Winter Finals Are Better Than Spring Finals
Start writing a post
Student Life

Winter Finals Are Better Than Spring Finals

A positive perspective to brighten up the end of the dark tunnel known as Final Exams.

79
Winter Finals Are Better Than Spring Finals
Pexels

Reading this headline, I imagine you probably had to do a double-take. How could any finals possibly be better or worse than any others? They are all unnecessarily stressful, difficult, and worth a huge percentage of your final grade, not to mention the suspense of waiting for those grades to roll in whenever your professor decides to post them.

So, how is it that the finals that we take at the end of the standard college fall semester seem so much better, in my humble opinion than the finals which end the spring semester? Well, I'm glad you asked.

First, winter finals have the beauty and joy of the holidays to keep you going when you feel like giving up. Even when you're still awake at 4:30 AM cramming for a test you have at 9 AM, you can remember that the pain will be over in a matter of days, and you'll soon be at home by your Christmas tree wondering what surprises might be underneath it. Even if you don't celebrate, you can still appreciate the fact that everyone is a little bit more festive and jolly towards the end of December. That is definitely a thought to hold onto as you stand in the mile-long line at the coffee shop, prepare for that last presentation, or put the finishing touches on the term paper you wrote the night before.

There's also the fact that spring finals should really be called summer finals, because at least here in Virginia, early May can sometimes be just as hot and oppressive as early August. While hot weather is enjoyable by the side of a pool or on the seashore, at school it seems reminiscent of the fiery pit of Hades that you feel like you've entered while you are taking finals. Taking a test that you're unprepared for is ten times worse when you're sweating uncontrollably and your shorts aren't long enough to protect your thighs from sticking to the chair. And even if the weather is nice, you can hardly enjoy it when you're chained to your desk studying or stuck in a library finishing a paper.

Winter finals can be a bit chilly sometimes, but at least the cold weather helps you focus. And you have an excuse to wrap yourself in a cozy sweater, slip on some warm socks, and make a cup of comforting hot tea as you study.

In addition to looking forward to the holidays, and to a restful break of sitting on your couch at home wrapped in blankets, winter finals have the added benefit of not ending with permanent good-byes. In the spring, the majority of college students in their fourth year will graduate, meaning that they won't be back in dorms or classes with you when fall comes around again. They may even end up on the other side of the country for their new job, and while you might get to go visit them in their exotic new digs, you probably won't get to see them as often as you did when you sat next to each other in politics lecture.

So during spring finals, there is an additional pressure to see everyone one more time, because who knows the next time you'll be able to hang out? As much as we hate to admit it, Winter Break is finite, and luckily this means that we'll see our friends again in the New Year. Even though some friends might graduate in the winter, or might bid you farewell before they leave to study abroad in the spring, be thankful that most of your winter good-byes are only temporary.

The reality is, finals suck, no matter when you're taking them. Winter finals may be slightly less awful because of all you have to look forward to, but you still have to survive them first. The good news is...you will! No matter how rough the finals outlook is right now, this too shall pass. Soon, you'll be looking back with the Ghost of Finals Past and wondering why you were ever so stressed. But until that day comes, best of luck, stay strong, and keep moving forward!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

45250
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

28607
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

953174
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

160048
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments