As we finally make our way into the fifteenth week of the semester, signs of senioritis are all around, even for those who aren’t seniors. And as we fight to ward off procrastination and apathy there are a few tips that can help us survive finals week and not burn out right when it counts.
The most important thing to remember before finals is to be accountable for yourself. Group projects have long been professors’ favorite way to spring unnecessary stress on students right before finals. They seem to be an exercise in stress-management and conflict resolution rather than a successful way to learn something about anything.
Granted, in college, learning to work with diverse people and manage stress is just as important as learning, but, can’t these professors cut us some slack? Group projects are tough for everyone, but there are three ways to navigate them successfully: communicate with your group, show up when you say you will, and whatever you do, pull your own weight.
It’s way too late in the semester to slack on your work, especially when others’ grades are depending on it. When everyone does their part, group projects are only a slight pain in the ass.
And while you’re working on those group projects and cramming last minute study sessions, don’t forget to take advantage of the CSULB library. As we approach finals season, the library has expanded its hours to 24 hours a day, which is practically a god-send for students who have way too much on their plate (and no other place to study? I’m genuinely curious as to why you need to be there all day).
And if you’re looking to spend a few coffee-fueled nights in the library, make sure you get there early. Finding somewhere to study in the library during finals week is akin to finding a parking space on the first day of class.
In the event that you do get a good spot, try not to be one of those people who takes up an entire table for yourself. Try to remember that you’re not the only person with piles of notes and only a few hours to memorize them. Be a Good Samaritan and share your space, your fellow students will appreciate it.
The last tip I have is to make sure you find time to feed yourself a proper meal during finals. Not only so your body can sustain energy and you aren’t distracted by food daydreams, but mostly because mid-test stomach growls are disruptive and a little embarrassing for all involved.
When I fall victim to a mid-test stomach growl my immediate thought is, “God I hope everyone knows I’m only starving and not farting in here.” And when I hear someone else’s stomach growl my prayers immediately go out to them.
Finals are crappy and slightly terrifying for everyone, but by the end of next week, we’ll finally be free to procrastinate and flake out on group meetings until next May!
Alexis Reza is a senior journalism major and assistant opinions editor for the Daily 49er.
Disclaimer: The Daily 49er is not responsible for Postings made on www.daily49er.wpengine.com. Persons commenting are solely responsible for Postings made on this website. Persons commenting agree to the Terms of Use of the website. If Postings do not abide by the Rules of Conduct or Posting Regulations as listed in the Postings Policy, the Daily 49er has all rights to delete Postings as it deems necessary. The Daily 49er strongly advises individuals to not abuse their First Amendment rights, and to avoid language suggestive of hate speech. This site also encourages users to make Postings relevant to the article or other Postings.
