3 tips for finals week 

Be sure to take breaks as you study for finals. Photo | Adam Atkinson

By: Maddie Pedone ’26 

Studying for final exams and working on final papers is hard. You might be burnt out from the chaos of the semester or counting down the days until break begins. But finals week doesn’t have to be all bad as you can use some fun and simple strategies to make studying a little easier. Here are some helpful tips to get you through your final assignments: 

1. Create small goals: Looking at a final assignment or an entire semester worth of material to study can be overwhelming and seem impossible. However, to make the process of preparing easier, it’s helpful to create small goals for each study period. For example, if you decide to work for a three-hour block, establish what material you want to study. This way, it is more manageable to get the work done in pieces rather than looking at the task as a whole. 
2. Treat yourself to a treat: Studying is hard work, especially at the end of a semester. So, as motivation, make a plan to treat yourself to something after a day of studying or when you’re done with your exams. It could be watching an episode of your favorite show or getting your favorite drink or meal. The reward to yourself can serve as an extra goal to get your work done.  
3. Take a break and move: It can be easy to fall into the mindset you have to work all day to get everything on your to-do list done. But it’s important to take breaks while studying and to move around. This might be a quick trip to grab a drink and snack or a walk around the Quad. Taking a break helps you have even better focus while working and prevents burnout. Check out these study breaks around campus!