It's always a huge drag when that time of the school year rolls around. It's bad enough that the school year itself flew by making it hard to even recollect what you've learned but now the oh-so-fabulous professors we adore have leave their mark on us and save their "best" (aka most extensive) assignments, papers, extra exams before our actual final exam and if you're like me, also having to find time to efficiently pack up your dorm to move out. It is unbearable to think about. You can't help but think to yourself if there is any way you could have lessen the "end of semester load" but you quickly realize if you had put all of your energy into strictly every possible thing and every class you are taking your mental health will suffer. So, it's our jobs as the amazing college students we are to put on a brave this and tackle it all..
1. Breathe
Take a big breath. You will figure it out. Home Stretch. You got this. This is a short period of time to be overwhelmed and then we can kiss all of the class work and stress goodbye for the long break that awaits us. It will all be over soon.
2. Organize Your Life and What Needs to Be Done
The most important thing is face everything you have to do and plan it out. Go through your syllabus for every class and list what needs to be done and by when. Make a do-able schedule of when you are going to do what you have to do and when you can take a break and not think about it.
Also, it is important to recognize that although you want to have your fun before you have to leave campus but this is the time to prioritize your academic standing rather than that kegger on Saturday night. You'll thank yourself later when you aren't retaking a class.
3. Take Care of Yourself
The main thing that is going to get us through this is our brain so we have to give it what it needs in order function to it's full ability. Therefore, EAT. I know when you are in full study mode it is hard to forget or not want to stop to go have a decent meal but you need to, you need the nutrients and fuel. Also, SLEEP. Sleeping allows our body to recharge. As productive as it sounds to pull an all-nighter studying, it won't do you any good if you're too tired to even focus on the exam or paper itself. Eating and sleeping are the best ways to keep you and your over health and well-being in tact and ready to handle shots that the end of the semester throws.
4. Do Not Procrastinate
I cannot stress enough how important it is to not wait to do everything at the last minute. Don't look at an assignment and underestimate how time consuming it is or how much effort it requires because in many cases it isn't as simple as it seems. (I am a culprit of this myself). Don't think just because you've done so well all semester in a course that you are good for the final exam and do not need to review at all. You can be surprised what small things you forget that may pop up as something huge on the exam.
All in all, you will get through this. Be sure to not burn yourself out, when it is all done you can sleep the residue of the semester off. Look forward to that!
