Finals week can be a stressful time for all. But if you start with these 15 tips, you’ll be able to get through it and even excel!
As finals week approaches, it can be difficult to stay focused and motivated. You may feel overwhelmed by the amount of material you have to review or anxious about performing well on your exams.
Don’t worry—with just a few key strategies, your last-minute studying will be much more effective and enjoyable! We’ll reveal our top tips for acing those final examinations without stressing out. So grab a cup of coffee, find a quiet space, and let’s get ready for some serious cramming!
1. Get a good night’s sleep
One of the most important things you can do during finals week is to get a good night’s sleep. Your brain will not be able to function at its best if you’re tired, so make sure to get at least eight hours of sleep each night. If you find it difficult to fall asleep, try drinking some chamomile tea or reading a relaxing book before bed.
2. Eat healthy meals
Another important thing to do during finals week is to eat healthy meals. Eating junk food will only make you feel sluggish and will not help you focus on your studies. Instead, try to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. And don’t forget to drink plenty of water!
3. Take breaks
It’s important to take breaks while studying for finals, as sitting in front of your books for hours on end will only make you more stressed. Every 20 minutes or so, stand up and stretch or take a short walk around the room. And be sure to take a break for lunch each day!
4. Create a study schedule
One of the best ways to stay on track during finals week is to create a study schedule and stick to it. Decide how much time you want to spend studying each day, and then block out that time in your calendar. Make sure to include breaks in your schedule, and be sure to start working on your most difficult subjects first.
5. Study with friends
Studying with friends can actually be quite helpful during finals week, as long as you’re able to stay focused. Choose a quiet place to study together, and take turns quizzing each other on material. You can also use flashcards or create practice exams together. Just make sure not to get too distracted!
6. Get organized
Before you start studying for finals, take some time to get organized. Gather all of the materials you’ll need, such as textbooks, notes, and handouts, and put them in one place. This will save you time when you’re actually ready to start studying.
Taking the time to plan and organize before you dive into studying for your finals can have a huge payoff later on. Make sure you have all of the necessary materials at your disposal, and put everything in one place can save you valuable time when it comes time to really get down to studying.
Get organized so that when it is time for finals, you don’t feel like you are playing catch-up with lost materials or misplaced sources.
7. Make use of study aids
There are a variety of study aids available that can help you during finals weeks, such as flashcards and apps. Choose the ones that work best for you and make use of them! Just make sure not to rely on them too heavily – ultimately, you’ll need to understand the material in order to do well on your exams.
8. Start early
One of the best pieces of advice for college students during finals week is to start studying early. Cramming everything in at the last minute will only make you more stressed, so try to start studying a few weeks in advance. This will give you plenty of time to review all of the material, and you’ll be less likely.
9. Take practice exams
Another great way to prepare for finals is by taking practice exams. Many professors will post old exams online, or you can ask a friend who took the class previously. Taking practice exams will help familiarize you with the format and style of the actual exam, which can help reduce stress on exam day.
10. Get plenty of exercises
Believe it or not, exercise can actually help improve your grades during finals week. Exercise releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. Additionally, exercise can help improve focus and concentration, both of which are essential for doing well on exams.
11. Meditate
Meditation is another great way to reduce stress during finals week. Taking just 10 minutes out of your day to sit quietly and focus on your breath can help clear your mind and improve concentration. There are many meditation apps available that can guide you through the process.
12. Avoid distractions
It’s important that you avoid distractions while studying for finals, such as your phone, social media, or television. If possible, find a quiet place where you can really focus on your studies. And if you find yourself getting distracted, take a break until you’re able
13. Cut back on stimulants
As mentioned earlier, getting enough sleep is essential for doing well on exams. Make sure that you’re getting at least eight hours of sleep each night during finals week. If necessary, cut back on caffeine or other stimulants in order to help you relax before bed.
Let’s look at the reason it is important to limit your intake of stimulants such as caffeine and energy drinks this week. Many may be tempted by the promise of increased focus and energy, but in the long run, stimulants can harm academic performance due to disturbed sleep cycles such as insomnia and decreased concentration.
Stimulants can also lead to poor eating habits which further hinder academic performance by depriving the body of much-needed nutrients. Ultimately, cutting back on stimulants during finals week will help students attain higher marks with less effort, as it allows them to make use of healthy sleep schedules and fuel their bodies with proper nutrition.
14. Reward yourself
After putting in all those hours of studying, it’s important that you reward yourself! Whether it’s taking a break for coffee with friends or watching an episode of your favorite TV show, make sure that you give yourself some time
15. Don’t forget about your mental health
As a college student, it is completely normal to feel stressed as you get closer to finals. Coping with the pressure of needing to perform in your classes and impress professors can become an immense burden as the exam period approaches.
It is especially tough when you are feeling intimidated by the weight of a final exam that accounts for the majority of your grade. Despite this typical anxiousness, remember that you have probably gotten this far by studying throughout the semester and engaging in the material.
If you study hard and stay organized throughout these closing weeks, you can do very well on your exams and go into summer break feeling more confident and secure about your academic performance.
So try to go easy on yourself. Work in time to rest your mind as well as your body.
Finals week can be a stressful time for students, but with these tips, you’ll be able to make it through. We would love to hear from you – what are your favorite study tips for finals? Leave us a comment below and let us know!
Aric Mitchell's work appears regularly here at 4tests.com and across the web for sites, such as The Inquisitr and Life'd. A former high school teacher, his passion for education has only intensified since leaving the classroom. At 4tests, he hopes to continue passing along words of encouragement and study tips to ensure you leave school ready to face an ever-changing world.
