It's the middle of April, which means that there is one thought looming in the back of every college student's mind: finals week. While it may seem like finals are so far away, it's never too early to start preparing so that you can feel at least a little more at ease come the big week. Taking steps now can save you time down the road, which is key because we all know it's best to study smarter and not necessarily harder!

Being just about two weeks out from finals, now is the time to make sure you have all the materials you'll need to be successful. If you need to reserve a textbook at the library or get notes from a classmate, make sure to reach out to the necessary people now so that they have time to help you. Also, if you plan to book a room at the library or meet with a tutor, you may want to go ahead and make those plans now. Planning ahead can save you from unnecessary stress come the last week of April.

Along the lines of planning ahead, creating a study schedule or plan is very important. During finals week, since there are no classes, it can be hard to stay on track since there's nowhere you have to be at a specific time. I personally found it effective to write out a paper schedule with what times I would study each subject. I also even put in meal times so I always know what I'm supposed to be doing at a given time. Whether you're a fan of paper calendars or prefer to keep things digital, planning out your days can make it so much easier to be productive. Plus, the feeling of checking things off your to-do list during the week before finals is a pretty great one.

Finding the perfect environment to study that works for you is also super important. I personally like to study in a particular part of the library or one of the commons on campus. If you're easily distracted, you may work better in a totally silent environment, but some students prefer to work in a more crowded area.

No matter where you go, make sure you bring whatever you need so you don't have to run home unexpectedly. This includes any and all chargers, books, and notes, and most importantly, healthy snacks and some form of caffeine if you choose. I am a huge advocate for coffee during finals week, but whatever your beverage of choice is, make sure to have some on hand when you venture to your study spot.

Probably the most important part of studying is strategizing. We've all heard the phrase "study smarter, not harder," but these words mean something different for everyone. While finding the perfect study method for every class can take time and practice, there are several methods that are pretty much foolproof for certain kinds of classes. For example, if you need to memorize a lot of important, more straightforwards concepts, making flashcards or using Quizlet is a great way to prepare. For classes such as math or physics, doing practice problems is often the way to go.

Study groups are great as well, but it's usually recommended that you first learn the material for yourself, so you can better learn from your peers. If you're unsure of what study method to try out, consider asking your professor, TA, or your classmates what they think the best approach is!

With all of the studying during finals week, it is also important to recognize the importance of study breaks. Taking some time to destress can actually help you focus better during your study session, and ultimately make you more productive. Exercise is a great way to destress, so considering hitting the gym or even just taking a quick walk to release endorphins.

It can be easy to get overwhelmed during finals week, but planning ahead and figuring out exactly what you need to do can be a huge help. If you're less stressed about little things, you can focus better on schoolwork, and ultimately ace your finals!