How students are taking care of themselves during finals

Despite excitement over warmer temperatures and upcoming summer break plans, the end of the semester is often a less-than-enjoyable time for college students. Finals week typically brings an influx of stress and even less time for necessities like sleep, proper nutrition, time with loved ones and self-care.

In 2023, an Inside Higher Ed survey found that over 50% of students have experienced chronic stress, consistently feeling overwhelmed and pressured. Finals — whether an exam, essay or project — make this worse.

Maintaining mental and physical wellness during finals week is difficult, but important.

Sean Browne, a junior civil engineering major, said he’s definitely keeping self-care a priority.

“I feel like I definitely have time [for taking care of myself],” Browne said. “I’m someone who doesn’t go crazy studying. I mean, I do study, but I also still make sure that I’m eating and getting enough sleep.”

It wasn’t always that easy. Browne said he learned this lesson freshman year, when it was still “a lot.”

“It’s the first time you’re doing everything. You don’t know what to expect,” Browne said. “Then you do it, and you’re like, OK, maybe I’ll change it. Yeah, that’s not working.”

Even though less than 10% of students actually sleep the recommended eight hours the night before their finals, those who do perform better. This is something Browne knows firsthand.

“It’s so important to really take care of yourself. You won’t do well if you’re only studying, not sleeping or anything,” Browne said. “I still make time for studying, but I’m not pulling all-nighters or running off caffeine. Nothing like that.”

As far as favored studying techniques? 

“Quizlet pulls me through,” Browne said. 

Even though Browne is prepared for his finals, he’s excited to get them over with. 

“I’m ready to go home after,” Browne said. “Once I’m done with them, it’s like, OK, summertime. I live near the beach, so I get to go. I can see my friends and family. So looking forward to having that break.”

Students might have varying preferences on final papers versus final exams, but first-year undeclared major Emily McLaughlin feels “lucky” she doesn’t have any exams this semester.

“I only have final papers. I feel good about them. I have time for writing outlines and planning, so it eases the process,” McLaughlin said.

McLaughlin prefers to study with her friends.  

“It definitely helps,” McLaughlin said. “If you have some of the same classes and can all work together.”

Studying and learning with friends is highly effective, improving academic performance and leading to higher GPAs. It’s a way to make time for important relationships while still being productive during finals.

McLaughlin feels like balancing taking care of herself with studying has been relatively simple this semester, though she is still glad when the exam period is over.

“I’m so relieved,” McLaughlin said. “Definitely excited for the next long break. I can’t wait to rest after. Definitely rot a little bit.”

Finals week is demanding, and it can be especially hard for students with busy work schedules.

Grace Larsen, a sophomore elementary and special education major, said her biggest struggle is balancing studying with her job.

“My baseline is 32 hours a week. Sometimes, if a class gets cancelled or something, I’ll pick up maybe an extra four to eight hours. At max I work about 40 hours a week,” Larsen said. “It’s been like that since my freshman year.”

Her schedule doesn’t provide a lot of time for studying or getting final papers done, but Larsen still makes time wherever she can.

“I do lots of short blocks. I have a 45-minute lunch break — a lot of times I’ll save work for then, and I’m like, ‘OK, I literally have 45 minutes to do it,’ and so I get it done. That’s how I get all of my assignments done,” Larsen said. “It doesn’t really give me room to procrastinate, so I kind of think I need to finish it now or I won’t have time, or I’ll be running on zero sleep,” Larsen said.

Although she doesn’t have much time for self-care, Larsen makes sure to treat herself.

“The only thing getting me through assignments sometimes is blasting the ‘Mamma Mia!’ soundtrack and having three drinks in front of me — water, iced tea, Shirley Temple poppi,” she said. “Finals week, you gotta do what you gotta do.”

The best thing Larsen has learned when it comes to finals week self-care has been “letting go of the need for perfection.”

“I used to pull a lot of all-nighters,” she said. “I’ve gotten to a point now where I’m not chasing perfection, I’m chasing as good as I can get. It’s not absolutely perfect, but that’s OK.”

After finals week, Larsen looks forward to the free time.

“Oh, I’m so glad it’s done. I’m like, thank goodness. I’m usually tired, but then I get so happy and like to go for a walk or treat myself. I’m excited for the break,” Larsen said. “Finals week is definitely something, though.”