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NCSU | Life > Academics

Five Reminders for Exam Week

Reagan Carson Student Contributor, North Carolina State University
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at NCSU chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

When is the combination of papers, exams, and stress most common? Exam week. As the semester moves on with its ups and lows, the one thing everyone dreads are the final week where tensions are high. That is why with exams right around the corner, there are a few key things to remember to ensure success and maintain sanity. 

1. Eat!

This is without a doubt the most obvious answer, but it is still incredibly important. Your brain can not function without the proper nourishment. To go above this obvious advice, eat some of your favorite foods during this week. No matter what it is, just enjoy yourself! The week is stressful enough, so why not find some joy in good food and your favorite snacks. 

2. Get the right amount of sleep.

It is easy to rationalize pulling an all nighter and studying until your eyes are as heavy as lead. However, that does not mean you should necessarily do it. Trying to memorize formulas, dates, or theories while exhausted will get you nowhere. If anything, you put yourself more at a disadvantage because the more sleep the better the quality of memorization you have during study hours. 

3. Caffeine in Moderation.

Building on the last point about energy, try not to go overboard with the caffeine. Now, caffeine can help with maintaining energy and keeping you focused. However, everything in moderation. Too much of a good thing can become a bad thing. That is why you shouldn’t chug energy drink after energy drink, and take breaks from caffeine with water.

4. Make Time for Fun.

Breaks are so important to keep you sane. Not only are breaks good for your memory, but just your mind in general. It keeps away burnout and helps the week be a little less stressful. While taking those breaks, try to do something fun! Whether that is something small like scrolling on your phone or going out and getting coffee with a friend. Just make sure you take time for yourself, because at the end of the day your mental health is more important

5. Be easy on yourself.

I know it can be easy to feel like an exam grade can make or break you. A lot of times, your average of the class may depend on that great. However, you should not let this one test define you. I am not saying you should reject its importance all together, but at the end of the day it is one test. It is one day out of thousands that you may not remember. It feels good to succeed, but it also feels good to ease the pressure of yourself. The less pressure, the more confident you feel, and the better you can do. So, with all these stressful exams, be easy on yourself.  

Reagan Carson

NCSU '26

Reagan Carson is the president of Her Campus at NC State University. She is responsible for leading meetings, publishing articles, supporting the team, and overall ensuring the chapter reaches its goals. This is her third year writing for Her Campus.

On campus, Reagan is involved in several organizations across NC State campus. She has been a member of Omega Phi Alpha, a national service sorority, for three years. In Omega Phi Alpha, she spends time giving back to the community through volunteer work. She is also the Mental Health co-chair for their chapter. To pursue her love of law, Reagan is also a member of the NC State mock trial team. Reagan has been involved in mock trial throughout high school and now through college. She has competed at the States level and came first with her team, and then went on to place 8th nationally.

Reagan was born and raised in Greenville, NC. In her free time, Reagan enjoys binge watching trashy reality TV shows, listening to music, online shopping, and spending time with loved ones. She is an avid Taylor Swift, Hozier, and Noah Kahan fan. She also loves baking and is a semi-pro at decorating sugar cookies. After graduation Reagan hopes to go to law school and pursue her love of working with others and helping those in need.