Finals have begun to gear up, which means the library begins to fill up with students using computers, pulling all-nighters, and printing all they are allowed with their remaining printer points. We all know the stress that comes with finals, and the regrets from what we could have, and should have, done all semester. Hang in there. 

As the last weeks arrive, here are some helpful hints to help you survive finals.

Actually study. This may seem like a dumb point to make, but let’s be realistic. How many times do you say you are going to study for a test, but instead watch Netflix, hang out on Facebook and read articles like you are currently doing, or decide to nap or do other things when you are supposed to be studying? This is a serious problem. To make these finals your best grades all semester, head to the library, or to a quiet non-distracting place. Hit the books and online study guides and presentations. 

Get some sleep. I realize that since it is our last minute time to study, many of us will be pulling all-nighters to get in every last hour of studying. You will want some sleep, or you will regret it. Your brain will need the rest to focus better, and if that isn’t a good enough excuse, keep in mind that you will want to be able to celebrate with your friends when finals are over with, so you will need rest to be able to go out afterwards.

Be prepared. I am not talking about being prepared from studying. I am talking about making sure you will not be the only one in your class who forgot their Scantron, or the one kid in the class whose pencil broke and forgot to bring extras. This is the last grade you have for these classes. Do not mess due to the simple mistake of not being properly prepared to take the exams. 

Fuel your body. I know from personal experience that during the stressful time of finals week, we forget to eat or drink water. However, we will not want to be the students who get sick and bomb the final because you felt light-headed the whole time. Make sure you bring water and drink enough so you won’t pass out. Eat enough food so your stomach won’t be growling in the back of the classroom, distracting everyone near you. Your classmates will thank you. Lastly, for all of you spending countless hours in the library, like I will be -- use and abuse coffee! You will be pulling those all-nighters, and the only way to get through it is to stay awake and not end up on Snapchat or Yik-Yak, or falling asleep in class, or at the library at 3 a.m. Trust me, you do not want to be that person. So I expect to see all the basic white girls at Starbucks this week, and I also expect for you all to be having a tumblers full of coffee to fuel your body through the week and lack of sleep.

Relax. This is the hardest tip of all. We are all cramming, stressing, and just wishing this week was over. Keep in mind, the final can only help out so much. If you have a good grade in the class, just relax because this week probably won’t change your life. If you are not doing so well in the class, do your best and study all you can, but also keep in mind that a good grade can only help so much. The stress of finals week can actually harm your grade if you worry about it too much. If you do decide to stress yourself out until this is all over with, treat yourself to some things throughout the week. Go workout, go get froyo with some friends, and once it is all done -- go celebrate. There is no better way to end finals week than going out with some friends and getting rid of all the stress that piled up. 

Keep these tips in mind while dealing with finals and I assure you, you will come out better off. Good luck. It is almost over!