Finals week can be overwhelming - there is a lot to do in so little time. The week calls for late nights, too much coffee, a couple mental breakdowns, and a whole lot of planning. Here are 7 tips for organizing your finals week:

1. Create a priority list.

This one can be hard because, during finals week, everything feels like a priority. But just make a timeline of when your finals are and then choose what to do accordingly. If you know you have a history final first, don't start with your chemistry notes. Do what needs to be done first then work down the list.

2. Write everything down in the same place.

If you are keeping notes on all your subjects, put them all in the same notebook so you have your work with you at all times. Divide your notebook into sections to create separation for your classes but this trick will give you ease of mind. If you are studying for a subject then you think of a question from another, you can check on it fast instead of going into panic mode, forcing you to head home to find your answer.

3. Make flash cards for each subject.

Flashcards are a dying art form in my opinion. I survived on them my freshman year when I was drowning in Gen-Ed finals but this trick saved my life. I had made notecards for all my subjects and kept them with me wherever I went so if I was stuck in traffic, I could pull them out and study some. Whenever I had a down moment, I would use it to cram in a little more, which definitely helped me receive higher grades. Pro-tip, you can even create flashcards Quizlet so you can keep them on your phone.

4. Color code your notes.

This probably sounds super extra but it a great study technique because your brain will be awakened with the color instead of the monotony of black and white. You can have it so you can find certain topics within each class quickly or even identify the important words in your notes. It helps you reach the information you need faster while also retaining the information easier.

5. Read ahead of time and simplify everything.

Try not to stress by waiting for the last second. Read well-before you need to know the information and spread yourself out. Keep your notes simple. Include only the information you need and organize in a way that is understandable. Divide your work into sections: vocabulary, equations, definitions, topics... whatever it may be. Just create a general order and keep it for all your notes so you know that when you are looking for a specific word, you can access it as easy and fast as possible.

6. Make a schedule and stick to it.

Finals week is a time when you spend a lot of time focusing on school and stress but not much else. Because of how stressful this time may be, you may forget about everything else you need to do... like eat, drink, and sleep. To combat this issue, create a schedule for yourself. Wake up at 9 a.m., eat breakfast, shower, start studying by 11 a.m., take a break at 1 p.m. for lunch, studying until dinner at 6 p.m., study until 10 p.m., then start getting ready for bed. Stick to a schedule that works for you but make sure you remember to take care of yourself.

7. Keep your space clean and organized.

Wherever you are working, make sure everything around you is tidy before you start so you don't focus on cleaning up while you are supposed to be studying. Reduce any distractions and keep only what you need around you, otherwise, they will be means for temptation.