As the end of the semester rounds the corner, it is important for students to “lock in” and ensure that they end the semester strong. This might be difficult for many, though, with increasing burnout, piled-up papers, final exams and warm weather on the rise. As a graduating senior, I have personally experienced a lack of motivation in completing assignments, also known as senioritis; but with the end drawing near, I cannot afford to fall behind. In this article, I will outline tips and strategies for students as we push through these last few weeks before the semester’s end.
The first tip, and one of the most important, is to make a list of all you have left to do for the end of the semester, whether it's projects and papers before your final exams, or small assignments that you can complete to get a little extra credit. Samantha Flores (senior, music education) suggests that you “get the small assignments out of the way first so you can focus on big assignments.” It is important to make sure you know all that you have to do to finish off the year, so that you won’t have any surprises or miss any important assignments.
The second tip, according to the Princeton Review, is to start studying for your finals early. This will ensure you are properly prepared for your final exams and will likely reduce much of the stress that comes with cumulative exams. Mariann Forbes (sophomore, marketing), advises not to get distracted by entertainment during finals week and to even “delete social media and streaming apps until the semester is over.” With little motivation already, it is easy to get distracted by scrolling or starting a new show or movie. It is important to prioritize your time properly.
Finally, the third tip is to take care of yourself. It is easy to skip out on meals, sleep, and self-care routines during the crunch of finals, but it is important to take breaks and ensure that our bodies are taken care of. If you don’t get any sleep, eat nourishing food, or drink water, you won’t be able to function as well on your finals. Food and sleep are the fuel we need to get through the rest of the semester. It is also important to stay active throughout the week to reduce stress and anxiety on the brain.
If you need assistance in the last few weeks, reach out to the Center for Faith Engagement (CFE), Student Life, or the Counseling and Testing Center (CTC) for support. The Student Success Center also has a variety of tools and group tutoring opportunities for students to take advantage of. Try to stay strong in these last few weeks, everyone! It is almost summer!
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.