5 Things You Only Do During Finals Week | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

5 Things You Only Do During Finals Week

At least I hope you don’t do all these things regularly…

18
5 Things You Only Do During Finals Week
Where Creativity Works

As finals week approaches, I often catch myself prepping for the stressful times ahead. Things I will, inevitably, end up doing to give myself a better shot at passing my tests are things I would normally never do to myself or to my friends. It requires careful planning and a fierce amount of coordination to keep myself balanced, as I know I will, without a doubt;

1. Wall yourself off in a study room for hours

The spots I usually pick for high-quality study time are places that let me shut out the rest of the world. Normally, this would be my room, but around finals week it sometimes becomes difficult to do that, given that my bed is in there. The best spots for me are quiet, roomy areas that let me spread out my study stuff. Library, lobby rooms, study rooms, unlocked classrooms are usually best. It helps to have a little elbow room so I can prevent avalanches of study materials.

2. Pretend you're friendless

I also cannot associate with people during finals week. I become twitchy thinking about the clock ticking away when I still have 12 chapters to cover in 4 hours. Indeed, my social reclusiveness knows no bounds during finals week.

3. Question your life choices

These moments, when they happen, can also be a source of profound insight into your own personality. Last year, while writing an overly-long study guide (9 pages!) for a Biochemistry class at 1 in the morning, I asked myself if I would be okay if I just gave up and went into the final with all the knowledge I had, guns blazing. Somehow, that calmed me down and got me to accept fate and go to sleep. I actually forgot what grade I got, but I know it wasn’t all that bad. These are the times that try you, so pay attention to how you react.

4. Live out of your mini fridge

In the past, it was common for me to live almost exclusively off of food from our college’s equivalent of McD’s, Joe’s. In recent times, it has become common for me to buy all my snacks in advance and keep them stored in my fridge. Now, I have almost no need to trudge—pajama-bottomed—out of my dorm anymore to get my precious cheese sticks and yogurt. I guess that’s what you could call learning.

5. Become angry and doubtful

When you come to the end, you expect yourself to know it all. You might think, sure, I’ve done all these problems before, this should all be a walk in the part. I paid to become educated, right? How did I do? Was my money well spent? Then, you hit the first practice problem and realize that you might have been a little arrogant waiting till three days before the final to study for your cumulative exam. Since it is hard to remember in times of stress, gentle reader, I want to tell you all that you are not stupid, and you are absolutely capable of passing this exam. College requires you to layer your lessons on top of each other which can make it difficult to recall old concepts with perfect accuracy. I think looking through my notes helps me the best.

Here’s some of my best advice: do what you can to prepare, all the while reminding yourself that what you do IS good enough. Get some sleep, and avoid overdoing it on the coffee! Finally, you should totally color a picture! Trust me, it helps to focus on something besides homework before you switch to another topic. Try coloring in the stress mountain below if you'd like!

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

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

18507
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

7867
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

5752
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

4982
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments