The weather is getting colder and Christmas is right around the corner, but before we get too excited, we have to buckle down and focus on the week ahead. 

To begin, you should make a list of all your finals and projects that will be due during the week. This list will give you a timeline that will allow you to plan accordingly and ensure you are aware of your exam times since they often differ from the class’s normal time.

After becoming aware of your exam times, you should find a quiet place to study. You may want to try the library, the Downing Student Union study lounge or a designated study area in your dorm. Having a quiet place to study allows you to stay focused and eliminates distractions.

The techniques you use while studying play a huge role in retention. If you are using a studying method that doesn’t work for you, then you will not be able to retain the information you study. 

Everyone has different preferences, but a few options include making flash cards, repetitive reading of the material, speaking aloud to yourself, drawing pictures or making mnemonic devices and doing practice questions. You may want to try out as many options as possible to see which is most beneficial for you.

Studying may seem like the most important facet of acing a final, but consistently studying can be hard on the brain. Don’t forget your body needs sleep to function properly. If you sacrifice sleep for studying, you will have no energy the next day, and your brain will not perform its best. 

Food is also extremely important, so try to fill yourself with healthy foods that will give you energy, and make sure to drink plenty of water. Coffee seems to be a staple in the diets of college students during finals week, but building yourself up with caffeine will cause you to crash. Taking care of yourself and getting sleep at night will help you avoid the caffeine trap.

Finals week can be rigorous, but if you relax, study and keep yourself healthy emotionally and physically, you will conquer.