Hey y’all!
Finals season is coming up again, which means campus is about to turn into a mix of caffeine, chaos, and people crying in the library at 2 in the morning. Whether this is your first round of college finals or you’re basically a seasoned academic warrior, finals week hits hard.
Here are some tips that have actually helped me survive finals without completely falling apart.
1. Start Earlier Than You Think You Need To
I know it’s not fun, but trust me, if you start even a week earlier it saves you from the “three exams in two days” meltdown later.
What helps:
1. Break chapters into chunks
2. Make a simple study schedule
3. Review notes for 20 to 30 minutes a day instead of cramming
4. Future you will thank you.
2. Organize Everything
Finals week feels overwhelming mostly because everything feels everywhere.
Before you study, take 10 minutes to gather:
1. Notes
2. PowerPoints
3. Textbook sections
4. Review sheets
5. Past quizzes
Put everything in one place, like your laptop, a folder, or a binder. When your materials feel organized, your brain feels organized.
3. Use Study Methods That Actually Work for You
Everyone studies differently, and finals is not the time to pretend you are a different person.
Some ideas:
1. Flashcards if you are a tactile learner
2. Practice problems for math and science
3. Record notes if you learn by listening. Only if the professor is okay with this!
4. Teaching the material to a friend or even your wall
Study smarter, not harder.
4. Take Breaks or Your Brain Will Revolt
Studying for eight hours straight does not make you productive. It makes you miserable.
Use:
1. Pomodoro sessions
2. Walks
3. Stretching
4. Food
5. Music breaks
6. A nap
Your brain will retain more when you give it time to breathe.
5. Eat Real Food
Snack bars, ramen, and iced coffee do not count as a meal (sorry).
Your brain performs worse when you do not eat properly.
Quick, college friendly study meals:
1. Bagel and cream cheese
2. Fruit and granola
3. Wraps
4. Quesadillas
5. Yogurt bowls
6. Pasta with anything on it
Just try to eat something with sustenance at least once. For me, that is usually
pasta noodles but do what makes you feel the best.
6. Do Not Be Afraid to Ask for Help
Ask:
1. Professors
2. TAs
3. Study groups
4. Classmates
5. Tutors
If you do not understand something, you are not the only one. Office hours are your best friend during finals.
7. Sleep. Seriously.
Pulling all nighters is the biggest scam in college culture. You will retain nothing and feel exhausted. This is the most important thing when studying for finals.
Try to get:
1. 6 to 8 hours of sleep
2. A consistent sleep schedule
3. A break from screens before bed
Finals are hard enough without being completely drained.
8. Set Up a Finals Survival Kit
This saved my life last semester. Pack:
1. Chargers
2. Pens and highlighters
3. Sticky notes
4. Caffeine
5. Snacks
6. Chapstick
7. A hoodie
8. A water bottle
Keep it all in one bag so you can grab it and go.
Final Thoughts
Finals week is tough, but you are tougher. Remember that your grades do not define your worth. Do your best, take care of yourself, and celebrate when it is all over.
Good luck, y’all. You have got this.
Until next time,
Olivia Strickland ✈️
