It’s hard to believe our fall semester is coming to an end and finals are just a week away! You might be starting to feel stressed out as finals approach, which is normal and common, but there’s still plenty of time to finish strong.
Establishing a routine that balances your priorities and self-care can help in managing stress. Take a break every once in a while to stretch, take a short walk or listen to your favorite song to help get you through long study sessions.
Emily Miller, director of student engagement with CU Student Government, has some advice on the benefits of taking breaks:
“I'm a huge advocate for taking breaks. Lots of students imagine themselves studying for six-plus hours at a time, twitching from a caffeine overload or fighting off a cold (last year, for me, it was all three!). If you work yourself too hard, you won't retain information or be able to effectively study later on. Find a break that works for you and think of it like a mini goal for studying; I like to watch 30-minute episodes of The Office.”
Make it a priority to do what is best for you to be successful. Whether that’s studying in a quiet place by yourself, getting together with a group at Norlin Library or finding a coffee shop with some background noise, figuring out what works best for you is key to your academic success.
Anna Spain Bradley, associate professor at the University of Colorado Law School, has shared some advice on preparing for finals:
“The superior approach for preparing for final exams is the one that works for you. Take some time to determine how you best memorize, learn, analyze and write. Then develop a strategy for studying that will set you up for success. Someone will get an A. Why not you?”
There are many campus programs and resources to support you during the lead-up to finals, and everything you need to know can be found at www.colorado.edu/finals. Take advantage of these events and resources to help you relax, study, fuel up on free food and finish strong.
Christina Gonzales, vice chancellor for Student Affairs, offers these words of encouragement and advice:
“The end of the semester can be stressful for many. In addition to a good study strategy and self-care routine, I encourage students to take advantage of the many finals-related programs happening within the next few weeks. Take a break to de-stress and meet with your friends or enjoy free snacks and campus activities.”
Please know your community at CU Boulder supports you and we are all rooting for you. Good luck; you got this!
Akirah Bradley,
Dean of Students and Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
Dean of Students and Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Akirah Bradley
Key finals events
Dec. 11: Coffee and Donuts with CUSG
Dec. 12: D.I.Y. Self-Care Kits
Dec. 13: Fun Before Finals
Dec. 14: Knock Out Finals
Dec. 15: Super Surprise Study Sesh
Dec. 15: Buffs on Ice
Dec. 18: Relaxation Station
Dec. 18: Late Night Breakfast
For more details, events and all finals-related resources, visit www.colorado.edu/finals.
Plus, check out the many support and advocacy resources available for our campus community.
