Ah, finals week: that glorious time of year when caffeine becomes your best friend, stress levels hit a new high, and you start questioning if the university is secretly trying to see how far they can push you before you snap. We’ve all been there—studying in the library at 1 a.m., frantically flipping through textbooks, trying to remember everything you’ve learned (or at least look like you’re learning something). But fear not, After 5 terms here, these are some of my go-to tips for surviving BBA finals week at Krea. With the right strategies, you can survive finals week without losing your mind—or at least, you’ll come pretty close. So buckle up, grab a coffee (or five), and let’s dive into the ultimate guide for surviving finals week with your sanity (mostly) intact.
1. Find your study zone.
This might be a bit controversial, but here it goes: don’t study in your room. Trying to study in your room, where you eat, sleep, and binge-watch Netflix, is a disaster waiting to happen. You’ll get distracted by that pile of laundry that’s been sitting there for days, your bed calling your name, or the sudden urge to scroll through Instagram for “just 10 minutes” (which, let’s face it, turns into two hours).
I personally love the common room—if you can even call it that—is basically just a huge, empty space. It's full of old, dusty mattresses and random chairs, more like a storage room than anything else. There are a bunch of tables thrown around, none of them in any kind of order, but there are lots of windows letting in some light. It's tucked away at the end of the third-floor hallway in rh2, so it's easy to miss, which is a part of its charm.
But more importantly, it’s the go-to study spot for many people—some even prefer it over the library. The main reasons?
Well, the library is pretty far from the hostel buildings, so it’s a bit of a trek. If you forget something, like a book or a pen, you’re stuck making the long walk back, which is always a hassle. Plus, the library is often crowded, with lots of people around. On the other hand, the common room is just a short walk away, making it the perfect place for those late-night study sessions or early morning cram sessions when you don’t want to put in the extra effort of heading to the library. It’s convenient and low-stress, which makes all the difference when you’re trying to get work done.
If you want to survive finals week, you need a dedicated study zone. Whether it’s the library, the common room, or even a random corner of the campus that’s vaguely quiet, find a place that’s free from distractions.
2. P & P
The first p is planning. Planning is key. You’ve probably heard this a million times, but trust me—nothing beats the feeling of crossing off tasks from a to-do list during finals week. But don’t just write vague things like “study for economics” or “finish essay.” Be specific. Break it down. Instead of “study for economics,” try “learn different types of governments ,” or “complete 10 account problems on GST .” That way, you’re not just staring at an overwhelming list; you’ve got a clear plan of attack.
The second "P" stands for prioritizing, and it’s key to managing your time effectively. With multiple subjects to study and limited time, you should rank your subjects based on difficulty and importance. Focus more on the challenging or high-stakes subjects, while dedicating less time to areas you're confident in. This allows you to use your peak energy for tough topics and prevents wasting time on what you already know well. Prioritizing also means deciding which specific topics within each subject need more attention. Be flexible and adjust your study plan as needed, ensuring you tackle the most difficult material first. This strategy helps reduce stress and maximizes your study effectiveness.
3. Take Breaks Like a Boss
When you're studying intensively, especially for long hours, your brain needs moments of rest to stay sharp. Research shows that the brain isn’t designed to focus for hours on end without a reprieve. After about 25–30 minutes of intense focus (which is why techniques like the Pomodoro method work so well), your brain begins to lose efficiency.
The Pomodoro Technique is your best friend during finals week. Here’s how it works: you study intensely for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. Repeat this cycle four times, and then reward yourself with a glorious 15-30 minute break. Why does this work so well? Because your brain can only focus for so long before it turns to mush. By breaking your study time into manageable chunks, you keep your mind sharp while avoiding burnout.
However, there’s a difference between taking a break and wasting a break.
Not all breaks are created equal. The problem with common "break" habits like scrolling through social media is that, while it might feel like a short escape, it doesn't offer real mental restoration. In fact, social media can often be more draining than studying itself. You start by checking a text or a post, and the next thing you know, 30 minutes have passed. Not only have you gotten distracted, but your brain has been overloaded with information that doesn't contribute to your studies.
