It’s hard to believe that in just a few short weeks, the semester will be over. It’s only a matter of time before Christmas carols are blaring, hot chocolate is steaming, and talks of school are a thing of the past! Yet before we can get to that, we have to get through the dreaded finals week. Finals week is known to create a stressful atmosphere, but hopefully, with these tips, you’ll be more relieved than anxious.
- Start studying early.
Much of the stress that comes with finals week is rooted in the large amounts of content you are required to remember in many classes. To prevent this from sneaking up on you, start preparing early. Make a schedule of what class you’ll review each day and begin building on that. By the time finals week comes around, you’ll know your content and won’t have to cram.
- Take regular breaks.
One cliche of exams is cramming. Cramming is not a good study tool as you are overwhelmed and will likely forget most of the material. By creating a habit of taking regular breaks, you will soak in the material. Take a break completely from school and do something you enjoy. This can be scrolling through TikTok, going on a walk, or grabbing a cup of coffee. Just make sure you come back to study!
- Meditate.
When you study for long periods of time, school can be on your mind for long after you check out for the day. It’s important to have a good school/life balance and when you check out, you should be done for the day. It can be hard to clear your mind, and when that happens, practice meditation. Look up videos on YouTube, use an app, or even do a self-led meditation.
- Surround yourself with people that make you happy.
We’ve established that finals are no joke. Stress can be overwhelming and in the case you need an urgent break, having someone nearby you can rely on can be crucial. Take a moment to chat with them about the newest episode of The Bachelorette, what food is at the dining hall, and other fun moments you’ve experienced this semester. It’s a good break and will make you feel calmer.
- Realize you don’t need to get a 4.0.
Many college students are so hard on themselves about maintaining a 4.0 GPA. College classes are extremely difficult and require a lot of work. Tell yourself that it is okay if you do not get an A as you tried your hardest and college is hard. At the end of the day, you are still going to get a job, graduate, and live the rest of your life. One bad grade will not kill you.
I hope you take some time out of your day to apply these practices. Good luck with your finals and happy holidays!