It’s academic weapon season…or maybe academic comeback season. No matter where you are or where you’ve been this semester, every student at Auburn is about to be in the same boat: finals week.
Truly iconic in the life of a college student, finals week is the culmination of the semester. Spring finals also cap off the school year, so stakes can be high.
The first piece of advice no one wants to listen to is: start studying early. You will never regret starting early, and you almost always regret starting too late. Most of the material has been taught by now, so even starting with little increments will help.
Make flashcards to review on-the-go, or listen to the YouTube lectures or audiobooks as you walk places. It’s always the little things that add up.
While you’re on that grind, remember to eat. College students cannot live on energy drinks alone. We can get so in-the-zone that we forget to nourish ourselves, and that’s when it can become damaging.
War Damn Finals Cram is on the way, so take heart. Remember to use the rest of Auburn’s resources, too. They’re there to make it easier for you, and they’re free.
The library snacks, midnight motivational speakers and stress ball tigers will keep spirits high. Collaborate with study partners and attend review sessions. Reviewing and talking through content with classmates will help you prepare and feel comfortable with the material.
Work hard, and rest harder. Breaks are important. Sometimes pulling an all-nighter can be counterproductive because you’re too tired to function or even remember what you stayed up all night studying.
Do what’s best for you, though. Maybe that’s the all-nighter, or maybe that’s working hard all day, getting a good night’s sleep and then waking up early to review and make it to the exam on time.
Study breaks are very healthy for your brain. Even if it’s just 15 minutes to get a snack or walk to the restroom. It will allow your brain a chance to process everything, and it will keep you from going stir crazy.
Some fun ideas for study breaks are: doing things you enjoy around Auburn before you leave; packing your stuff for the summer; visiting your friends and bringing them a snack or emotional support; letting your mind rest by listening to music or watching tv or making art or playing a sport.
As the week passes, people will start to go home. Try to make the most of things, and remember to say goodbye, even if it’s something small. Most students are about to leave for the summer, so you won’t get to have the Auburn experience for a few months. End with a last hoorah.
If you live on-campus remember to be packing up your stuff along the way. There’s nothing worse than finishing a brutal exam and then having to box up your entire room before making the trip home.
Finals week is looming, but we will make it. Only a few more days before we’re done — some of us will be done forever. Good luck, everyone. See you in RBD.
Editorials represent the majority view of The Plainsman's editorial board and do not necessarily represent that of the entire newsroom.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
Sami Grace Donnelly, senior in English literature, began writing for the Plainsman in the fall of 2021. She has served as a columnist, writer abroad, Opinion Editor, managing editor and is now Editor-in-Chief of the Plainsman.
