The end of the semester is undeniably here; classes are beginning to wrap up and you suddenly feel like you have been hit with a ton of bricks. Needless to say, a million different emotions are rapidly kicking in and sleep is no longer your number one priority (if it ever was). People keep telling you that the end is near, yet you still have a week of classes with projects and presentations to get through before you can even begin thinking about final exams. Yes, you absolutely feel like this stress is everlasting.
Although it is hard to believe right now while deadlines are taking over your entire life, the end of the semester will come (eventually). Whether you are mainly stressed due to group projects, presentations, papers or exams,you will make it out alive—I promise. Here are tips that will hopefully help to make this week and next a little better.
1. Organization and planning ahead are key
Being organized will relieve stress and allow you to productively get work done in a timely manner.
2. Get out of the library for a little while
I promise you will not be as productive as you would like to be or need to be in getting work done if you stay in the library for 10 hours straight.
3. Create deadlines and time limits for yourself
Giving yourself a certain amount of time to complete a task or study for an exam is very helpful in being productive.
4. Download the Self Control application to stay focused
The Self Control application allows you to block certain websites or only use certain websites for a designated period of time, which eliminates distractions and will force you to get work done before you burn out.
5. Drink coffee
Even if you are not a big coffee drinker, I am telling you coffee will prevent you from falling asleep in the library. Trust me I have seen plenty of people napping in cubicles during finals week.
6. Get some rest
This is the most obvious, yet one of the most forgotten and neglected tips in getting through finals. Rest will allow you to wake up with a clear mind and begin your day with energy.
7. Take a break
Whether you are a TV junkie or an exercise fanatic, give yourself at least half an hour to one hour (depending on your workload) off to do something that is not school related.
8. Sit at a cubicle over a table
While you want to make the best of this difficult time, cubicles mean business. If you are sitting at a table with friends, you are going to get distracted and realistically you have no time for that.
9. Begin making study guides in advance
Making study guides does not mean that you are done studying, but this certainly will help to alleviate stress when you have back to back projects and exams.
10. Study with people who you work well with
Clearly, you are in a time crunch... choose wisely when deciding who to make a study group with.
