It's hard to believe, but finals week is almost here again, and so are the mental breakdowns, sleep deprivations and motivational failures that come with it. The last two weeks of school are the ultimate test. Grades and mental stability are on the line, and the finish line seems like it will never come. We're almost done, though! Here are a few helpful tips to help you push through the final days of torture:
1. Start early!
Dead week is here for a reason. Of course, you're going to have those professors who give a test or make a project due, but, hopefully, you have a little more free time than usual. Use this time to start getting ahead! While it may seem like the most undesirable thing in the world, you'll be thanking yourself when you get actually get to go to bed during finals week while your friends are pulling all-nighter after all-nighter.
2. Make a plan.
Rather than sitting down at the library and staring at your forever-long to-do list, organize your priorities. Having a study plan makes it so much easier to block out time for everything. You can plan by day, or if you're like me, hour-by-hour. I have everything from free time to my dinner break planned out so i make sure to stick to it. If you aren't the most organized person in the world, check out these study templates for help!
3. Stock up on snacks.
The library is packed during dead week and especially finals week, so if you're lucky enough to score a table, you'll never want to leave. Having snacks handy is crucial so you can keep your spot without starving to death. Plus, that final stretch at 2 a.m. the night before your hardest final when you don't think your brain can take anymore will be a bit more manageable with some cookies or Sour Patch Kids.
4. Dress comfortably.
If you plan on spending most of your time at a desk for the next two weeks, make sure to dress the part. That means T-shirts, sweatpants, and shoes you can easily take off. At this point in the game, PJ pants are acceptable.
5. Don't forget to sleep.
While staying up all night might seem like the only option, you will perform a lot better after some rest. If you absolutely must stay up all night, set timers and take quick 20-minute naps every couple of hours to recharge. However, a full night's sleep is the best way to go.
6. Find fun (or less terrible) ways to study.
Staring at a textbook for seven straight hours is agonizing. Instead, find clever ways to help you memorize. Whether it's eating a gummy bear after every few paragraphs or drawing on a whiteboard, try to make your studying more active. It'll help you stay awake and you'll have an easier time memorizing and remembering later.
7. Take breaks.
"Parks and Rec" is only 22 minutes on Netflix. After going nonstop for hours, you deserve a 22-minute break. If you're tired of staring at a screen, go get some ice cream or just take a walk or a drive.
8. Set multiple alarms.
Sleeping through a final is one of my worst nightmares, and most professors won't think twice about giving you a zero. Before going to bed, turn your alarm all the way up and set more than one. If you're becoming resistant to your alarm, try setting a different tone. Your brain won't be used to it and you'll have an easier time waking up.
9. Find a cheerleader, be a cheerleader.
Studying is the worst and everyone has to do it, so why not suffer with friends? Find a group and encourage each other to memorize that last pile of flashcards! The hours won't seem so dreadful.
10. Study what you DON'T know.
Before you start cramming, check off what you for sure already know and stay away from it. While quizzing yourself on things you're good at might make you feel more confident, it won't help that pile of things still to learn.
11. Think about summer!
WARNING: This step must be done in small doses, for too much could cause the ultimate breakdown. When you think you can't go anymore, think about the THREE MONTHS you'll have after! Even if you have a job or summer class, everyone has something they look forward to during summer. If anything, finals will be over and your brain can finally catch a much-needed break.
Good luck on finals everyone! We can do it!
