The end is in sight and you’re almost done! With just a couple weeks left of the semester, it’s normal to feel stressed or anxious as you get ready for finals. I want to assure you there is still plenty of time to finish the semester strong.
Dean of Students Sandy Jones
While this time can feel overwhelming, your fellow Buffs have strategies and tips to help. I’d like to share some advice from Olivia Wittenberg, one of your student body presidents, on getting ready for finals:
“Finals can be rough. Here is some advice I live by to help me get through the week:
- Situate your study space in the proximity of caffeine and food. This way you don’t have to waste time walking somewhere to get sustenance.
- Drink half of a bottle of water (about 16 ounces) for every cup of coffee. This will allow you to get the caffeine energy fix you need without feeling jittery.
- Take care of yourself! No grade is worth losing your mental health over. Be kind to your body and give it the sleep, food and deep breathing it needs to reach your goals!”
If you’re having trouble getting started on a project or paper, plan a strategy for your study sessions. You can start by breaking big projects down into smaller, more manageable tasks. Nadyah Spahn, a peer wellness coach with Health Promotion, offers this study strategy:
“Start small and build your way up when studying for finals. I’ve always found that it’s easiest to start studying a few weeks before finals, and then study a little bit every day. I usually start by studying 15 minutes a day for each class, and then gradually increasing it to around half an hour or forty-five minutes as it gets closer to finals time. I’ve found that I remember more by studying each day than cramming it all in right before finals.”
Our minds and bodies work best when we take care of them. Plan for seven hours of sleep each night, pack some healthy snacks and take breaks to get some light exercise. Taking care of ourselves during stressful times can help us feel more confident and prepared going into finals. Kaley Keefe, a peer wellness coach with Health Promotion, has these words of advice:
“Take it one exam at a time. Go in with confidence knowing you have worked hard to get to where you are at and will do the very best you can. Space out your study sessions, and don’t forget to reward yourself afterward! You all got this.”
And remember, colorado.edu/finals has everything you need to know to help you for the rest of the semester, including tips for managing stress, the Buff Bus finals schedule and other resources. You will also find plenty of events to help you take a break, fuel up with free food and de-stress. Be sure to swing by one of the study stops in the UMC, visit the relaxation stations at The Rec and attend Late Night Breakfast on May 2.
Your CU Boulder community supports you, and we are all rooting for you to finish strong. Good luck—you got this!
Sandy Jones
Dean of Students
