Getting Through Finals Week

Yepp, it's finals week on the hill here at Wagner. And I'm sure you think there is already enough said on this topic by Buzzfeed articles and your Twitter feed full of plentiful finals complaints.

But hey, you clicked on this article for a reason, old sport. Most likely because of the reality that we all have to go through finals no matter what. So it helps to see how others are able to trudge through this phase and make it out okay on the other side. After all, we see people for who they truly are in their final moments....

In the case of finals, most people tend to be in one of two certain predicaments. One being that you are in good standing within the class but that your final will determine whether you remain a high grade or lower your grade significantly. The other predicament would be that you aren't necessarily passing the class and the final exam is your only opportunity to redeem yourself and save you from taking the class again.

In both situations, there's a decent amount of pressure working against you. So that's why Cameron Haffner has cooked up some grand advice for you to make your finals week a less-stressful, seamless experience. Being a Freshmen in my first Fall term here at Wagner without ever previously taking a Wagner final exam, I am clearly your most reliable source so I can ensure you that my tips will grant you success.

Be Sure To Have Literally All Study Materials Possible For Each Class

Alright, maybe not for every class but it's a good idea to do so anyway. The last thing you want is to realize that you don't have all the review notes after your last class meeting, forcing you to text a few of your classmates at 2AM the night before your final exam. Yeah, that's probably the most worst case scenario. So save yourself the trouble and make sure you have all the notes, final review sheets and other materials before you enter the magical mystery journey into finals week.

Maintain Healthy Habits

"Why of course, Cameron, it's not like I haven't heard that lick of advice before." Yes, dear reader, I do acknowledge your mild sarcasm and understand this is most likely the most common of all pieces of advice when it comes to preparing for finals. However, if it's so obvious then why do most people totally fail at it? Seriously, folks, take the time to eat some sort of breakfast even if it's a Kind bar. This goes the same for all aspects of hygiene. You'll be surprised how this actually impacts your daily performance. Or maybe you wont be, I don't know your life. Or do I?

Limit The Amount of All-Nighters You Will Have

It's understandable. You have two or three finals in one day or one big final that will be extremely challenging. Sometimes you just need to put in those extra study hours to get by. But if you're staying up for two or three nights in a row then come on, that's pushing it. Budget your time wisely so you don't have to spend all your precious hours of the night in the library. Sleep is important so if you have to pull an all-nighter then just make sure it's not going to be a constant thing throughout the week. Maybe it doesn't even need to be all night, you could always make it a semi-nighter? Is that a thing?*

Study With Friends

You can get things accomplished while cooped up in your sheets with a history textbook in your lap and a John Mayer soundtrack plays in the background. Actually what am I talking about, you can get so many things accomplished in those conditions. I encourage you to all do so. Yet, I also encourage you to get together with your buddies as well. Sure, we can get plenty done by ourselves but it always helps to have a pal who'll help get you through those intense four hour study sessions.

Take A Break

This is a familiar little nugget of advice as well. But an important one, nonetheless! If you're on a rigorous studying schedule and you haven't talked to another organism in two days or been exposes to any sunlight, perhaps it's a good time to take a little break. I find it helpful to vary up my intense studying hours with a simple walk around a park, ordering some sushi, watching a movie on Netflix, or even ordering some more sushi. Study hard but make room for those few moments of calm in between.

I suppose that's all I have to say about finals week. If I think of anything else, I'll be sure to let you know. Actually wait, I don't think that's how this works.

Hm, well if you do need any more advice then let me know and I will publish a book that you may purchase on Amazon for $13.95. All proceeds will go towards my Netflix account so your expenditure will be greatly appreciated.

*Editors Note- It is a thing. I pulled one last night.