Well, it's that time of year again. Finals. Or, as every college student thinks, "My impending doom."
But, don't worry! Things aren't as bad as they may seem--especially for your grades. So while I too panic about finals within the next few weeks or so, here are a bunch of things to help reassure you during this stressful time. You can get through the finals frenzy!
1. You CAN get everything done, even if you're feeling overwhelmed.
It's as if every professor has met to collaborate and cackle evilly about how much work they've got for you on their syllabi. But, in reality, all of them want you to succeed. I know it may seem like you have a gigantic pile of work taunting you--and, I'm not saying it's not a lot of work, because it is. But, don't worry--if you pace yourself (which is easier said than done, I'll admit), everything will work out.
I feel you, Hermione. We all do. (Source.)
So, this means the little things, like re-reading some notes instead of watching the newest episode of your favorite series. While it's good to get some breaks--and I'll elaborate on this in a moment--that work won't do itself. Do it in chunks; that way, it will feel less like you're powering through and more like you're being responsible, which is always a bonus.
2. Don't procrastinate if you can help it.
I know everyone has their own preference for work, and getting it all done, but I've found with everyone I've talked to--college, adult, or otherwise--that procrastination is a D-minus idea. I have also found from personal experience that if you procrastinate, it leads to more overall anxiety to deal with and a sub-par final product. So, it's good to pace yourself, but avoiding the growing stack of responsibilities and papers and tests will only make things worse.
Your homework won't do itself. Think of it that way, and the workload becomes easier. Or, at least, bearable!
3. It is very hard to get a zero in a class. If you do work, you should be fine.
Really, if you've gone to most of your classes, done at least some of your homework throughout the semester, and tried your best, you probably will not get an "F". While this isn't necessarily true in every case, remember--it's harder to not do work than it is to do it.
Pictured: Every college student ever as they think about finals. (Source.)
Most professors and students I've talked to agree--if you at least give it some effort and show up to class, your likelihood of failing is very low. The main way to get a 0 on a test is to not fill in any of it, so realistically speaking, you can get above a zero, if you at least show up and take it! So, even if that's a worst-case scenario, it's still a good indicator of how you will most likely not fail your finals, even if that nagging voice in the back of your head says otherwise.
4. Make sure to take a break at some point!
I know it's tempting to marathon reading your notes and cram everything in at 3 AM before finals, but from my personal experience, that is a horrible, horrible idea. Take a break and relax; otherwise, your brain will be feeling the strain. The same goes for studying for long periods of time. You think it sounds good in theory, but after hour 3 of re-reading your calculus notes after you'd spent another 3 hours poring over your biology textbook, you won't exactly be thanking yourself.
Sometimes, you really need that break. (Source.)
Anyway, it's kind of like with eating--meals taste best with a variety of tastes. You'll get tired of pizza after the 5th slice in a row in the course of an hour, and the same goes for studying. While everyone has different studying techniques, no matter what, a break is a good idea. Shake it up, and take breaks to give your brain a breather! You'll thank yourself later.
5. In the scheme of things, your finals will be very small in comparison to larger life events.
Now, granted, your finals are pretty important--after all, that's why you're panicking! But, in comparison to, say, getting married, or having gotten into college in the first place, finals week will be a small "blip" on your life's radar.
Cue the sigh of relief. (Source.)
So, breathe. If possible, pet a puppy or kitten, watch some adorable animal videos, and have a snack. You can do this.
Good luck with finals!























