The Wise Owl's Guide to Surviving Finals

Finals week in college can feel like the academic version of the Hunger Games. We’re stressed out, exhausted and doing everything we can to stay sane. Surviving finals is all about finding the balance between getting everything done on time and not overworking yourself. Check out these tips for surviving finals week.

Pick a study space that is quiet and free of distractions, whether that’s a café or a quiet corner of the library. Know what works for you and what doesn’t.

Keep in mind how many exams you have to study for and how much time you’ll need to spend on each one. This way, you can focus on one project at a time, which will prevent you from getting overwhelmed.

Build breaks that are nourishing in body, mind or spirit into your studying time. Some examples may include spending quality time with friends or exercising.

Take advantage of RA programming. Many RA’s will be throwing programs giving you great tips on how to de-stress during finals week and things to do to get your mind off of finals for a minute.

Stay Hydrated
Your brain works best when it's hydrated. Dehydration causes fatigue and headaches, which will distract you from your work. Caffeine dehydrates you more, so for every coffee you have, have a glass or bottle of water; your body and mind will thank you.

Catch some ZZZ's
Everyone has different sleep habits, but it is never healthy to pull an all-nighter. If you do, make sure you have time to take a nap so you get the sleep your body needs. Sleep will improve the quality and retention of studying, even though you may have less study time. Less is more.