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Anna Schultz-Girl On Computer Stress
Anna Schultz / Her Campus
Wellness

How To Survive The Last Few Weeks of the Semester

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at MSU chapter.

I read on Twitter that going to school between Thanksgiving and Christmas break feels like the last lap in Mario Kart, when you’re in first and then you get hit with the blue shell, people start passing you, the music gets really fast and loud, and everything gets stressful. I could’ve never used a more accurate description. The amount of assignments due increases exponentially, the weather gets shitty, and of course, FINALS! As a senior, I’ve gone through this a few times, so here are some tips on how to survive this time:

 

Get organized

First and foremost, you need to get your assignments and exams in check. To do this, I use the app Power Planner, which is an app that you can download on any platform- computer, iPhone, Android, etc.-  and add your schedule, color-code your classes, and set alarms to remind you of upcoming projects. You can also use a regular agenda or calendar. I also recommend going through the syllabus of each of your classes to confirm when things are due.

To-do, list, paper, pen, journal
Photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters from Unsplash

 

Start studying and reviewing early

I cannot emphasize this enough. The earlier you start, the less you have to cram the night before. I recommend getting your notes together a week before your exam, and start creating study guides, or if you’re lucky enough, just go through the study guides the professors provide for you. I know that during the week before finals a lot of professors assign projects, however, it’s good to at least just look over your notes.

 

student studying for school
Photo by Green Chameleon from Unsplash

Don’t pull an all-nighter

I know it’s tempting but TRUST me, it is not worth it. There are several studies that show that pulling all-nighters is horrible for you overall, and it will actually lead you to do worse on the exam. For example, during sleep, your brain converts short-term memory into long-term memory, which is not possible to do during an all-nighter since you’re not sleeping. Another effect of all-nighters is a lack of concentration and tiredness which leads to worse exam results. I suggest getting at least 4 hours of sleep before your exam.

overhead view of a woman sitting in front of her laptop
Photo by energepic.com from Pexels

Study with friends

I know this year is hard, but you can always get on Zoom and study with friends. For me, seeing other people study motivates me to study, and it always helps to study for a test with someone that’s in the same class to share answers, tips, and motivation.

people on zoom call
Photo by Anna Shvets from Pexels

Know when to take a break

Lastly, it’s important to take breaks. I can only stay focused for so long, so I study for 30 minutes then take a break by drinking some tea, talking to a friend, going on my phone, watching a show, working out, or taking a warm shower to relax.

woman doing a yoga pose during golden hour
Photo by Eternal Happiness from Pexels

I would like to give you all a strong virtual hug, and I hope you finish this semester strong and focused. While it has been a difficult, stressful, and different semester, we are ALMOST done! You got this! GOOD LUCK!

 

 

 

 

Picture Credits by: Pexels

Maria graduated in 2021 with a major in Marketing and a minor in Sports Management. She was born in Barcelona, Spain, and enjoyed writting all types of content, from fun, non-political articles to sports blogs to articles discussing very critical issues. In the future, she hopes to be involved in the business aspect of a sports organization such as the NHL or La Liga.
MSU Contributor Account: for chapter members to share their articles under the chapter name instead of their own.