Last week, I wrote an article to help people get through their own finals week. Now, actually going into finals, we should all recognize that others are also dealing with finals. Here are some of my tips for helping other people survive finals.
1. Remember, Other People Have Finals
Believe it or not, you are not the only person taking finals. In fact, everyone at your college or university is. This means that plenty of people are going to be looking for study places, like the library. The library (at least here anyway) will fill up pretty quickly. Remember that other people need to study too; if you are taking up an entire table, it is completely reasonable for someone to ask to use the other end.
2. Be Quiet
BE QUIET. YOU ARE NOT THE ONLY ONE STUDYING. This drives me crazy. I cannot stand it when people are loud and obnoxious while I'm trying to study during 24-hour quiet hours in an area that is already a designated silent area. If you need to have a conversation, go outside, to your room, to the dining hall, wherever you have to. Do not seek out the quiet areas of campus to fill with your noise.
3. Be Respectful
This is universal and shouldn't warrant a reminder. This also goes back to the first point. Everyone is taking finals, is stressed, and wants it to be over as much as you do. Respect people's space, need to study, and need for support. This goes both ways. If you are taking up a table, offer half of it to an innocent bystander looking for a space. If you are looking for a study space, politely ask to study with them.
4. Celebrations Come After Finals, Not During
I have already experienced this and it is not finals week yet. I understand if people want to throw parties and celebrate the end of the term. That's great, I want to celebrate too, but that doesn't mean I'll be throwing chairs across the room at three in the morning. Remember to be quiet and respectful, because while you might be finished, other people still have finals!
5. Don't Take Out Your Stress on Other People
This is probably the most important point. Everyone is stressed and is dealing with other problems. No one but that person knows exactly what they are going through. DO NOT TAKE YOUR STRESS OUT ON OTHER PEOPLE. Taking out your stress on others adds stress for them, and that is unnecessary and rude. This includes using the wrong tone, yelling at others, blaming others for your problems, or going against your word. These are just a few examples, but they are the ones that drive me crazy. You alone are responsible for your behavior; be respectful other others, and hopefully, they will do the same for you.
