It's that time of the semester once again. The pending doom of final exams is weighing on your mind. You are beginning to mentally prepare for a week or two of hell on campus. But, with a few survival methods and a fresh perspective, you know you'll survive the hard times to come and that the holiday break will be here soon enough. Happy "Dead" Week, my friends.
1. Live in the library.
Pack all of your essential goods -- textbooks, index cards, highlighters, writing utensils, laptop, chargers, etc. -- and get there ASAP. With the entire student body in study mode, you will hopefully feel more motivated to focus on those five study guides that still need to be completed.
2. Consume copious amounts of coffee.
For the next couple of weeks, the sky is the limit when it comes to caffeine. There should be no shame in paying for that additional shot of espresso. There will also be no shame in bringing an entire case of Starbucks Doubleshot Espresso to the library alongside all of your study materials.
3. Study smart.
Cramming, though not the easiest habit to break, is not usually the best practice for retaining information and being able to recall it when final exam time comes around. Instead, try to dedicate a set amount of study time to each one of your classes each day. This is often more effective and way less overwhelming than spending eight hours straight studying for that one class you have been avoiding studying for all semester.
4. Snack smart.
Though potato chips may sound like a very comforting, delicious idea, they probably are not the best at keeping energy levels as high as possible. Instead, reach for a handful of almonds or walnuts. Go for more stable snacks that will not come back to bite you later on.
5. Sleep smart.
Though it is hard to sleep with so much to study and think about, sleep deprivation is not entirely helpful to your success. It leads to less optimum brain functioning and, often, irritability. You aren't you when you're sleepy, and you also aren't retaining as much information. Naps are a good thing, so take advantage of them. Just remember that sleep is most effective when done in increments of 45 minutes. (In other words, a 45-minute nap is greater than a one-hour nap.)
6. Keep perspective.
Your GPA is definitely important, but it is not the definition of who you are. Though you may struggle in a certain subject, you may excel in another. Remember to play on your strengths and to just try your best. If you do these two things, you really shouldn't be disappointed in yourself. You will make it out of college alive (don't let the name "dead" week fool you).
7. Breathe.
You will pour your heart (and brain) out to prepare for your upcoming final exams. Don't forget to take a deep breath, and remember that you have dedicated your time and energy to something much greater than one finals week. You know more than you think you know.
