5 Tips to Survive Finals Week

I realize that around 7 months ago I wrote a blog post very similar to this one, but I always find them really interesting to read.  So here I am again, in honor of finals week beginning to give you some tips on how to survive finals week. 

            Finals week is something that no matter what you do, you will have to face it.  If you are like me, then finals week is something that you dread all year long.  I am an absolutely horrible test-taker, so finals are about my worst nightmare.  Over the past few finals weeks, I have been able to collect a few tips, along with some tips that according to statistics are promised to ease finals week stress, and even improve test scores!

• Experiment with different methods of studying

Sometimes it’s easy to just skim over old notes that you have, and to call it good.  I challenge you to try a new way of studying.  Read flash cards while hanging upside down, put on classical music and sing your vocabulary words, whatever works for you, do it!

• Silence your social media accounts

I am one of the worst about turning my phone on “do not disturb” mode, and then always tapping my phone to see what notifications are there. Try putting on your “airplane” mode instead.  You won’t get any form of notifications while on this mode, therefore taking away the option for extra distractions.

• Review old tests

Most teachers base their midterms and finals on previous tests they’ve created. This is also a great way to go back, and see things that you struggled with earlier in the year!

• Manage your anxiety

This can be a fairly difficult task, seeing how anxiety is second nature for some of us. There are so many simple things that can ease test stress.  One of my favorite things to do is listen to really calming music.  If you log into Spotify, you can search “stress free” and there should be several playlists full of calming music that are available!

• Create a study schedule

This seems like a really strange thing to do, but it helped me SO much last year.  Get a piece of paper the week BEFORE finals, and create the amount of time per class that you will be studying.  If you feel compelled, even plan out where you plan to do your studying, and the time span you need to study for each of your classes. This helps you not stress nearly as much about all the studying you have to do, instead you already know exactly what you have to do, and how much time it will take!

I hope these tips helped at least a few of you with easing those horrible finals stresses!  Remember that it’s only a week, and remember that hundreds of other students have gone through the same thing, and they all survived!  You can do this friends, good luck!