The Ultimate Finals Survival Guide | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Adulting

The Ultimate Finals Survival Guide

I don't promise you any A's, but at least you'll survive the week.

13
The Ultimate Finals Survival Guide

As a senior, I'm fully aware of the struggles I'm going to experience during finals week. I kissed my "normal" sleeping schedule goodbye weeks ago, and I'm stocked up on note cards and energy drinks. Not that anyone can really master finals week, but I'd consider myself a pro at this by now. So I'm here to teach you my ways to at least survive finals.

This won't guarantee an A, but at least you'll kinda be alive by the time you get your grade.

Pre-Finals Sleep.

This might be the most important thing you do. The night before you start your binge studying, sleep. Like, for as long as possible. I once slept all day because I knew finals were coming. Go to the store, buy some ZzzQuil, take the whole bottle if you need. Do whatever it takes to get some rest. You'll need it.

Energy Drinks.

If you plan on staying up all night, or for several days straight like me, you might as well stock up now. Energy drinks are way more efficient than coffee. Personally, I get caffeine from any source possible, but all I drink during finals is Monster Zero Ultra. I'm pretty sure, at one point, my tears and sweat were Monster.

Staying Warm.

The library at my school confuses itself with a freezer, so it's always about -12,948 degrees in there. I look pretty dumb dressed like I'm about to go into the Arctic tundra when it's 85 degrees outside, but it's normal to see people in oversized sweatshirts and fuzzy socks during finals. Having three tests, two papers, and a project is bad enough, so you might as well be comfortable, right?

Adderall.

OK, so this really only applies to people like myself who were #blessed with ADD. But seriously, it's a lifesaver. If you're unfortunate enough to actually have an attention span, I feel bad for you. I'm not going to tell you to take medicine that's not yours, because, well, that's illegal. But just pray that you develop this disorder overnight or something.

Snacks.

This one's pretty self-explanatory. You'll be hungry at 3 a.m., and nothing will be open. It's also a such a hassle having to leave to go get food, especially when you have a spot in the library near an outlet plug, so I highly suggest having Delivery Dudes on speed dial. Finals hack: pack frozen Uncrustables, and they'll be thawed out by the time you're hungry.

Friends.

Picking the right friend to study with is difficult, but I've found that studying with people tends to make me more productive. That is, if the friend is also being productive. I'm extra lucky to have friends who will pull all-nighters with me, even after they're finished with their finals, just to make sure I survived.

Alcohol.

Yup, you read that right. Alcohol. Now I don't mean bring a handle of vodka to the library and get drunk, but like, one beer. Finals week stresses you out beyond a point that anyone could handle. It makes you question your sanity. Unless you have a bottle of Xanax, you'll need a way to just relax for a minute. This is where the alcohol comes in. Taking a study break and going to the bar to have a beer will relax you just enough to be able to finish that 12-page paper.


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Relationships

11 Things Summer Nannies Can Relate To

There are plenty of obstacles that come when taking care of kids, but it's a very rewarding experience.

388
11 Things Summer Nannies Can Relate To

As a college student, being a nanny over the summer is both enjoyable and challenging. Underneath the seemingly perfect trips to the pool or countless hours spent playing Monopoly are the obstacles that only nannies will understand. Trading in your valuable summer vacation in return for three months spent with a few children less than half your age may seem unappealing, but so many moments make it rewarding. For my fellow summer nannies out there, I know you can relate.

Keep Reading...Show less
girl

If it hurts now, it'll hurt again. Not because you're gullible or naive, only because you fall fast, hard, and you do it every time.

We fall each and every time with the complete and utter confidence that someone will be there to catch us. Now that person we SWORE we were never going to fall for has our hearts, and every time we see them our palms start sweating. The butterflies in our stomach start to soar and our hearts are entirely too close to bursting out of our chests.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

10 Things Only Equestrians Understand

Yes, it IS a sport. Yes, I fall all the time. No, I do not ride in jeans with a cowgirl hat on.

820
horses
Barn Pros

Growing up I have always wanted to own a horse. My grandparents own a well known equestrian facility in Georgia, so I have been riding since I was born. A bond between a person and their horse is a bond so strong that it cannot be broken. Everywhere I went I wanted to be around horses, even forcing my family to go on trail rides during vacations. Horses have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember has taught me great responsibility, as well as 14 things that all equestrians can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
man wearing white top using MacBook
Photo by Tim Gouw on Unsplash

College is super hard. Between working, studying, and having a social life, it feels like a struggle to just keep afloat.

I understand. When you feel like your drowning and there's no way to stay afloat I understand that it feels like everyone else is doing just fine. I understand all the frustration, long nights in the library, and that feeling that you want to just throw in the towel. I understand that sometimes it's too hard to get out of bed because your brain is already filled with too much information to remember. I understand because I am also feeling pretty burnt out.

Keep Reading...Show less
No Matter How Challenging School Gets, You Have To Put Your Health First — A Degree Won't Mean Anything If You're Dead
Photo by JESHOOTS.COM on Unsplash

Some of the best advice I've ever received was from my social studies teacher in sophomore year of high school. He stated, "If you don't know it at midnight, you're not going to know it for the 8 a.m. exam, so get some sleep."

It's such a simple piece of advice, but it holds so much accuracy and it's something that the majority of college students need to hear and listen to. "All-nighters" are a commonality on college campuses in order to cram in studying for an exam that is typically the next day.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments