Key Takeaway
Although finals week means you are close to the end of the semester, it also comes with its fair share of stress and overwhelm. However, before you let the anxiety consume you, know that there are tools and strategies to help you finish strong. Below, we’ve outlined 10 strategies to help you stay motivated, focused, and on track toward that well-deserved break:
Flickr user Penn State
- Make a Schedule
- Take Breaks
- Use Different Study Methods
- Maintain a Well-Balanced Diet
- Find an Effective Study Space
- Get Some Sleep
- Remove Any Distracting Devices
- Find a Study Group
- Use Your Resources
- Reward Yourself!
You’ve arrived at the homestretch of the semester: finals week. You can see the light at the end of the tunnel, but one last effort still stands between you and that well-earned break. The combination of looming deadlines for projects and papers along with high-stakes tests can make this time of year can feel extremely hectic and stressful. And—let’s be honest—maintaining motivation can be difficult when the temptation to close your laptop and check out is ever-too-real. Still, it’s not time to let yourself off the hook just yet! We’ve got some tips to help you stay motivated and not just survive finals week but conquer it.
1. Make a Schedule
You might already thrive on a disciplined schedule, but if you don’t, finals week is the perfect opportunity to start. With so many deadlines packed into a short window, time management should quickly become your best friend. Begin by writing out every deadline you have including projects, tests, and papers, to ensure you don’t forget anything and can spend your time and energy efficiently. Here’s what to keep in mind as you make your schedule:
- Prioritize tasks based on timing. If you have a paper due in two days but a final in two weeks, start with the paper.
- Consider your current grades. If you have a C in a class and your final test is cumulative, you may want to spend more time studying for it in comparison to the class you have an A in with a non-cumulative final.
- Use time blocking. Time-block every part of your day during finals week: your meals, breaks, and even a little bit of buffer time in case something takes longer than expected. This will help you make sure that you aren’t forgetting anything and that you are efficiently using all your time and energy.
2. Take Breaks
Yes, a large amount of your time during finals week is spent studying and doing schoolwork, but you also need to make sure you keep a certain degree of balance. Without sleep or breaks, you’ll quickly burn out, and your study sessions will lose their effectiveness.
To keep yourself alert, focused, and sane, make sure that you take time for yourself. While some of your breaks can be short and sweet, some may need to be longer depending on how long you’ve been working, what tasks you have left, and how you’re feeling physically and mentally.
For shorter breaks (15-30 minutes):
- Take a short walk for movement and fresh air.
- Grab a quick snack for fuel.
- Call a friend or parent for a quick mental reset or check-in.
- Scroll social media for a brain break—but remember to set a timer so you don’t forget to return to your studies!
For longer breaks (1-2 hours):
- Grab dinner alone or with a friend to recharge.
- Take a long shower to relax.
- Watch an episode of a favorite show.
- Do something that helps you unwind (i.e., reading, stretching, exercise).
Typically, after a good break, you’re able to come back feeling more refreshed, focused, and ready to dive back into your studies.
3. Use Different Study Methods
If studying your flashcards for the sixth time isn’t working anymore, it might be time to switch it up. Try using different study methods to help your brain retain the information you need for your test. This could include:
- The Pomodoro Technique: Study for 25 minutes and then take a five-minute break. Do this four times. After your fourth time, take a longer break (approximately 30 minutes).
- Mind Mapping: This method is great for visual learners as it involves mapping out concepts visually to show connections.
- Teach the Concept Out Loud: While this may feel silly at first, if you can teach a concept without looking at your notes, chances are you know it well.
4. Maintain a Well-Balanced Diet
While skipping a meal or grabbing something quick might seem easier, remember that your brain and body need fuel! It is important that you are not only eating regular meals during finals week but also that those meals are well-balanced. Make sure you are getting enough fruits, vegetables, protein, and carbs to fuel you with long-term energy.
Having a lot of caffeinated beverages or energy drinks may help you feel awake for a couple of hours, but you will most likely end up crashing from them, leaving you feeling low later on. You can still have caffeine, of course—just make sure you are pairing it with plenty of water and nourishing snacks!
5. Find an Effective Study Space
Not all study spaces are created equal. Depending on your study style, certain environments may be more conducive for productivity than others:
- If you are someone who focuses well with outside noise and activity, consider studying in a public place, such as a coffee shop or food court. The white noise will keep you alert and focused on your work.
- If you are someone who requires absolute silence and stillness when studying, find a place that is designated or known for being a quiet study space. Oftentimes, these spaces are found on the top floors of the library. Otherwise, most colleges and universities have private study rooms that you can use, but you may have to reserve them online.
- If you are someone who is easily distracted, get out of your dorm or apartment! Being too comfortable can sometimes hinder productivity levels. You may find yourself either falling asleep on your couch or procrastinating by doing things around your apartment, such as cleaning, eating, or organizing.
6. Get Some Sleep
You might assume that pulling an all-nighter is going to give you an advantage on the big exam, but it can actually have the opposite effect. Sufficient sleep not only helps you perform well, but it also plays a critical role in your memory. It has been proven to improve your ability to learn, retain, recall, and memorize information. After a full night’s rest, you’ll wake up feeling refreshed and energized, and your brain will be ready to do its job—which is acing that test.
7. Remove Any Distracting Devices
Believe it or not, endlessly scrolling through social media won’t exactly boost your study game. When you sit down to study, make sure you put your phone on Do Not Disturb, turn off notifications, or even leave it in another room while you study. Fewer distractions mean that you can give your full attention to the work at hand.
8. Find a Study Group
If you know that you thrive on collaboration, don’t go it alone! Connect with your classmates and organize a study session. Whether you meet at the library, a coffee shop, or in a common area, studying together can help you stay focused, share notes, and clear up confusing concepts. Not to mention, a strong study group can make finals week feel far less stressful and overwhelming.
9. Use Your Resources
Don’t forget to take advantage of the resources you’ve been given! Whether that’s reaching out to a professor or tutor for extra help, reviewing past exams, or using study guides and online tools, these supports are there to make your studying easier and more effective. Don’t be afraid to ask for the help you need—your professors want to see you succeed, and most are more than willing to answer your questions.
10. Reward Yourself
Don’t forget to celebrate when finals are over—you’ve earned it! Planning your reward in advance may help keep you motivated and give you something to look forward to. Here are a few great ways to treat yourself after tackling those tough exams:
- Make plans with friends.
- Spend a day doing nothing but relaxing.
- Have a movie night.
- Go out to dinner with your friends.
- Order your favorite takeout.
- Cozy up in your bed with Netflix and popcorn.
There’s no doubt that a lot of high anxiety and stress comes with finals week, but there is a silver lining: the semester is almost over! Take a deep breath and just remember everyone else is in the same boat as you right now. Take care of yourself during this stressful time—you are capable of surviving and succeeding this finals week. You’ve got this!
Once those finals are behind you, it’s time to shift your focus to what comes next. Whether you’re just starting to explore majors or you’re curious about your future possibilities, check out College Raptor’s Career Finder and see how many job openings there are, the average salary, and the education level required for any job you’re interested in.
