November 29, 2022

Your guide to wellness programs and events, recreational opportunities and highlights, timely educational wellness information and service offerings throughout the academic year.

Preparing for Finals Week

We hope you enjoyed a relaxing and safe Thanksgiving break. We are now in the homestretch of the semester with final exams right around the corner!

What are you doing to help prepare yourself for finals week? We've put together a couple ideas to help get you started below.

Stay Hydrated & Energized

Many students turn to caffeine during finals to help power through late nights of studying. However, it is important to be careful with caffeine so you can stay hydrated and energized, especially when there is an endless supply at home.

Kelly Read, our Registered Dietitian in the Student Health Center, shared her tips on staying hydrated and energized to help you finish this semester stronger than your coffee.

• Avoid drinking more caffeine than you normally do. Drinking more caffeine than usual may cause migraines, restlessness, fast heartbeat or an upset stomach. These side effects are not helpful for stressful times.
• Drink water. The best way to keep yourself hydrated is by drinking water. Staying hydrated helps you stay focused, thus increasing productivity. Dehydration is also known to give us headaches. Use a reusable water bottle and refill it throughout the day. If you dislike drinking water, consider drinking herbal tea or sparkling water. A fan favorite is the seasonal Candy Cane tea that you can find at most grocery stores- it is perfect for a cold day!
• Be mindful of sugar content. Many caffeinated drinks also come with sugar. Consider drinking less sugar sweetened beverages, such as soda, energy drinks, and café drinks.
  
  Tips for reducing added sugar in café drinks:
  • Try less syrup pumps and sweetener packages
  • Consider cold brew vs. frozen style drinks

Focus on Your Academic Wellness

Finals and stress often feel like they go hand-in-hand, but they don’t have to! While this time of year may seem daunting, have no fear. The Academic Success Center is here to provide you with the tools you need to succeed to get prepared for finals week.

• Create study guides. The process of creating your own study guide can help you review information from your class. Try teaming up with friends and classmates and sharing your guides. You may see things differently when looking through their guides.
• Make a schedule. Now that exams will be taken from the comfort of your own home, make sure you write out your schedule and share it with those you live with. Looking for more organization? Try out the ASC’s Exam Study Plan.
• Prioritize. Your finals schedule may feel overwhelming, but before you begin to panic – start prioritizing projects, papers, and exams based on their due dates. By starting now, you will have plenty of time to plan and prioritize. Plus, you’ll know exactly where you need to focus your efforts and on what days.

For more finals tips, follow the ASC on Facebook and Instagram.