Grab your energy drinks, review your notes, and edit those essays; it’s time to lock in. Finals week is upon us. Whether you have papers, projects, or exams, there’s no doubt that finals week is a stressful time for any college student. In my own experience as a major procrastinator, I’ve had my fair share of all-nighters and have consumed an unhealthy amount of caffeine to get through this week in the past. But as I begin to close out my time here at UWGB, I’ve picked up a few tips and tricks along the way that will help make the end of the semester a little more bearable.
Finals are tough, but a prepared student is tougher.
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned throughout my college career is that it pays to be prepared. Pushing through finals week and embracing the chaos of academic expectations leaves me more burnt out and exhausted than ever. Instead, I’ve picked a habit of making myself a clear game plan. I create a schedule of when my final essays and projects are due, and if I have any exams, I’ll set aside specific times to study for those. Sticking to this schedule can also be an obstacle, but just having it there to refer back to – even if it gets thrown off course – is a great way to prevent last-minute panic.
Reframe your motivation.
At the end of the semester, when you’re burnt out, ready for summer break, and deadlines are inching closer, it’s hard to find the motivation to study… or to edit that rough draft… or finish your projects. For me, when it came down to the wire, my fear of failure would be the thing motivating me to get everything done. However, this would usually result in work I was not entirely proud of. Recently, I’ve been reframing the way I motivate myself. Instead of facing my projects with a mindset focused on avoiding failure, I instead remind myself what I’m working toward and why I want it. By focusing on the desire to succeed rather than the fear of failure, you’ll find yourself procrastinating a lot less.
Know your limits.
I know that sometimes it feels like a competition to see who gets the least amount of sleep, but trust me, that is not a competition you want to win. All-nighters might feel productive, but chances are, your brain is working so hard at keeping you awake, any of the information you cram into it won’t be absorbed. Sleep is not the enemy during finals week; in fact, it’s probably your ally. A rested brain can focus and retain information better than a tired brain. So, going back to my first point, when preparing for finals week, set aside enough time for rest – your future self will thank you for it.
When you look at it, finals week is just as much a test of endurance as it is a test of knowledge. By preparing yourself, keeping a success-driven mindset, and giving yourself time to rest, you handle the stress and pressure without burning out completely. So, Phoenix, happy finals week! Take a deep breath, trust yourself, and lock in – you’ve got this!
Camilla Doherty is a senior in the AWE (Applied Writing and English) programs at UWGB and will graduate in December 2025. Her roles on campus include Pride Center intern, writing tutor, and the CAHSS social media manager.
