It’s somehow already December, which means two things for every college student: the intense pressure of finals week is here, and the sweet relief or winter break is just around the corner. Instead of letting your transition bury you, use this guide to navigate the next week into finals efficiently, ensuring you ace your exams and actually enjoy your time off.
Strategic Sleep Tips:
Forget the all-nighters fueled by energy drinks and espresso, effort is key to surviving finals. Your body and mind need to be treated like a high performance machine this upcoming week.
Prioritize a Realistic Bedtime: Aime for 7-9 hours of sleep each night. End your studying at a set time (before 10-11pm)… especially the night before an exam. The few facts you might cram in that last hour are not worth the cost of lost sleep.
Use Power Naps Wisely: If you feel an afternoon slump, take a 20-30 minute nap to recharge. Keep it short; longer naps can lead to grogginess and interfere with your nighttime sleep.
Set a Caffeine Curfew: Avoid all caffeine, such as coffee and energy drinks, at least 6-8 hours before bedtime. Switch to water or tea in the afternoon to protect you quality of sleep at night.
Develop a Wind-Down Ritual: The hour before bed should be screen-free. The blue light from phones and laptops suppresses melatonin, the hormone that tells your body it’s time to sleep. Read a physical book or listen to some of your favorite music.
By respecting your need for sleep, you give yourself the best possible chance to be alert, focused, and ready to perform when it matters most.
Active Study Techniques:
The “Brain Dump”: Before studying a topic, take a blank sheet of paper and write down everything you remember about it. Compare your “dump” to your actual notes to identify what you know vs. what you don’t.
Mock Exams: Use old quizzes, midterms, or practice problems from your course. Time yourself and replicate the exam environment as closely as possible to minimize test-day anxiety.
Quizlet: This app has so much to offer when it comes down to finals week. You can create flashcards, practice tests, study guides and even games to make the studying process more enjoyable.
Take Active De-Stress Breaks:
Breaks are not a reward; they are a necessity for a peak performance. Use them to reset your stress levels
Quick Movements such as 10 minute walk to the library, or on the treadmill in the SLC. Even a short lift or spin class can help to clear your mind. Mindfulness is also another resort if you need to clear your mind. Watching a simple yoga video on YouTube and doing it with your housemates can allow you to reset quickly and simply.
Tap into Campus Support: You are not alone in this challenge. Utilize the resources Cortland provides.
Professor/TA Office Hours: Even during finals, professors and TA’s often hold special review sessions. Go with notes or something to work on to get extra help if needed.
Academic Support Center: Check if your tutoring center offers last minute drop-in hours for specific subjects.
Counseling Services: If stress truly feels overwhelming, the student counseling serices are there to provide quick, confidential support to help you manage your stress or anxiety, whatever you’re dealing with. Don’t be afraid to reach out…everyone struggles.
Brain Food Over Junk Food:
What you fuel your body with matters. Ditch the sugary snacks that lead to crashes. Stock up on simple foods like nuts, fruits and even dark chocolate. It is okay to have a sweet treat but fuel your body before! Hydration is also critical. Keep a water bottle handy and treat caffeine like a tool, not a constant fall back…use strategically not continuously.
The Bottom Line:
By prioritizing sleep, using active study techniques and utilizing campus resources, you’ll successfully conquer finals week and guarantee yourself the restful Christmas break you deserve. Good Luck.