Collegiettes™, it’s that time again. The inevitable blood, sweat, tears and Red Bull all boils down to finals week. While we probably can’t help you ace your Survey of Latin American Literature exam (you’ll actually need to study for that one), we can definitely give you helpful tips to ensure that you’ll make it through the week alive.
•Weight Watchers
This is not the week to go on a crash diet in order to look better for going home for summer. You body is already under enough stress without your daily diet being manipulated. On the flip side, unless you already usually consume entire large pizzas to yourself for dinner, be wary of ordering late-night takeout just because you don’t feel like cooking after a cram session. It may be more convenient for a night or two, but it isn’t worth it in the long run.
•Sleep
Pulling all-nighters is tempting, especially in the name of studying, but if your finals week is jam-packed then do not sacrifice time for sleep. Most people need approximately 7-8 hours of sleep per night, according to a study done by the National Sleep Foundation. It might be slightly different for college students, but if you aren’t getting the amount of sleep that you need, use caution when it comes to substituting caffeine pills (or any other type of pill, for that matter.)
•Booze
Don’t hang out with Keith Stone, Jose, or Jack Daniels! Is it really worth forgetting your name at fifty cent pitcher night only to be hungover the next day just in time for your organic chemistry exam? Many freshmen seem to think so, but after a fair amount of experience with that subject, I think it’s a fair trade to do well on an exam in exchange for not getting hammered the night before. Even if you think you’re going to fail the exam anyway, don’t decide to do kegstands for the first time the night before. Believe me, there will be plenty of time to do that while visiting home or worst case scenario, next semester.
•Take advantage of your resources
If there are any outside resources you can utilize in order to get a higher grade on your project or exam, then do it. I’m not advocating for cheating or plagiarizing, but I am advocating for taking part in proactive activities like attending study groups, going to tutoring, asking for extra credit, etc. If no one in your class has organized a study group, then step up and be the leader! Your GPA (and parents) will inevitably thank you.
Most of these helpful things are actually just common sense, but many college students, myself included, have to learn the hard way. Here’s to a successful week and semester! Good luck!