Your Guide to Surviving Finals Week

I hate to break it to you, but finals are coming. *starts freaking out*

Okay, now let’s take a deep breath, because I got you covered! I have been through five semesters of finals, so I know how it feels to be overwhelmed. I thought I would gather all of my knowledge and experience and prepare this finals survival guide.

Now, you don’t only want to get through your finals but to ace them! And this guide will help you do just that!

STUDY

Now I bet I can tell what you're thinking, "Obviously, I have to study. It's finals!" Trust me, I know that feeling. But before you get your textbooks out, you need to ask yourself a few questions so you can study smarter and save time! What type of exam am I studying for? Is it more about comprehension or do you need to learn things by heart? Is the exam recapitulative (meaning it’s going to cover the entire semester) or is it only covering the classes you’ve had after your midterms?

PLAN AHEAD

Surely, by now, you’ve found out that the best way to prepare (or to survive college at all, for that matter) is to plan ahead! Make a study schedule and stick to it. Block out hours dedicated to studying and nothing else!I do mine by week. I write assignments and when my finals are down. Then plan out my week by hour, I break it down to prioritize the important things that need to be down first, then add in everything else.
Basically, do what works for you! But don’t forget to use your planner and stick to what you have planned!

PRIORITIZE

That kind of goes with the whole planning thing. Sometimes it can all seem a little too much. Between college, extracurriculars, work, and friends, you don’t know where to put your energy. It can all be a little overwhelming. Make sure you write down what you need to-do and by when if that will help. Make sure it has everything on the list and just homework, write in activities and the times you go to them. PRIORITIZE your list! Don’t be afraid to say no if you think you can’t handle it. Your classes should always stay a priority, even if that means taking fewer hours at work or canceling a few appointments. Don’t forget to think about your health first!

SLEEP

In order to stay on top of your game, you need to get some sleep! Try to get into a regular sleeping cycle, and not only the day before your finals! Sleeping is important when you’re preparing too. Give your mind and body a break, they’ll be thankful!

EAT HEALTHY

I have to admit that this is my weakness. My body is always craving junk food, but even more when I’m under stress. However, feeding your body with healthy food will give you enough energy to give the best performance you can!
Basically, make sure you’re getting enough of everything, that you have a balanced diet. However, don’t go overboard!