Finals week. Hell Week. The torture chamber. A college student’s worst nightmare. All of the above?
Yeah, same. I agree. It’s my last spring semester of my undergraduate career. We all want out. We have sun peeking in our blinds and the birds chirping bright and early. We want the sand between our toes and the salt air. The last thing we want is our nose in a textbook or in front of a computer for eight hours writing a final paper (most likely the night before).
Here goes nothing — cramming 101. I’m not exactly sure why, but for me, it seems as if finals are more torturous than midterms. Yes, they’re both awful because who really wants to study until they want to cry (not me). However, for some reason the sun shining and beach or amusement park is just too tempting.
It’s almost like that 90s childhood TV show "Bob the Builder." We might not be able to really “fix it” this late in the semester, but hey, can we do it? YES WE CAN!
OK, now I may sound delirious, but really, how awesome is it knowing that once you’re done with a final exam you can throw away your study guide, return your books and go into summer mode? It’s awesome, and I can’t wait. It’s one of the best feelings. It’s so odd how finals in high school weren’t so important (or at least all consuming). College finals = going to your own pity party.
So here you go, a few tips to get you through finals:
- Have healthy snacks on hand at all times. Depending on what you like, have colorful and crunchy foods that make you energized! Stick to the colors of the rainbow (more like fruits and veggies because the actual colors of the rainbow) will probably make you crash.
- Have a nice supply of caffeine. Granted, I am a coffee addict, so stock up on that good ‘ole cup of Joe. In my case, I will be surviving on large iced coffees. Yep, no shame.
- Get a good night’s rest. While the all-nighter may be tempting (I mean hey, we’re in college, right?), don't do it. I repeat, don’t. OK, maybe if you have to. I don’t know about you, but, I’d rather go to bed at a reasonable time and get up a little earlier than fall asleep on my test booklet.
- Take some zen time to breathe. Whether your peace comes from watching funny YouTube videos, listening to the latest jams or scrolling through Instagram, take that much needed break. Don’t fry your brain. Make sure to take study breaks so you don’t go bananas!
- Make a study guide. I promise it’ll help. Whether it is a typed outline, note cards or Post-its, do something to reinforce the information into your brain.
- Keep a list of all of your assignments. Make sure you stay on top of everything and their due dates. Nothing is worse than feeling unprepared. Use your planner and make lists.
- Celebrate afterwards!
That’s it, folks! Do whatever you have to do in order to make it through finals week. You’ve got this. It’s almost done; keep pushing and happy summer!
