Students are back at school for the final stretch, got a taste of a break, and now we’re thrown into the hardest part of the semester. Not only are there finals, but somewhere in between, you have to find time to pack, say your goodbyes, etc., all while winter activities are all that’s on your mind. The “most wonderful time of the year” has to unfortunately be followed by the most stressful time of the semester. But there are several ways I’ve learned to make things a little easier on myself.
Prioritization
Immediately after returning to school following Thanksgiving break, my creativity suddenly sparked, and I had so many ideas. I should do every single craft I’ve saved on TikTok. Learn the choreography to all of my favorite dances. Now would for sure be a good time to start crocheting all of my Christmas gifts. Oh, but that six-page essay just can’t be looked at. I quickly snapped out of my fantasy and started prioritizing the things that matter most in these last couple of weeks.
In order to even get started on studying, I decided to make my workspace clean and cute so it’s an inviting setting. Coursework can be boring sometimes, but the way you go about it doesn’t have to be. After that, I map out the week for classes and organizations. When it’s floating in my head, it most likely will lead to panic at the last minute, so taking a few moments to organize each day goes a long way. Make your to-do list thorough, so you have a clear, exact path every step of the way.
Throw Perfectionism Out the Window
Although this is advice I even struggle to follow throughout the year, now is the time to do it. As a perfectionist, I need each essay I write and work I produce to show my best efforts, even if it’s a completion grade. While it’s good to want to be your best, sometimes knowing you could’ve done better is enough when there are deadlines that don’t match your timeline of perfection. Finals week, to me, is for finishing out strong and putting my best effort into my work. If I take every last second to complete a task, then I’m taking away from time I could be doing something else.
Reach Out to Your Professors
Whether you are struggling in a class or not, it is so important to talk to your professors. Even if you’ve never been to their office hours or introduced yourself, a professor will most likely be happy to help in any way they can. I have found that a simple email asking for help or guidance during finals week, even for a class you’re not struggling in, can help relieve so much stress. Once you have communicated with the person who is in control of your grade (besides you), it helps you get a better vision of what you need to focus on.
Barreling Through
At some point, the work and studying have to get done. So, when all else fails, there’s no other choice but to just do it. I try to eliminate as many distractions as I can by putting my phone across the room, working alone, and not playing music or watching a show on the half screen. It’s important to take breaks and take care of yourself. Whether you go to your favorite coffee shop for hours on end or get with a group to make the study session more fun, don’t let this stressful week consume you. It will be over, and the holidays await.