Some Finals Week Encouragement

Tuesday, November 26, 2024

The end of the semester is in sight! It’s that time of year when deadlines, exams and assignments seem to pile up, and it can feel like the finish line is just a little too far away.

Remember, you’ve made it this far, and you are more than capable of pushing through these final hurdles. Before you dive into studying, check out these tips to help you finish strong and head into winter break feeling accomplished!

Utilize Campus Resources—They’re Here for You!

There’s no need to go through finals week alone. OSU offers a ton of resources to help you succeed and make your life a little easier.

Reboot Center: Need a moment to de-stress? The  Reboot Center has you covered! No appointments required—just walk in, find a comfy massage or bean bag chair and soak in the relaxing vibes. With soothing music, calming activities and fidget toys, it’s a great place to recharge your mind for the next round of studying. The Reboot Center is open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

LASSO Center: Whether you’re struggling with a tough class or need a little extra guidance, the LASSO Center has tutors and academic success coaches who are ready to help you out. Take advantage of this amazing resource to make sure you’re staying on track and feeling confident about your finals.

Professor Office Hours: Don’t forget to attend your professors' office hours if you need any clarification on assignments or exam content. They’re there to help, and this one-on-one time can make a big difference in your understanding and performance.

Coffee (and Snacks) are Your Friends

There’s no shortage of coffee on campus, and as you dive into study mode, you’ll likely find that caffeine (in moderation of course) is a useful tool. Whether you’re grabbing a cup of coffee at Cafe Libro or picking up an energy drink from one of the convenience stores around campus, staying energized is key.

Here’s the thing though: too much caffeine can lead to jitteriness and disrupted sleep. So, drink up, but be mindful of your intake! Keep a healthy balance by taking breaks, stretching your legs and grabbing a snack every now and then. Pro tip: Keep healthy snacks on hand—fruit, nuts and yogurt will give you steady energy without the crash.

Don’t Skip Out on Sleep

It’s tempting to pull an all-nighter when the pressure’s on, but research shows that sleep deprivation only increases stress and hinders memory retention. Your brain needs rest to function at its best, so make sure you’re getting enough sleep each night (aim for 7-9 hours!). 

 

Stay Positive. You’re Almost There!

Finals can definitely feel overwhelming, but don’t let stress take over. You’ve worked hard all semester, and you’re closer than ever to the finish line. Remember, you’ve got this!

If things get tough and you need to talk to someone, OSU has a variety of mental health resources to support you. University Counseling Services is just one place you can reach out to if you need help managing stress or anxiety. You don’t have to go through this alone. There are people here who care and want to help you succeed.

And if you’re ever in need of a pep talk, head over to the  Office of Student Success. Their team is full of enthusiastic cheerleaders ready to encourage you through this final stretch. Whether you need help with that last-minute paper or just need a little boost of motivation, you’ll find support everywhere you look on campus.

You’ve Got This!

You’ve worked hard to get here, and now it’s time to finish strong! Finals may be tough, but they’re not impossible. With all the resources available to you and the support from your peers and professors, you’ve got everything you need to succeed.

Take a deep breath, stay focused and remember: your holiday break is just around the corner. Keep pushing, and you’ll be celebrating in no time!

Good luck, Cowboys—you’ve got this!