Keys to S U R V I V I N G Finals

Zoe Carr
Dec 8, 2017
2 min read

Finals week is mere days away and the stress can be seen amongst all. Some have it easy while others are cramming for two lab practicals, an eye exam, and a paper that should have been done a month ago, but hey, we're only human. After the countless final exams I have taken and finals weeks I have been through, I think it is safe to say that I am a slight expert on how to survive during one of the roughest, most stressful weeks in a college students career.

Sleep
it might seem difficult because you think you need to cram cram cram, but sleep is so important. when you don't get all of the sleep you need it affects your memory retention, which could end up hurting you more.
Drink LOTS of Water
hydration is so important, especially if you plan on being up all night. dehydration is not fun (personal experience) and is not something you need to have happen during the course of this week. plus, there are plenty of nutrients you can get out of a glass or two.
Dress comfortably
if you want to wear birkenstocks, fuzzy socks, pajama pants, and a blanket wrapped around you, DO IT! it doesn't really matter if Karen is looking at you from two seats away like you were abducted by aliens. test times are usually blocked off for two hours, and in that time frame you want to be the most comfortable as possible. all fashion rules go out the window during the week.
Know your limits
if you're tired, go to bed. if you need to put your book down, do it. listen to what your body is telling you, because you don't want to push yourself past your breaking point.
Check the weather
going to Slippery Rock, or living in Western PA in general, there is a real chance that we could experience snow in the morning and it be 75 degrees by three that afternoon. during finals week, you'll want to make the weather channel your best friend by constantly. last year it snowed really bad and I was already late for my final, so naturally I didn't realize that I had to clean my car off. had I looked at the weather app or at my car at all, I would have realized what I needed to do before running late for my exam.
Watch your caffeine consumption
coffee is your friend during this week...but to an extent. a cup or two, maybe three max, spaced out over the course of a couple of hours is okay, but when you're slamming espressos back like vodka shots, that's when you know it's a problem. after a while the caffeine will level off and you'll just be drinking caffeinated, sugary cream. maybe switch it out for juice, or water, or a nap.