It's that time of year again -- never ending stress, absurd amounts of coffee and never ending work to get done before that dreaded final exam date. Whether or not you've been preparing for final exams ever since you signed up for the class, or you're just now realizing that if summer is around the corner, then finals must be too -- here are 12 helpful steps to get you ready for that test and, ultimately, to finish the semester strong.
1. Organization.
Make a list of all your classes and all the assignments you need to get done. Organization is the key to not losing your mind.
2. Calculate your grades.
Ignorance is not bliss, don't be blindsided (like JoJo) by your grade. Know what you need to get on all final assignments and exams in order to secure your final grade in the class.
3. Go to class.
Now is not the time to be lazy, that one extra hour of sleep isn't worth it.
4. Check in with your teachers.
Only the really, really mean one's bite. Just kidding. If there's something you're not understanding, go talk to them and clear it up, now is the time.
5. Make a study group.
There's power in numbers. Chances are, they're on the struggle bus too.
6. Think ahead.
Don't leave any work until the last minute, that will not end well. For most of us college kiddos, we're just about two to three weeks out from taking final exams, and cramming all that information in your sleep deprived brain will not be a good time, at all. You'll end up crying over your textbooks and making another cup of coffee at 3 a.m. That's not a good place to be.
7. Don't be stupid with your time.
Probably don't watch four episodes of some dumb Netflix show before falling asleep -- even though we are all tempted -- just take the sleep, it'll help you more in the long run.
8. Eat like you're training for a marathon --stay hydrated.
Heavy on the protein, light on the processed sugar. Half caffeine, half water should just about cover the hydration part -- we aren't perfect.
9. Pull out those dusty syllabuses you haven't touched since day one.
Often times we don't realize how import those things are (cue syllabus week mentality) but it's actually every question you might ever have, answered. Double check how everything is weighted and graded, as well as any and all important class guidelines that you might have missed.
10. Put down your phone.
You won't be able to stay focused if you keep taking breaks to check Snapchat and Twitter every 15 minutes.
11. Put in the work.
It's not going to be a fun time by any means, but it'll feel so good to finally be done with finals at the end of the week and be able to say you killed them (in the best way possible).
12. Relax.
When the stress of finals gets to be too much, it probably will around day one, take a long walk around the block. Leave your phone and notes at home and just let your brain take a breather.
Good luck and happy summer!
