Finals week can be really stressful, confusing, and hard to handle. Sometimes, it can be hard to know what to do, where to go, and how to get through the week without downing a carton of Ben and Jerry's and binge watching friends while crying on the phone with your mom. Have no fear! Here is a list of tried and tested advice from a real life college kid on how to get through finals week with your grades and your dignity still intact.
1. Do start studying ahead of time.
Finals week can be very stressful, and it can sneak up on you. Make sure to plan for it and make it a top priority. Finals can be a significant portion of your class grade, so put them in your planner in big bold letters and make time for them!
2. Don’t let yourself get bogged down in the numbers.
I know it is mighty easy to fixate on the highest or the lowest grade you can get to make an A, B, C or whatever… but stop fixating on the numbers and calculating your averages. Instead, take the time you would have spent crunching numbers and spend that time studying.
3. Do go talk to your professor and ask lots of questions
Contrary to popular belief, your professor is here to help you. If you have a question, make an appointment and go talk to them or go visit your professor during his/her office hours. They are being paid the big bucks to help you succeed.
4. Don’t pull ten all-nighters in a row… or even one all-nighter.
Your brain needs sleep to be a good brain. Study during the day and use your time at night for sleeping. Pulling an all-nighter the night before your 8 A.M. exam will not help you get an A; in fact, many studies have shown that reduced sleep leads to a decrease in grades and an increase in stress.
5. Do make time for yourself.
I understand that finals are stressful, and it may seem like there is only time for one thing: studying, but… make time to be a person, as well. Take an hour off and read a book, go to the gym, or just take a nap. Do something to relieve stress and calm yourself down before delving back into the books.
6. Don’t focus all your attention on one subject if you have ten million different finals.
This is a recipe for disaster. Focusing all your attention on one subject when you have multiple finals. Take it from me… this doesn’t generally end well. You need to develop a study schedule that divides your attention between all subjects and finals.
7. Do form a study group.
Study groups are awesome. They allow you the opportunity to get together with your peers and discuss the information you have learned in class, review things you might not fully understand, and teach others concepts you have a complete understanding of. It’s a great way to generate ideas and gain a greater understanding.
8. Don’t be really loud in designated “quiet areas” on campus.
During finals week, it is important to be considerate and kind to others who are trying to study. While you may not be as stressed or quiet as others while studying, make sure you are being considerate of the feelings of others, especially in areas that are designated as quiet areas.
9. Do remember to eat.
I know this sounds really obvious… but it happens. Like, it actually happens. Please remember to eat. And try and eat healthily. There are a lot of good brain foods, including spinach, blueberries, and lots of other fruits and vegetables.
10. Don’t forget that you are smart, wonderful, important, and that finals is only one week out of the year.
You can do anything, including survive finals. Take a deep breath and power through!
Good luck on finals!!!
