We did it! We made it to the end of another year. Whether it was your best year yet, came with a few more struggles than you would’ve liked, you’re graduating with a degree, or you’re just finishing up your freshman year, you should be proud of making it this far. College isn’t always easy, and it presents a few more challenges than some would expect. One of those challenges is finals week. While finals are a guaranteed struggle that comes around twice a year, they can still sneak up on you, leaving you unprepared and sleep-deprived. As I finish up my sophomore year of undergrad, I feel like I have mastered the experience of finals week. Here are a few of my tips to keep your social life afloat, your dark circles at bay, and your grades high.
1. Blocking out your time
The end of the semester can be a busy, albeit bittersweet time. It can be hard to balance studying for exams with spending your last moments with your friends before you all go home for the summer. In my experience, I have found it is easiest when I intentionally block my time between studying, socializing, and time for myself. When everything has a place in your schedule, you’re less likely to feel overwhelmed, less likely to procrastinate, and more likely to do well on your exams. Trust me, a planned coffee run or quick dinner break can be just as important as a study session.
2. Swap out Study techniques
After studying for exams all year, it can become tedious, especially when you have to study for cumulative finals and lab practicals, which take more effort than regular exams. Now more than ever is the time to switch up your study strategies to ensure your brain stays sharp. The Pomodoro technique is a great place to start. All you have to do is set a 25-minute timer on your phone, study for those 25 minutes, and take a 5-minute break in between sessions. This keeps you engaged and focused, but limits distractions and guarantees that quick dopamine hit of checking your phone. You can also try active recall (quizzing yourself instead of rereading notes) or teaching the material to a friend to keep things interactive. Not every method works for everyone, so don’t be afraid to experiment and find what actually helps you retain information.
3. Don’t skip out on sleep
Before I got to college, I thought pulling all-nighters to cram for a test was something people only did in movies. It seemed so counter-productive in my mind, and it baffled me when I realized that many people in real life do it very frequently. I have friends who pull one the night before almost every exam! Sleep is essential for focus and memory, which are 2 of the most important factors on the day of an exam. Instead of sacrificing your sleep schedule for a mediocre grade, try spreading your study sessions out in the week ahead of the test. Personally, I try to treat my day like a 9-5 job, where all of my work/studying gets completed between those hours, and I have the rest of the night for myself!
4. Get outside, girl
After a long spring semester filled with chilly rain and grey skies, the last few weeks always bring some much-needed sunshine. It can be so easy to lock yourself in the library all day to prepare, and while I am guilty of that myself, getting outside can do wonders for your mental well-being. Warm sunlight helps boost your energy and reset your mind, which makes it easier to trudge back into the library and study with a fresh, focused brain. Whether it’s going on a quick walk in Forest Park, finding a table in the sun, or lying out in the quad with friends, these small moments can help you avoid burnout and relieve stress.
Finals week may never be easy, but it doesn’t have to completely take over your life. With a little planning, the right study strategies, and some balance, you can get through it feeling prepared and in control. Remember, you’ve made it this far for a reason! You’re more capable than you think. Finish strong, and don’t forget to celebrate when it’s all over. Happy finals week!