Anyone who has ever attended college knows how stressful finals week can be. I mean... let's be real, COLLEGE IS HARD! While these last few days of the semester may seem like they're dragging by, get ready to say hello to summer and goodbye to finals! But before we can enjoy our stress-free summer vacay we have to stand tall and get through these finals! This is the last shot for most students to increase their grade which is why finals can be even more stressful. it can be exhausting studying for hours in the library and I want to share some ways I cope with my finals stress!
​​Pre​pare in advance
Most professors will give you a course schedule with each date of the class and a label of what will be discussed in that class along with important dates. As soon as you know what your finals dates are, write them down! It will help remind you that you need to start preparing closer to the date. One way you can start preparing for finals is slowly start looking over your materials. See what you have most and least knowledge on and see your professor in advance on anything you are unsure about. You can prepare in other ways as well! Make sure you have your on the go snacks stocked up along with your energy drinks... you'll need it
Study groups
If you are nervous about finals, chances are someone else is just as nervous. Talk to your classmates, I learn best from looking at other peoples perspectives and it is a technique that could also work for you! Just recently I met new people from my math class and the four of us went to the library and studied with each other for about 3 hours and ended up improving our grade a few points and having some good girl talk! It may be scary to talk and befriend someone this late in the semester but like i said earlier, chances are they are in the same boat! Go for it! Its a good way to improve your grade and make new friends
Remember to take breaks
it is so so so important for you to give yourself a break when studying for long periods of time not only for your own sanity but seriously, in order for you to even study you need to focus. If you are trying to studying when you have other things on your mind and are surrounded by distractions you might as well call it quits because you will not be able to retain information. My psych teacher told us that before we studied we should take a walk, clear our heads, do some jumping jacks and then start studying when you feel your self shifting focus repeat the process. I have learned that this has helped me TREMENDOUSLY. Giving myself break while studying and while doing homework has made me feel capable of handling the workload as well as maintaining a social life. It's easy to get caught up in your studies, remember to clear your head, talk to a friend, go for a walk, anything! You deserve it!!! Do something that makes you smile :)
Change location:
Ever get tired of looking at the same room every day? I know I sure do. Get creative! Try studying in a new place. Go to rivers green or stern gardens and enjoy the fresh air while you hit the books. Anything besides sitting in the library or your dorm room desk all day. I always suggest studying at colonial lake or the battery just to enjoy the scenery while being productive all at the same time
There is always a plan b
I know its easier said than done because even I am guilty of getting over stressed during finals but... it's important to remember that you have options!! Yes, failing a college course is upsetting and a waste of money but you can't focus on that and have that stress you out even more during finals. So just make sure to always consider your options, you can always retake the course as well as take the course through a home institution. It is okay to fail and you have to remember that it happens to the best of us. I can't tell you how many times I have froze up during an important exam. Focus on doing your best, take a deep breath and focus back on what you learned throughout the semester, you got this!
Last but most importantly... TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF
Take care of yourself during finals week, it's going to be tough but you can make it better for yourself! Take care of your physical and mental health. It is necessary for you to get enough sleep. I know you want to stay up all night cramming for the final tomorrow I get it, but a tired brain is a useless brain. It will be even more difficult for you to remember key ideas and to focus on the exam. As I mentioned earlier, it is important to take breaks, when you take a break maybe head down to the gym and workout and relieve some stress, it could help you more than you know. You have to look out for yourself when things get busy in college i.e. finals week. This is the most important time to be making sure you're eating, sleeping, and studying right in order to finish with the best results!
I hope that these tips help you survive your finals week, i wish you the best of luck on all your exams!!!
