This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UVA chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.
Finals is undeniably one of the most stressful times of the semester. Not only are there exams but you also have to start moving out of your dorm or apartment, finish up all assignments, and everything happens within a week or two span. Finals are very overwhelming so here are some tips to help you stay less stressed.
- Start studying early. As crazy as it sounds I plan on starting for my finals this week. I have found studying a little bit each day not only helps me retain the information better but it also helps me stay less stressed and have less to study the few days leading up to the final.
- Stay fueled. If you are constantly hungry or eating tons of junk food or loaded up on too much caffeine you will not be able to study to your best ability because you will not be feeling your best. It is important to eat 3 meals a day leading up to finals so you are fueled for studying. Your brain takes up the majority of the calories and carbs that you consume, therefore, it’s extra important to stay properly fueled during finals season.
- Get sleep. If you are staying up till 4 am every night and only getting a few hours of sleep every night you will be too tired to retain information. Studying will take longer since your brain will be focused on the desire to sleep which will take more time to properly study the material than it would to if you were adequately rested.
- Prioritize specific exams. I have fallen into the trap of studying too much for an exam for a class that I had a strong A in and then not studying enough for an exam in a class I had a lower grade in. Figure out which exams will take the most time to study for and start with those first then move on to the easier exams.
- Create a schedule. For the week leading up to your first final, make a schedule for each day that lists everything you want to study and accomplish that day to keep you accountable.