Ah, finals week: every college student's least favorite time of the year, and right before Christmas break. Stress is at an all-time high when you realize you have a boatload of assignments due in a short period of time. Here are four key tips on how to survive the uphill battle that is finals week:

1. Sleep.

Instead of staying up all night studying, make sure to actually get some sleep. Staying up all night does not benefit you in any way when it comes to taking tests. Make sure you get at least eight hours of sleep, because you'll feel refreshed and ready to ace the test. During finals week, you have much more free time in the day, so make sure to throw a few naps in there for good measure. Naps re-energize you, and then you can go back to studying your life away. No one can excel without getting a good night's sleep, so rest up!

2. Coffee.

Coffee is what keeps the engine running when you still feel tired after your second nap of the day. Some days, you just don't have the motivation or mental strength to study, but you have to get work done. This is the time of year when Dunkin' Donuts and Starbucks are your saviors. Re-fuel prior to your second trip to the library by getting a large iced coffee. This will have your mind sharp and ready to absorb knowledge. If that doesn't work and you still feel drained, grab another one later on for a double dose prior to the night-time study sesh.

3. Shut your phone off.

Functioning on a daily basis without your phone is a daunting task, but your phone can become the leading distraction when it comes to studying. Tell all your friends and family you will be studying prior to shutting it off so they know you're alive. You will be extremely productive without your phone going off every 10 minutes with some sort of notification. The key to success is actually keeping it off the entire time you study.

4. Time management.

At this point in college, you've heard this term a million times, but it's vital when finals week rolls around. Come up with a list of assignments that need to be done by certain dates, and plan when you are going to study or get them done. Don't cram the night before a test, as this will be detrimental to your grades. Look at your schedule and figure out what needs to be done. Also, make sure you take breaks. It's difficult to study for hours on end without losing focus. If your time management is poor, good luck doing well.

These four survival tips are vital for a stressless finals week. Everyone wants to do well on their finals, and there's no need to stress. After all, they're just grades, and one poor grade will not make or break your future plans. Get to work, keep a smile on your face, and enjoy the process!