Finals week is quickly approaching, and if you're like me, this is without a doubt the most stressful time of year. Being a sophomore, I only have two of these dreaded weeks under my belt. But if you're a first-year, or even a returning finals week victim, check out some of my tips to help coast through the dreaded week.
1. Get sleep, and lots of it.
First and foremost, get sleep. This will not only keep your body refreshed and ready to go, but it will replenish your mind and get you ready for the next day of exams and studying. According to this study, students who got a good night's sleep had higher test scores. Getting at least seven or eight hours of sleep can do wonders.
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2. Take study breaks.
I used to think going to the library for hours at a time was the way to go, but then I found myself getting intense headaches from working myself so hard. After being at the library all day repeating this cycle, I never got much done. If you block off certain times of your study time to simply get up and walk around or grab a coffee, it makes the long days less miserable.
3. Plan out the entire week.
I love my organization. I literally have sticky notes all over my computer detailing every aspect of my week. I suggest laying out when you have exams and paper deadlines a few weeks in advance so you have a good idea of what your finals week looks like. When the time comes, make a schedule when you will study for each class. Being organized lets the rest of the week run a little more smoothly.
4. Don't put off your hardest studying for the last.
This is still hard for me
to do. It's easy to push off something you are absolutely dreading. If you take
a little time each day and devote it to that really hard paper or exam, when the time comes, it won't be as daunting as saving it all for the night before. Cramming the night before a difficult exam doesn't pay off!
5. Don't pull all-nighters.
This relates to the previous point, as well as to getting a good night's sleep. All-nighters are never a good idea! I pulled one last year and it seriously messed me up for the rest of the week, and I had a hard time getting back on track. This affected some of my other finals as a result. Set a time to be in bed, lights off, phone put away. Wake up early and study the next morning instead of frying your brain all night.
6. Eat well.
Keep your body going with healthy snacks, as opposed to super sugary ones. Although the sugary ones may be more accessible and give you a boost, the boost is only temporary. You need long-lasting energy to keep you going during those long hours of studying. Try to eat lots of fruit, veggies, and things like granola or yogurt for snacks.
7. Limit technology.
This is huge. While studying, put your phone on silent and stash it away so you won't be tempted to text, Snapchat, or browse social media. If you're using your computer, doing this can be more difficult. Instead of completely trying to get technology out of the picture, allow yourself to browse the internet as a reward for accomplishing something while studying.
8. Utilize study rooms.
For me, studying in a dorm room is too small and distracting, studying in a dining hall or other public place is too loud, and some parts of the library are too lonely. Study rooms are a perfect area to get some work done. They are quiet but open, so there's some people-watching to make it seem less lonely. Grab some friends and block out a room all day.
9. Make sure you understand the material.
If you have any questions at all, the week before finals week is a good time to take advantage of your professors' office hours and clear up anything you don't understand. This is especially important if your grade is on the line. Also, if you have any assignments due like a paper or project, either going to their office hours or emailing them to make sure you understand the requirements will be a huge help.
10. Keep calm.
Last but not least, just keep calm! It might be hard to do but it will help you in the long run. After all, it is just one week. Just think of the nice winter break around the corner and you're all set.
With these tips you are sure to do great! Good luck and may the odds be ever in your favor.
