Two words: final exams. Just hearing about them will make college students everywhere laugh, cry, or go into a catatonic state. These are the exams that we worry about for months on end, and they are going to be here soon. I remember my first semester of college constantly worrying about my first exams. Upperclassmen joked about the horrors of “Finals Week” and the madness that ensued. Naturally, I was terrified and prepared for the worst. Everything ended up being fine in the end, but I was definitely not prepared for finals week. Here are some things that I wish I would have known before my first college final exams!

1. Start early.

Seriously, I know it stinks but start studying as early as Thanksgiving Break! Give yourself time to rest, but also start getting things out of the way. You will feel so much better when you come back to school and you already have stuff accomplished.

2. Make a plan.

To-do lists are my favorite thing in the world. They might be overwhelming, but it gives me a clear-cut guide of what needs to get accomplished. Also, crossing out what’s done feels great!

3. You don’t have to pull all-nighters.

I swear some college students make it a competition for how miserable they can be. “I haven’t slept in 48 hours!” Go to bed! Things will get done, but they will not be done as well if you haven’t slept!

4. Professors can be extremely understanding (some of them).

If you need an extension because you have a dozen things due on the same day, just try asking! It doesn’t hurt, and it can seriously help you to get better grades. Don’t always beg for extensions, however. That can make you seem like a poor planner!

5. It’s important to take breaks!

*Refer back to number 3. Sometimes when I’m studying, I feel horrible for taking a break because it feels so unproductive. The best thing to do is to break work up into manageable chunks and to take breaks at least every hour. Don’t get sucked into twitter, but you’ll feel refreshed if you peel yourself away from the book for a while.