How to survive finals

Summer is so close, yet way too many finals are between you and summer freedom.  Having trouble figuring out how to get through the week? Here are ten helpful suggestions for how to conquer the last week of school.

1. Find a study spot that helps you focus. Opening your WTC notes in front of the TV or under your favorite blanket on the couch is not going to get you very far. Find a place to study free from distractions that will help you focus.
2. Eat healthy. When life is crazy it’s easy to throw a bunch of junk food in your backpack to help you get through the day. Though it may be convenient, it will not be beneficial in the long run. Grab an apple on your way out of Aramark, and choose healthy foods to give you energy.
3. Find a study buddy. If you choose to study with your close friend who is super talkative, you probably won’t get much real studying done. Find a friend who also has to get work done, so you can motivate each other to be diligent.
4. Caffeine is your new best friend. Starbucks? RockStar? Dutch Bros.? You name it. If it will help you stay awake long enough to write that paper, embrace the opportunity, man.
5. BREATHE. Don’t forget to take some time to escape and forget about homework for a while. Toss a Frisbee or a football around, go on a walk, make a Slurpee run, or take a little nap in the grass. Don’t let it turn into procrastination — just remember to let your brain have a little break every once in a while. It will help you be motivated afterward.
6. Make a study playlist. Some suggested tracks: “What Time is It” from High School Musical 2 and “Summertime” by Audio Adrenaline. However, if those don’t quite fit your taste, you can choose your own tracks. Make a playlist, or stick in your favorite album for easy studying music. It will help the time go by faster, and keep you focused.
7. Make a video. Lacking some motivation? Make a motivational video of yourself that you can play over and over again, inspiring yourself to keep pushing through this last week. Sometimes, what you tell yourself can really hit home on what you’re going through. Be your own mother in this video. Begin it with something like, “You can do this” and end with something like “Summer will never come if you don’t finish.”
8. SLEEP. Yes, studying helps you on tests, but sleep is just as crucial.  Getting a good night’s sleep before a test is like receiving peanuts on an airplane — it’s just not the full effect if you don’t have both of them on your ride.  In 2008, Harvard University did a study that showed those who got an average of 7 hours of sleep the night before an exam, got an average of a B+ on their exam. Those who didn’t get that much sleep had an average of a C-. So there you go, get enough sleep and you’ll do better. Harvard says so.
9. Take time to thank God for the awesome year you’ve had. Yeah, there have been some days that were tougher than others, but you have been blessed by God to be at school this year. When you’re stressed about all the studying, thank God for three things he’s blessed you with this year.
10. Encourage one another. Everyone else is in the same boat as you. The stress of packing, summer plans, maintaining friendships, and who will come back the most tan in the fall are on the forefront of everyone’s minds. Build each other up and have some end-of-the-year bonding time as everyone finishes out the year together.