Finals week and the weeks prior to it can be a super stressful time for all of us college students. After Thanksgiving break is over, finals have a way of creeping up and making you feel completely unprepared! Final assignments and exams are a huge part of your end grade, so it’s important to take all possible steps to prep yourself. With this list you’ll have your most successful finals week yet!
1. Stay organized
Create to do lists, reminders, and daily schedules. Finals week can make you feel like you’re spread thin and pulled in a million different directions. Planning out your time and listing tasks to get done will assure that you will be able to fit everything you need to accomplish into your busy schedule.
To me, organization is one of the most important steps. I write down anything and everything I have to do in my planner and I way overuse sticky notes so that nothing slips my mind. I also make my notes colorful and neat, which contributes towards a clear, organized mind.
2. Start your preparations early
As tempting as it may be, don’t wait until the last minute to get started on study guides and final papers. It’s also important to stay up to date on your homework assignments so that you don’t get overwhelmed or run out of time when finals come.
3. Attend review sessions and office hours
Be sure to meet with your TAs and professors to get all of the studying in that you can. Don’t be afraid to ask questions on tricky material, it’s best to get any confusing topics mastered before you have to face them once and for all on the exam. You’ll never regret putting more time into studying when you get back an A+ on your exam!
4. Review with friends
Finals are much better conquered when you team up with friends or classmates to master the material. In pairing up with others you’ll definitely learn a thing or two and you’ll have a partner to quiz you. It won’t feel too much like studying if you get together and have fun along the way. We’ll all get through this together!
5. Study in an enjoyable way
Yes, you did read that right. It is in fact possible to make studying somewhat more enjoyable. I’m going to share some steps I take to alleviate some of the dread I have when I think about studying. I personally reward myself with a treat, usually a Chai Tea or a delicious brownie. Giving yourself something to look forward to once you put in hard work makes the effort that much easier! Switch up your studying spot and find a desk with a view. It’s super easy to feel bored of the same old study nook, so go seek a new spot to call your own.
6. Take time for yourself
Set aside time to take care of yourself and do what it is that helps you unwind. Whether you enjoy destressing during a gym sesh at Ferris, grabbing a bite to eat at The Bistro with friends, or just catching up on your favorite Netflix shows, taking a break from school work is tremendously important. In doing so, you’ll have a chance to clear your mind and avoid feeling burnt out. You’ll also be less tempted to check social media or online shop (which I know none of us are guilty of) once you get started on studying.
7. Get enough sleep
It is recommended that college students get 8+ hours of sleep each night. Although this may seem completely impossible, doing so will provide you with enough energy and brain power to accomplish everything you need to get done. Getting enough sleep has been proven to improve ability to learn, to concentrate, and to memorize material. Sleep will also do a wonderful job of making you more relaxed and improving any grumpy moods as finals approach.
8. RELAX
This step is MUCH easier said than done, but finals will be over before you know it. Don’t even think of dropping out because giving up is not an option. Prepare yourself the best you can and don’t stress too much about the outcome. You got this!