As we all know, final exams can be STRESSFUL. Especially during the fall semester, as they are in the midst of the holiday season. It’s supposed to be the best time of year, with all the fun holiday activities and the excitement of the semester ending, but this time of year is also plagued with worrying about final exams and struggling with feeling burnt out. No one wants to be stuck inside studying, while all of our friends are out celebrating the holidays. However, there are ways that allow us to stay calm, have fun and still ace those exams. 

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Make a to-do list 

This may seem obvious, but it is one of the best things to do to make sure that you get all your work done. Even if your to-do list has three things on it or it is a mile long, it’s a great way to stay organized and on top of your work. It may be daunting to see all of your due dates written out, but it will feel so rewarding when you cross them out! 

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Block out time to do work 

Whether it's for one hour or five, making sure that you have time throughout the day to get work done is so important. By having a chunk of time to do work, you are more likely to get it done and you will be more motivated to be productive. 

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Take breaks 

By taking the time to prioritize getting your work done, you will be able to recharge. Take a walk through your neighborhood, have a conversation with a friend or family member, or take a quick TikTok break (we all do it) before carrying on with studying. When you take breaks, you will be able to focus more on finishing your work. You'll also be more motivated to get your work done when you have a break to look forward to! 

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Appreciate time with friends 

Although this is a stressful time for everyone, hanging out with friends is a great way to relieve stress and make the most of the semester ending. If you focus on getting your work done, you will be able to have more time with others without having to worry about whether or not you turned in your assignment. 

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Just breathe 

Finals are stressful for everyone! We are all worried about our upcoming assignments, studying for our math final, and making sure that we have everything under control. It is okay to acknowledge that you are stressed and feel like everything's coming up at once. Just take some deep breaths and it will all be okay. 

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Good luck with the end of the semester!