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Finals week is terrifying and just the thought of it freezes me up. Over the past three years, I have figured out some pretty simple tips to keep myself somewhat sane. I hope these help you, too!
- Plan your study times
I know the weeks following up to finals week seem like a total blur, that is why it is important to block your study times. Go through your schedule and choose a time frame to study for each test, it will make you feel so much more organized and prepared.
Try not to study right before going to bed and try not to be studying right before your test. It makes it a lot more stressful to be studying at the last minute and you are less likely to retain the information.
- Make study groups
Covering all the material that may appear on your final can be extremely stressful and overwhelming. Having a study group, or even a study partner, for those finals you are really stressing can help take a load off.
Plus, having study groups or partners can give you different insights to the material. You may realize you overlooked something that could totally be important! Match up the ideas you both think are going to be important, and really focus on those.
- Take breaks
With multiple tests in the same week, you will probably try to cram everything in all at once. Taking a few breaks every couple of hours will help your mind rest and retain more of the information.
Watch an episode or two of your favorite T.V. show, paint your nails, clean your room, or just scroll through social media. Doing an activity that takes minimal effort can help calm your nerves and give you a much-needed breather from information overload.
- Take care of yourself
This one seems kind of obvious, but it is something that is often forgotten or overlooked. You have to make sure you are drinking plenty of water (or your favorite juice, just something good for your body), eating healthy foods to keep your body going and getting enough rest so all the studying you did stays in your brain!
I always like to go grocery shopping the weekend before finals week. I buy plenty of fruits and some food to make actual meals with. Make your breakfasts and lunches the most filling meals of your day, since most of your tests will be then.
I know it is tough, but try to go to bed at a more reasonable hour, so you can get up a bit earlier and eat a nice breakfast and maybe glance over your class material. It never seems very helpful to try and cram the information the morning of the exam.
Finals week is basically the toughest week of the year and it becomes super easy to forget to take care of yourself. The tests are important and keeping up your grades are important, but none of it matters if you are not okay. Take deep breaths and remember that no grade is more important than your health.