Six cups of coffee, three consecutive all-nighters and flashcards — hundreds and hundreds of flashcards.
Finals week, for many, is the most dreaded week of the whole semester. It is the week where we shamefully regret the classes that we missed and panic over the material we never really bothered to learn. Finals week is undoubtedly one of the most nervously anticipated weeks of the year, and while some may dread its arrival, there are plenty of reasons to love finals week and all of its one-of-a-kind madness.
1. You don’t have to go to class. Finals week means your class schedule, along with your work and club schedule, are greatly altered — and to your benefit. Now, you’re presented with all of this extra time: may the odds be ever in your favor.
2. Sweatpants are acceptable attire by any standard.
Even the girls who wear sundresses and cute rompers to class are spotted in pajamas, yoga pants or work out attire – and it is embraced by the entire college community. Finals week means putting the vanity aside and getting cozy since you’ll pretty much live in the library anyway. (Tip: It is actually proven that if you dress up for your finals, you do better. Dressing up makes you feel more attentive and less informal, which is beneficial for test taking purposes.)
3. Free food. So much free food.
It is impossible go to VCU and experience finals week without the entire week being catered by VCU. Freshman wanting to get rid of swipes, free midnight breakfast at Shafer, catered study sessions and free snacks all over campus means less trips to Kroger.
4. Puppies.
Every semester Paws for Stress comes to VCU with God’s greatest creation: puppies. These trained stress-relieving puppies are a great way to wind down from the craze of finals week – plus they’re so cute!
5. You can feel justified in your multiple trips to Starbucks.
Starbuck’s extended hours during finals week is enough of a reason to go again and again and again…an extra-whip soy double chocolate chip caramel latte has some caffeine in it right?
6. You can sell back your textbooks!
And probably not give the money back to your parents. Let’s be real, it’s probably going to Chipotle.
7. The internet is filled with motivational Ryan Gosling memes. If you say so, Ryan! I guess I can stay up another hour and finish reading this chapter…
8. The relief you feel when its over.
The best part of finals week: when its over and you can go back to your usual activities of Netflix and wine.
9. You know summer is just around the corner.
After the sleepless, coffee-induced nights of finals week comes the relaxation and sunny days of summer. Now enjoy your three months off before it’s time to do it all again.
10. Knowing you’re one step closer to graduation.
Whether the end of finals week means you’re one semester down and a couple more to go, or that you’ll be getting a diploma in a couple of days, the end of finals week signifies an advancement in your college career! Congrats! You’re one step closer to entering the real world.