Surviving finals week: Tips from a senior
With final exams inching closer, student stress levels usually peak sometime this weekend – if they haven’t already.
Between final projects, essays, presentations and dreaded long-form testing, students have more than enough on their plates as the semester nears its conclusion.
As a senior, this is my seventh time facing dreaded week 16, and over the years I’ve learned a few things on how to stay prepared, reduce stress and ultimately make it out alive.
Prioritize, organize, divide and conquer.
Most classes provide some form of long-term calendar in the syllabus for how the rest of the year will go. It’s literally a roadmap for the semester, so nothing should ever come as a surprise.
Use a planner, record long-term due dates and don’t wait until the last minute. These are all basic strategies that work, and work well. Yet, students still fail to utilize these simple techniques on a consistent basis.
Here’s a tip that most students aren’t told – prioritize your work. There’s no need to spend equal amounts of time on each course, especially when some are much more difficult than others.
Spend more time on the classes that are challenging and less time on the rest.
Finish your projects first.
Every year, I’ve had to manage final projects topped with final exams, both usually due around the same date.
Do projects first.
They tend to take more time than studying for exams, especially if you’ve been following along with the lectures each class. Also, projects are usually worth more points.
When you try to shuffle both at the same time, work quality is sacrificed in the process. It may be too late for this semester, but when you hear about a final project in the works, it’s best to get started as soon as possible to save yourself time later on.
Skip the drugs. Get some sleep.
I often hear students talk about their all-nighters, fueled by massive amounts of Red Bull, Adderall, or some other energy supplement. The truth is it’s completely unnecessary in most situations.
With a little time management, a full night’s sleep isn’t difficult to achieve and naturally provides the body with the energy needed to make it through the day.
Turn off the television, plug your phone in and call it a night. Your body will thank you in the morning.
Utilize a Reward System
I find that by creating a reward system–only allowing myself certain luxuries once my work reaches a certain point in completion–puts my motivation levels on steroids.
I usually begin larger projects, papers and study sessions earlier in the morning and use my lunch break as a reward. Only when I reach a lofty but achievable midpoint in my work, do I reward myself with lunch.
By holding off on my beef brisket combo from Arby’s or from smoking a cigarette, my hunger (and unfortunately my addiction) pushes me to finish my work in a timely manner.
I’m not suggesting that everyone starve themselves in the name of good grades, just find whatever works for you. A personal reward system can be a worthwhile motivational tool.
Go Outside and Take a Breather.
Some of the best advice I can offer is to simply forget your studies, only for a brief moment, and get some fresh air. Taking a break and clearing your head works wonders.
Every week, for the most part, I try to take a trip over to Chipp-A-Waters Park or Deerfield Park and spend an hour with my own thoughts. Occasionally, I’ll bring my Nikon or my favorite Shinedown playlist, but it’s mostly just about relaxing.
It’s always enjoyable to soak in some of the great outdoors, and when I return to my studies I find that I’m mentally refreshed and ready to get to work.
