Finals are nearly upon us, and that means one thing: stress. Any college student that has gone through the process knows just how bad it can be if you let everything sneak up to you at once. Even if you do your best to plan it out and finish work in advance, the week can be hell. (First-semester freshmen: gird your loins).
Here are some reminders that we've all been told before and that we all know are true, but sometimes need an extra nudge to fully embrace.
1. Getting enough sleep is your best friend
Even though you might feel swamped with so many things to do you can barely turn them in on time, it's extremely important that you get all the sleep that you need especially during finals week and the hectic weeks leading up to it. As college students, we regularly don't get the amount of sleep that we need, and that is hurting us.
2. The best kind of study break is a work out
Working out is a great stress reliever, no matter what you prefer to do: get active. If you need to take an hour or two off of studying, go on a run, lift some weights, or attend a yoga class. There are so many benefits to exercise, like increased energy, that can help you focus and study more after hitting the gym.
3. Study with friends
This is one of my favorite ways to study. Get together with people from your classes and quiz each other, discuss the topics you need to know, or just try to answer each others questions. It can help you stay focused and off Facebook when there is more than one person trying to get the studying done and leave the library.
4. Work ahead
In the weeks leading up to finals week, it's important to try to get as much work as possible done in advance. When you have one less thing to do in any given day, you will feel so much better and will undoubtedly thank your past self for the extra time. The best way to ensure you do this is to set deadlines for yourself instead of relying on the ones set by the professor. If you have an exam and a paper due on Monday, tell yourself you can't go out on Thursday night until you get the paper done. Motivation and less stress in the future.
5. Take advantage of all the *free* food and events on campus
On UD's campus, there are a number of free things that each student needs to take advantage of. There is free food every night at different times and at different locations. There are increased study hours (24 hours access at the library) and tons of perks, like puppies and massages. The school knows how stressful this time can be, and they do their best to make it better. Don't waste these precious opportunities!
6. Go talk to your professors
If you are feeling overwhelmed or are just confused about the class material, go talk to you professors! They want you to succeed and they know that you have a lot of other things going on in your life as well. If you have three exams on one day, there is no harm in asking if you can move the time of one to take it early or late—the worst they can do is say no! Your professors will be happy to take the time to make sure that you understand all the material before the exams, but if you wait until after you get your grades, there isn't much you can do.
7. Finals aren't the end of the world
I promise. Regardless of what happens on the final, you will be okay. Even if you fail an exam: you will be okay. The week itself is hard and it sucks, but there is no reason to let it ruin your life. And besides, once it's over, you have Christmas and a month of relaxing with family!
8. Take a deep breath
Don't be afraid to take a moment to just relax and let yourself be. There is a lot to do, and I commend you for working so hard, but it's okay to take a step back and take a breather every few hours. Even if it's simply getting a coffee or a cookie from the Blend, those few minutes when you're away from your homework can save you from going crazy. Hang in there. You're going to do great.