Instead, opt for high-quality breaks that genuinely recharge you. Engage in physical activity, get some fresh air, practice mindfulness, or do a creative activity like drawing or journaling. chatting with a friend, or even watching a short, uplifting video can also help reset your mind. By making your breaks purposeful, you'll return to studying refreshed, focused, and ready to tackle your next task.
4. Get That Sleep—Yes, Really
I know, I know. Finals week is a time when you feel like sleep is optional, But here’s the truth: you need sleep. The "all-nighter" approach sounds great in theory, but in practice, it’s a fast track to exhaustion and a foggy brain that will make you forget everything you’ve learned.
Think of sleep as your secret weapon. A well-rested brain is way more effective at retaining information than a sleep-deprived one. Aim for 5-6 hours of sleep at least each night, even if it means you have to cut down on that last-minute cram session. Plus, getting a good night’s rest will give you the energy to power through your exams the next day. Trust me—your future self will thank you.
5..Good food = Good mood.
I get it. Junk food is tempting. The thought of that giant bag of chips or a sugary soda while studying feels like the perfect brain fuel. But let me hit you with some hard truth: your brain is NOT a trash can. Eating healthy during finals week is essential for maintaining focus, energy, and mental clarity. Choose brain-boosting foods like omega-3-rich fish, nuts, and seeds to improve memory and concentration. opt for complex carbs (like whole grains) and proteins for sustained energy, while magnesium-rich foods (like spinach) and B vitamins help manage stress and improve mood.
What you eat significantly impacts your mood. Healthy foods like whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, and vitamins help stabilize your energy, improve focus, and regulate emotions. On the other hand, sugary and processed foods can cause mood swings and energy crashes. Eating nutrient-rich foods supports both your body and brain, keeping you calm, focused, and positive. So, choosing the right foods can help boost your mood and mental well-being.
6. Stay Hydrated (Because Coffee Doesn’t Count)
Here’s the thing about finals week: it’s a delicate balance of caffeine and hydration. While coffee is the magical elixir of life during exam time, it’s not a substitute for water. Coffee may keep you awake, but it doesn’t keep you hydrated—and dehydration can lead to headaches, fatigue, and general grumpiness. So, for every cup of coffee, make sure you’re drinking water too. Plus, a well-hydrated brain is a happy brain, and you’ll need that happy brain to ace your exams. Aim for at least 8 glasses of water a day. It sounds simple, but it works wonders.
7. Stay Positive (Or At Least Fake It Until You Make It)
Finals week has a way of making everything feel like it’s the end of the world. Here’s the thing: you’ve made it this far, and you’re going to make it through this too. Keep a positive mindset, even when the going gets tough. If you start spiralling, take a deep breath, close your eyes for a second, and remind yourself that it’s just a week. A really intense week, but still just a week. You’re going to get through it, and when it’s over, you’ll have earned the right to collapse into a heap of glory and relief. Think about the reward waiting for you on the other side of finals—home. The cosy bed, the uninterrupted hours of Netflix, the indulgent meals, or maybe just the sweet relief of not having to study for a while. Finals week may feel like an endless slog, but every bit of effort you put in now brings you one step closer to that well-earned break. So, why not incentivize yourself along the way? Celebrate Small Wins - Every time you complete a study session or conquer a difficult topic, celebrate! Take a short break, treat yourself to a snack, or give yourself a pat on the back. Celebrating small victories helps keep your morale high and reminds you that progress is being made. Ssometimes, finals week is so stressful that all you can do is laugh at the absurdity of it all. You’ve studied for hours, you’ve had emotional breakdowns over formulas that refuse to make sense, and you’ve memorized facts that you’ll forget as soon as the exam is over. But here’s the thing: it’s all going to be okay.
Conclusion
Finals week is the ultimate test of your time management, stress management, and caffeine tolerance. But with a little preparation, some solid study strategies, and a healthy dose of humour, you can survive without losing your mind (or at least, you’ll come out the other side still somewhat intact). Remember: you’ve got this. Study hard, take care of yourself, and when it’s all over, celebrate like you just won the Olympics—because honestly, you deserve it.
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