While stress is constant throughout the semester, the days leading up to finals week can take it to a whole new level. We know what you are thinking, how does the university expect us students to take up to five or six exams in the same week? You sit in class and hope that the word “cumulative” does not emerge from your professors mouth, but 90 percent of the time, it unfortunately does.
In some classes, the final exam can determine twenty percent, or more, of your total semester grade. Students want to feel prepared and confident going into finals week so don’t worry, because we are here to help you get through it.
We know that studying takes time and it is proven that back, neck and shoulder pain occurs from prolonged sitting. Weather you are at a desk in your dorm room, at the kitchen table, or in a cubby at the library; it is bound to happen. Head, neck and shoulder massages are available right here on campus. From Tuesday, April 29 – Thursday, May 1 students can receive 10-minute massages given by personnel from the Center for Health and Wellness. Two masseuses will be present in the KUB Fireside Lounge from noon-5 p.m. daily. Students are able to sign up in advance, and walk-ins are welcome if available. This is a great way to relax, and take a break from studying so you can return to the books again feeling loose and refreshed.
Here are some tips to help you get through the madness of finals week and close out the semester the right way:
1- Make a list, and write down everything
Making a list helps put things into perspective; this is a huge stress reliever for some people. Start off by writing out every single thing you need to do, like eating a healthy breakfast, buying index cards, reading the chapters, writing out definitions, and reviewing them. Hey, you can even add things in like eat a snack or do the laundry. Everything that you need to get done in the next few days, put on that last! Then cross them off. You will feel super organized and accomplished, as your list gets shorter and shorter.
2- Spend some time doing something you enjoy
This may be more challenging than it sounds. You may feel that time spent doing “something fun” is considered time wasted when it comes to studying for finals. Truth is, you need to find some way or another to get yourself out of the finals-week environment, even if it is just for a few minutes. Treat yourself to a walk around campus or some time at the fitness center. Watch a funny YouTube video or Skype with a family member. Play a video game with your roommate or attend a campus event. Leave your books in your room and give your self a break, and trust me, when you return, the books will be right where you left them.
3- Get enough (but not too much) sleep
Many fall into the trap of pulling “all nighters.” Don’t do it; you will do better if you are rested. There is nothing worse than yawning your way through an exam forcing clarity through your blurry bloodshot eyes. You want to feel refreshed and ready to conquer! Try to get at least six or seven hours worth of sleep the night before an exam.
Be careful about setting an alarm. Make sure you leave your self enough time to eat a healthy breakfast and arrive to the exam, if not early, on time. Arriving late will give you both anxiety and embarrassment. Also remember that you are going to want to take advantage of every minute allowed for completing the exam.
4- When the exam is over, let it go
Forget it. Move onto the next thing. Do not scramble through your notebook looking for answers you feel you filled out incorrectly. What’s done is done. If you have major concerns, it is encouraged to set up an appointment with your professor at a time that is convenient for both of you.
Well, the countdown to finals week is underway and we hope that these tips help you relieve some of the stress you have been feeling. Wishing the best of luck to everyone and remember when all is finished, summer time is finally here!
