Finals season (SZN, as I like to dub it) is quite possibly some of the most stressful time for any college student. Even going to school in Miami where the palm trees sway and the Cuban coffee flows in excess – means a lot of sleepless nights because of all of the studying you’re doing. If you’re anything like me, you prioritize and spend more time on exams that matter more or are more difficult and spend less time preparing for those noncumulative blessings that all of the “easier” professors like to give out instead. Here is my Top 5 list of things you definitely need during your cram session for the next few weeks.
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A bumpin’ playlist. Nothing says study sesh any better than a playlist that can keep you motivated and going throughout your group study session or your solo study time. My top picks include Drake (of course), Bonobo, and a little bit of some throwback R&B/Hip-Hop tracks (Akon and T-Pain duos, anyone?) Create yourself a playlist of at least 10 hours worth of music so you aren’t listening to the same old songs on repeat.
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Snack Attack. I have a horrible habit of working and forgetting to eat. And I do quite literally mean to forget to eat… which sucks, because I like food and if I don’t get food, I get Hangry. If you are planning to cram all night at Club Richter, take a lunch box filled with snacks. I like taking both sweet and salty so I can satisfy all of my cravings. Eating foods with high protein – like nuts and hummus – can keep you going longer. Try to avoid things that are artificially sweet and stick to healthier options like pineapple or berries. Plus, all of these foods are pretty quiet to eat, which (trust me) makes a huge difference in a silent library.
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Sleep ain’t for the week. I won’t lie. I have pulled my fair share of all nighters, but I can tell you that I felt like a complete disaster by the middle of the next day. All nighters, although sometimes necessary, are so detrimental to your mental and physical health and more often than not, leave you feeling not only tired but at a complete mental stand still. If you must study through the night, what I like to do is take quick power naps in between each three hours of studying. So, I’ll study for three hours, and take a 20-30 minute nap, and I’ll repeat that throughout the entire night to ensure I at least get some kind of sleep while I cram. Also… just as an overall tip, just try not to cram in the first place!
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Caffeine Cravings. I am a caffeine addict. So much so that sometimes having a cup of coffee doesn’t really do anything to me. While you can opt for better options – like those fancy Starbucks refreshers or an herbal tea – I am a hardcore RedBull fan and can chug these like there is no tomorrow. Sad, I know. But sometimes I need a quick pick me up to save me from an exhausting day.
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A break. Yes, you need a break. Our campus provides so many study break activities and it’s important to take a break during your study time. Whether it’s laying in a hammock or grabbing some free food, use these breaks to your advantage. It gives your brain a second to breathe and also allows you to just decompress from all the material you’re trying so hard to absorb. Don’t watch Netflix during your break, otherwise you’ll find yourself spiraling towards a binge watch of one of your favorite shows (like I did with Law & Order: SVU once… no regrets though).
With Finals szn happening every year, twice a year, using this quick and easy list has saved me from really and truly horrible finals szn experiences. Take it easy, take it slow. You got this. And may the curve be ever in your favor.