How to Survive Ithaca During Finals Week

It’s no secret that finals week can be a total bust. For some unknown reason, the dining hall meals are just a bit more unbearable (but visit the Muller Chapel for free food!), the library’s a jungle, and you actually begin to question if you’ve learned anything this semester (and your sanity). BUT, we’ve got you covered. Check out our list of essentials that will help make your finals week a bit more bearable this semester:

1. Take Out

Too obvious? We think not. There’s a always a little angel on everyone’s shoulder encouraging her to eat in during finals week or get her money’s worth out of that meal plan. But it’s time to face the music. Can you really do one more Terrace’s dinner? Or even worse, another Campus Center lunch? We both know that you ran out of bonus bucks weeks ago. We’re vying for that infamous Chipotle run. Or even better, make a quick call to GrubHub and have it delivered right to your door. After all, the less time you spend in the dining halls, the more time you can spend studying. Right? 

2. A Skin Care Routine

If you’re thinking about dozing off with that makeup on, just don’t. Your skin needs time to breath, and sleeping on your pillow without washing your face creates a breeding ground for all sorts of bacterial related acne. Combine that with the stress of finals week, and you’ll spend all of winter break combatting what could have been prevented by a five minute skin care routine, like Proactiv. 

3. An ID Holder

The last thing you want to be doing during finals week is hunting for a lost ID. Even worse, you could end up locked out of your building or the Circle’s laundry room without it. We like this ID holder from Vera Bradley, because it’s lightweight and pretty. (P.S. It’s on sale for six dollars right now!)

4. Style

We know how easy it is to fall into that trap of sporting sweats to every final. Again, just don’t. There’s no need to get all dressed up, but keep it classy, even if that means simply putting on some earrings or other jewelry. We’re still sporting flash tattoos (like these SCENTED Michael Kors ones pictured above) at HCIC, which are the perfect touch!

5. Effortless Waves

We’re all about the effortless beachy waves. Try a product like TRESemme’s Perfectly (Un)Done sea salt spray on damp hair for a quick and easy style. And the best part? Everyone will totally think you woke up like this.

6. A Cozy Blanket

There’s nothing more essential to a late-night study session than a cozy blanket. We like this Vera Bradley one, because it’s super soft!

7. Cold Meds

It seems like everyone’s sick during finals week. And if you’re not, you will be after sitting through your first exam next to someone else who is. Nobody wants to be that annoying sniffler during an exam. Break out the cold meds (we’re using Cold-Eeze) now and thank us later. 

Best of luck to everyone this week! 

• Finals survival guide
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