Finals have started, and all us college students are shaking in our pants. Will studying pay off? Will the finals cover the same things that have been covered in class? Will I have an anxiety attack? Well, the answers for these questions could be yes, yes, and no if you follow the tips for finals week below.
1. Stock up on caffeine and snacks
Two things that are a must for finals week are caffeine and snacks. Coffee and tea are always good choices to have stocked up, but if you're like me, a fridge full of soda is necessary as well. The caffeine will help keep you energized and focused, but don't overdo it - you'll need to get some rest eventually, and being awake too long can negatively impact how much of what you're studying is actually remembered. Snacks such as Slim Jim's, beef jerky, popcorn, and other such things are great to have during study sessions. However, while studying is important, don't skip you're meals - a full stomach is key to staying focused.
2. Take breaks
When studying, you'll inevitably get tired, or you're back will start hurting or some other ailment will suddenly befall you. To survive this, you'll need to take breaks here and there. Say, for every thirty minutes of studying, take a five minute break, or for every hour of studying, take a 15 minute break. The breaks will help rejuvenate your body and your brain and will make it much easier to study more.
3. Maintain a proper sleep schedule
Some people stay up way past their normal sleep hours or even all night just to cram for finals - don't, because it'll just leave you tired and unfocused for the exams. Study right and well and you won't need to mess up your sleep schedule, or at least will only need to stay up a little longer than usual.
4. Don't procrastinate
One of the major players in finals week disasters is procrastination. I get it; you study for a few minutes, then your friend comes in and starts talking about the amazing chicken wings they ate the other day, or you remember that the next season of your favorite show was just put on Netflix, and you forget about studying for finals. You must resist the temptation - if you're friend comes in, kick him or her out and tell that person that you're busy and need to study, they'll understand. Don't even glance at the little red "N" on your bookmarks or taskbar - Grey's Anatomy can wait. Studying for that calculus exam is much more important than learning what not to do in a hospital.
5. Make sure you have everything you need
One mistake students make more often than anything is coming to class unprepared. That is something that cannot happen during finals week. Some of your professors may not tell you what exactly you'll need for the exam, so bring extra scantrons, extra test booklets, extra pencils and pens, a calculator, etc. Also, pack a few snacks, such as hard candy or gum, and a drink or two, because you know you'll need it during the long hours of testing.
Alas, I hope these tips help you with your finals week endeavors. Remember, millions of people have gotten through finals before you - you can do it too. So, don't sweat it, take it in stride, be prepared, and good luck.
