That time of the semester is here, folks!

It’s time to lock in and make it to the finish line. Finals week is upon us, and we all know it can be the most dreadful and daunting week of the semester. Whether you have five final exams, just one, or a boatload of projects, we have some tips that might help you get through the week. 

Utilize Penn State Resources

Penn State offers a variety of resources around campus to cope with stress and anxiety during the week. The university’s De-stress Fest provides activities throughout the week in different buildings on campus. This includes coloring, crafts, jigsaw puzzles, virtual reality, free snacks, coffee, and more. The library is also open for extended hours during the week.

Create A Schedule

Staying organized during finals week can be one of the most crucial elements to staying on track and being successful. If you have multiple exams during the week, be sure to write the days and times in your calendar so you don’t forget. If you have several projects due, make a to-do list of what you want to focus on and when you are going to do it.

Writing out what you have to do for the week can be a lot, but it becomes rewarding when you can cross off what you have completed. Everyone has their way of staying organized, so do what makes sense for you.

Take Breaks

Spending long periods studying can take a toll on the body and the brain. It’s important to take breaks in between studying to grab a snack, a fancy drink, or maybe even take a power nap. If you are constantly glued to your computer and textbooks, you might burn out faster and have difficulty comprehending information.

Don’t Isolate Yourself

I know you want to put all your time and effort into passing your exams and don’t want any distractions. However, don’t isolate yourself for too long. During your breaks, visit a friend or even FaceTime your parents. Talking with someone about something other than schoolwork will help you refresh your brain. It’s important to have human interaction when you spend days staring at a computer for several hours.

Get Good Quality Sleep

It’s easy to get caught up in the idea that you have to spend every hour or opportunity preparing for an exam. But to feel energized and actually be able to concentrate, sleep is essential. Go to bed at a reasonable time to wake up feeling refreshed and ready to conquer whatever the day has ahead.

Whatever you do, don’t forget to set your alarm and try not to hit the snooze button. Give yourself time to wake up in the morning before heading to take your exam.

Get Outside Or Exercise

While the weather may not be perfect, getting outside can help rejuvenate your brain and will help you stay focused. Take your computer and study materials to the great outdoors and get a change of scenery. Those library walls can become quite boring and depressing. Being outdoors and getting that fresh air could give you the motivation you need to keep going.

While you’re outside, it can also be beneficial to get your blood pumping by going for a walk or a slight jog. Getting some exercise in between study sessions can help if you’re feeling anxious or stressed out. It also allows you to step away from your computer screen to focus on something else for an hour or two.

Treat Yourself

This might be the most important one. For the past 15 weeks, you have sat through lectures, taken exams, created projects, and focused all your time on schoolwork. Now that it’s almost over, treat yourself to something special.  

Whether it’s a sweet treat or a nice dinner with friends, head to your favorite spot in State College and have fun. You deserve it.