The 5 Tips That *Always* Get Me Through Finals At Brown

The stress is real. Some of us completely forgot that one of our classes has a final paper AND a final exam. Others are stuck in a final group project with classmates who are also drained from the semester and whose work ethic has diminished. 

Other Brown students came to the startling realization that the content of one of their classes after their last midterm was never truly embedded in their minds. 

And some of us are still stuck in a Thanksgiving mood where we are still bloated from last week’s Thanksgiving feast, and we miss our families so dearly. 

Here is my go-to finals guide to making this finals period fly by!  

All-nighters are a no-no.

During these stressful times, a peaceful 8-hour sleep per night is crucial for my academic performance. I love making my bed as cozy as possible so that I fall asleep like a baby when I hop into it and release the stressors of a long study session. Extrapolating from the 8-hour sleep suggestion, I have never considered all-nighters my finals besties. Even when I really need to finish up a huge IAPA paper or study the last chapter of Immunology, I know my best work won’t be at 5 AM.

INCORPORATING HOT GIRL MOVEMENT

Another tool that helps me focus throughout hard, studious days is a quick workout. My go-to options span from going for a 20-minute walk around campus, a 30-minute jog to Blackstone Boulevard, paying a valuable visit to the gym for an hour, or booking a spin class at the Nelson Fitness Center. 

TeamING up!

I love surrounding myself with friends who will motivate me with their high work ethic. Teaming up with classmates with who I can exchange notes and valuable study advice has also served me well! A collaborative environment where students shared their memorization and problem-solving tricks has historically motivated me to keep up with my work!

TESTING MY KNOWLEDGE

After many years at Brown, I’ve realized that Professors are always right when they suggest completing all practice midterms and exams. “Practice makes perfect,” and this is the time to embrace this phrase. 

FINDING THE CORRECT LOCATION

I avoid throwing myself at the SciLi basement; it’s unpleasant and terrifying down there, to say the least. Instead, I opt for creating an uplifting ambiance that empowers and enlightens me to focus on my work. I suggest visiting local Providence cafes such as Dave’s, Bolt, and Plant City. There, I combine work with premium quality coffee and avocado toasts!

Bookmark these precious finals tips to ensure that this finals period passes like a breeze – and remember: study smarter, not harder. 

• academics
• advice
• Brown University
• exams
• finals
• life
• local