Hey Hawks!
As we all know, finals week can be extremely intimidating. Between packed schedules, late-night study sessions, and the pressure to perform, it can quickly feel overwhelming. But I’m here to remind you that you’re not alone, and that surviving finals week is possible. With a few intentional habits and a little self-care, you can get through this stressful week feeling more prepared, confident, and balanced. Here are a few tips that might help make your finals week a little easier.
The first piece of advice I can give is to create a study plan and stick to it. Having a plan helps you know what you need to focus on and when. I also recommend starting sooner rather than later. For me, starting the week before finals helped me learn the material ahead of time, which made finals week much less stressful, as I was mostly reviewing rather than cramming.
The next tip is to prioritize sleep. While it might seem like studying is more important, sleep should come first. Being well-rested helps you feel energized, stay motivated, and retain the information you’ve studied. Pulling all-nighters can do more harm than good, so get some sleep!
Another helpful tip is to change your study spot. There are so many places to study on campus, and staying in the same location for too long can lead to boredom and burnout. Changing your environment can help you refocus and feel re-energized. You can also switch up who you study with, maybe study alone one day and with friends the next. Many students even do “study crawls,” moving between campus buildings or coffee shops.
My last piece of advice is to treat yourself. Even if you don’t think you did your best, treat yourself anyway. Whether it’s getting your favorite dessert, going out to eat, or buying something you’ve been wanting, rewarding yourself gives you a break from the chaos and helps you find moments of happiness during a stressful week.
Overall, finals can be tough, but remember that you are not alone. There are so many people supporting you and cheering you on. One final reminder is to reach out to friends and family during this time. Having that support can boost your confidence and remind you that you don’t have to get through finals week by yourself.
