The time has finally arrived. The semester is over, classes are over, and there’s only one last thing to work through: finals. Finals week is always the most stressful and strenuous time of the year and it usually comes that everything else you’re dealing with in life seems to be hitting you at the same exact time. That paired with the cold winter of Fall Semester is a recipe for mental uneasiness. That being said, here are a few tips to getting through the week form Hell.
1. Use grade calculators to figure out what you need on the final to reach the grade you want.
I personally use this calculator to figure out my prospective grades. It makes life much easier and takes away all the stress that guessing places on you during finals week.
2. Organize your study time effectively.
Organize what days you’re going to study what classes and for how long. We all tend to do this but the important thing is actually stickingto your study schedule. Organizing your time efficiently cuts back on a lot of the anxiety and stress that studying for finals inherently brings with it.
3. Take breaks.
Although it may seem counterproductive, it must be done. Studying for too long is bound to drive you nuts. Just make sure the break to study ratio is appropriate.
4. Utilize all of your resources.
Office hours, other students, TAs, use them all! Collaborative work is amazingly effective! It may seem obvious but some people (even myself) simply don’t use the resources of others as effectively. It actually makes a difference!
6. Unplug.
Hop off Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat. Stop playing 8-ball. Focus. The amount of time wasted on social media is honestly ridiculous. Put your phone on Do Not Disturb and if that doesn't work, just turn off your phone
5. Take a deep breath and calm down.
It’s extremely easy to get worked up and anxious about finals. Relax for a moment, take a deep breath, and visualize yourself reaching success. It will be okay, you will get through it, and winter break is right around the corner.