10 Things To DO When You Should Be Studying For Finals
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

10 Things To DO When You Should Be Studying For Finals

You're already procrastinating by reading this, so here are some ideas on how you can prolong that procrastination.

49
10 Things To DO When You Should Be Studying For Finals
wwallpaper free download

1. Knit your own Ugly Christmas Sweater

Odds are, you do not already know how to knit (unless you're into that sort of thing, to which I commend you). So this activity will be doubly as time consuming. Pick up some needles and yarn, call your grandma for some pointers and settle in for a long journey. The homemade quality of your sweater will probably add to its ~ugliness~. All your friends will be very impressed with your skill and creativity and, not only did you just pick up a new hobby and avoid studying for finals, but you just found essentially free Christmas presents for all your friends.

2. Find a totally mediocre show you’ve already seen every episode of and binge watch it again

You and I both know you've already seen every episode of "Grey's Anatomy" and "Orange is the New Black", but go ahead, watch them all again. Grab some popcorn and get comfortable. It takes almost no energy to sit in bed and become mind-numbingly entranced by your go-to favorite show, which is much easier than lugging your books to the library everyday for two weeks and highlighting until you get carpal tunnel. Don't worry, no judgement here, Netflix exists for a reason. And don't feel any shame when it hits you with the "Are you still watching?" like the world's most annoying boyfriend.

3. Drink copious amounts of coffee to numb the pain

While some may turn to drinking alcohol to fend off the finals-blues, taking multiple coffee breaks a night is quite possibly the best way to waste time during finals week while simultaneously staying fueled. There's nothing ironically sweeter than the bitter taste of caffeine when your life seems to be spiraling into an inevitable pit of failure. It may seem like an unnecessary expenditure of money and you may worry about the effects of having three venti gingerbread lattes, but it'll all be worth it when you can power through a couple of all-nighters.

4. Go to holiday themed parties

Time to put your new homemade ugly Christmas sweater to good use. Whether it's a Hannukah party, a Christmas party, a Kwanza party, a New Year's party or anything in between, it's bound to be more fun than studying. Grab your girls and your fresh baked Christmas parties and have fun listening to music, dancing, and snapping pics instead of drowning in the puddle of tears accumulating between the pages of your textbook. The holiday season only comes around once a year, after all. If you are in college, finals, unfortunately, come twice.

5. Skype your best friend for six hours and talk about how you should be studying

No one can understand and appreciate your title of Ultimate Procrastinator quite as much as your best friend who is, likely, putting off studying just as much as you. Skype or facetime or just call. Use catching up as the perfect excuse to not prepare for your exams. Maybe they can help you make a Quizlet but also maybe they will play you in 8-ball on iMessage.

6. Complain about politics

In light of recent political events, the new president-elect and his decisions are weighing heavy on everyone's mind. Who said political debate had to end when the pumpkin pie ran out on Thanksgiving? Carry that political strife straight through New Years! Practice the best delivery of your "Love Trumps Hate!" speech to share with Uncle Steve next to the Christmas tree. Really study up on all of Trump's tweets and television appearances instead of reading about that ancient U.S. history. Aren't current issues more important anyway?

7. Do all the homework you procrastinated all semester

I see you, putting off all those "optional" essays until the last week of classes, I've been there. Spend the night typing until your fingers go numb, trying to make all those last-minute deadlines and due dates rather than cramming and studying for your economics final. You already did the calculations, the homework and essays are worth more anyway...right?

8. Deep clean your dorm

All semester your vacuum has sat unused in your closet. Break that bad boy out, as well as the bleach wipes and Swiffer and Lysol. You're going to be leaving for break as soon as you're done with that last final, and we all know the university staff isn't going to be touching your dorm while you're gone. Waste some time and be productive in other ways by going OCD and doing some mild winter-cleaning so you're room can be fresh and clean for when you get back. Doesn't everyone always say you focus and study better in a clean, organized environment, anyway?

9. Color in your now un-cool adult coloring book

You haven't touched it since last Christmas, when it was popular, but get out your Mandala coloring book and Crayola markers and go to town. They're supposed to be stress-relieving, right? Once you've wasted a few hours and finished your rainbow circle, you can even try stapling it to the back of your final essay for some extra credit. I'm sure all your professors would appreciate it.

10. Go to the gym and let your stress fuel your workout

Everyone knows hitting the gym and exercising is the ultimate stress-reliever. Go run a few miles on the treadmill or spin or even lift some weights. Odds are you'll leave the gym feeling refreshed and ready to be more productive in the studying department. If you're feeling extra ambitious, bring that BioChem book with you and prop it on the StairMaster. What's the worst that could happen (aside from some weird looks and a potential broken ankle)?

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

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

71361
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

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

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

133449
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

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments