As soon as Thanksgiving Break hits and the end of November approaches, everyone is usually just about ready to throw the towel in for the rest of the semester, me included #relatable. It’s such a tease being able to go home to be with family and friends, just to go back to school for 2-3ish weeks. 2-3ish weeks of stress. 2-3ish weeks of coffee. 2-3ish weeks of TORTURE. Although all we want to do is stay curled up by a fireplace in our hometown with our girls, unfortunately we do have to contribute some sort of effort to that degree we’re supposed to be getting or something. I’d like to offer some pieces of advice on how you can survive and thrive through your finals.
1. Stay organized and clean.
To me, there’s nothing more stressful than to work in an un-organized environment. Tip: clean your room right after getting back from break so your room is a completely stress free environment. Get rid of any un-needed papers and only have the bare minimum of what is left for you to do.
2. Set goals.
If you have your priorities set straight and go day by day, you will get done what needs to get done, with ease. Tip: make lists the night before each day of the week so you have a new schedule and all of the tasks for that given day.
3. Remember that it’ll all be worth it.
Although the last thing any of us want to do is write a 15 page paper or take an exam or do a presentation, the good grade and the degree in our hand will all be worth it in the end. Tip: remind yourself of the reason you’re in college, and remind yourself of all the exams you’ve done well on in the past. It’ll make you realize that you’ve always gotten through it in the past, and that you’ll get through it this time, too.
4. Give yourself a break/reward yourself.
There’s nothing more important than studying and working in moderation. Study breaks are a must have, especially during finals week. And don’t forget to reward yourself! Tip: have a snack, take a nap, watch a movie, surround yourself with people, study with friends and try to relax during the craziness that is the end of the semester.
5. Be confident.
You know more than you think you know. Going into a presentation or an exam uneasy or unsure is only going to reflect on your performance. As long as you studied and did everything you could, chances are the rest is all in your head. Tip: Act confident, even if you truly aren’t. It’ll positively reflect in your grade!
So until the minute of your last final, remember that it’s okay to get a grade that isn’t an A, it’s okay to look like a train wreck, it’s okay to take a break, and last but not least in the words of high school musical, remember that WE’RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER!
