May the Odds Be in Your Favor

Finals Week Survival Go-To's

In finals week, 

here's how I get through the heaviest work week of the semester...

Friends: 

This is the first year my friends and I have had access to a kitchen on campus, therefore my house thought it would be a great idea to have a Christmas family dinner. Since we all tend to be busy we set aside a date to plan to cook and celebrate Christmas together before going home for break! I was in charge of salad and the garlic bread, Suze made a wicked good mac & cheese from scratch, Kelsie made roast beef while Lida made Oreo truffles for dessert. Once it was all together we sat back and had a "we are such adults making a full Christmas dinner" moment. When the semester gets incredibly busy and with finals around the corner, setting time aside to spend time with friends is important.

Organize:

Being on top of work and planning out time for studying will help minimize stress. I tend to making lists and checking them off to keep track of need - to - do work is incredibly helpful to get through the work load. There is a light at the end of the tunnel and before you know it you will be home sitting next to the fireplace, or the fireplace that can be screened through Netflix in case you don't feel like getting up to make a fire.

Health:

For every cup of coffee you should drink at least one cup of water to stay hydrated, stay healthy and get sleep because getting sick during exams is a combo that has no positives whatsoever. Eat healthy, exercise for a good study break by going for a run for example (because its currently 50 degrees out in a Vermont December so absolutely taking advantage of that).

Campus De-Stress:

Saint Mike's holds a lot of de-stressing activities for students during exams such as popping bubble wrap, coloring books provided on the main floor or cuddling with dogs. Next time you walk through the library check the bulletin boards to see the schedule of when the library is bringing in dogs for students. They are always adorable and at the least will put a smile on your face!

Best of luck with finals week everyone! My RA during my first finals freshman year gave us a great piece of advice when we were studying. She said you have been present in class all semester, and as long as you take time to review and look over the material you will walk into the exam knowing more than you think you do. You won't be entering the classroom blind or unaware of the material, and as long as you take the time to prepare you feel better walking into the exam. Enjoy a nice month break for the holidays and may the odds be ever in your favor this week!

Facebook: Candice Kalil

Twitter: @CandiceLeeMary
Instagram: candicekalil31

Finals: As Told by Buddy the Elf

Its the home stretch folks, in other words the last two weeks of fall semester.

Yes it's true, it's December 1st...

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And you know what that means...final exams. Yes final exams are everyone's favorite part of the year. As we all know but finals week comes with a window of time and a whole lot of work. The final stretch of the semester is exactly as it sounds, the last leg of homework and studying before break. Whoever said the last two weeks of a college semester are always easy, definitely did not experience the end of the semester themselves. Finals week comes with a lot of work but there is a long holiday month break to follow!

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To best explain how finals week works and how to work through them, here is Buddy the Elf to tell you how it goes:

You are going to most likely give up cooking, eat easy-to-make meals and crave eating chocolate. 

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Even though you might think an all-nighter or studying last minute for that cumulative exam is a good idea, think what is going to help you understand the material and help you feel prepared. Stay positive and prepare ahead of time for exams, even if it is studying for a little bit each day. 

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If you feel frustrated or unsure of the material don't hesitate to email your professor or ask for extra help. Nothing bad can come from asking for help, those resources are there for you to help you!

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And after exams are done you get a whole month to take a break, regroup and come back in January! Oh and don't forget the best holiday of the year too of course.....

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Lastly, make sure to set time aside each day to give yourself a break from the work. Whether that may be going to the gym for an hour, watching Netflix or hanging with friends, give yourself a break to step away from work and then come back to it! Even watching a Christmas movie isn't too bad of an idea. Prepare, study and work hard because Christmas break will be right around the corner!

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Facebook: Candice Kalil

Twitter: @CandiceLeeMary
Instagram: candicekalil31