your last time eating campus food for another three months.
9. Stock up on drinks
Water, coffee, tea, soda. Anything that will keep your body and your mind running. You will need to be constantly focused, so keeping something to drink on you at all times will help you get through the studying.
10. Get enough sleep
I cannot stress this enough. SLEEP IS IMPORTANT. I can almost guarantee that pulling an all-nighter before your exam will help. Plus, your sleeping schedule will get more messed up that college has already made it. Sleeping all day and staying up all night will not help when your exams are all in one day, back to back.
11. Be thankful that you made it through your year
Once finals are over, breathe. You made it through another year. If it was your first year or your last year it doesn't matter. You are finally DONE!!
..at least done, until next semester.
