Finals week is looming in the not-so-far future! As we all brace ourselves for the chaos of due dates and what feels like endless studying, here are some tips and tricks to make the week a little less stressful. 

Determine when and where. 
Get ahead and eliminate one more ‘to-do’ by determining when and where your finals will be taking place. We recommend writing down the dates, times and locations of your in-person exams. If you are unfamiliar with the location of an exam, take a stroll around campus with friends ahead of time to locate them—doing so will allow you to enter your exams on time and with confidence. For any project-based finals, write down and set reminders for submission deadlines. With a busy schedule comes forgetfulness, so don’t wing it, write it down. 

Secure a new spot.
Working primarily at home can become discouraging. To combat this feeling, find a new spot on campus solely dedicated to studying. Doing so will get you out and moving, improve your focus, and allow you to fully rest and relax when you return home. We recommend finding a spot with a cafe nearby and plenty of natural light! Popular study spaces on campus extend their hours of operation during finals. You can find out more information on the TECH Center’s schedule here, and Charles Library is open 24/7. 

If you’re a night owl when it comes to studying, try to do so with a friend. To get home safely after a late night hitting the books, take advantage of Temple’s services, whether that be the Flight shuttle or a walking escort.

Conquer procrastination.
We understand how difficult it can be to sit down and get working, especially when the work feels never-ending. Procrastination is easy to catch, but here’s the best way to build your immunity. To avoid procrastination, start dedicating a small amount of time to a task daily. You will find the work finishes itself. It is far easier to work one hour a day on an assignment instead of six hours the night before. 

Maintain a work-life balance, and give yourself a break! 
Throughout finals week, assignments and exams are at the forefront, but it’s necessary to take breaks. Incorporating breaks into your week will help maintain your work-life balance and most importantly, your sanity. Unsure of what to spend your free time doing? We got you covered.

On Tuesday, Dec. 8, there will be a Pause With Pups virtual therapy dog event. If you love dogs, but prefer doing downward dog, Charles Library is hosting a free yoga class on Dec. 9. To start your day off right, there will be a Mindfulness Monday morning meditation session on Dec. 12. Finally, for those that simply want to escape, we recommend seeing a movie at the Reel with friends!

Prioritize your well-being.
Although final grades are highly valued for college students, they should never come before your health and well-being. Throughout finals week, make sure to maintain a routine consisting of three meals a day and at least eight hours of sleep. These practices are not only crucial for your health, but they will allow your mind and body to be at their very best during exams. If you find yourself struggling and in need of some further support, visit Tuttleman Counseling Services. 

Let it go.
Before finals arrive, set your plan in place and try to remain organized and calm. As you wrap up finals week, take a moment to breathe and know you did your best. For your own peace of mind, shut the laptop, and get ready to enjoy your winter break. 

We wish you the best of luck, Owls! 

- Avery Bumstead