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It’s that time of the semester again on the Heights—libraries are overcrowding, coffee is flowing, and sleep is declining. It’s no surprise that finals are quickly approaching, and every Boston College student is beginning to feel the stress. As the last week of classes comes to a close, The Gavel is here to offer some pro tips on surviving the upcoming week.
Plan Ahead & Stay Organized
With study days around the corner, it’s important for students to make a realistic and productive plan. Making a schedule for studying and sticking to it will help students avoid the dreaded last minute cramming and draining all-nighters. While it can be tempting to push off studying until the latest possible time, planning ahead results in a much less stressful exam period.
Students can make the best of studying by finding their perfect study spot. BC’s countless dining halls, libraries, and academic buildings offer many different study environments for all types of students. For those who need complete silence to focus, Bapst is open from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. and Burns from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. during finals week. For students who prefer only minimal noise—and need to grind until the early morning hours—O’Neill Library is open 24 hours a day. And, for those who study best in a environment with more background noise, the Chocolate Bar, Addie’s Loft, and Hillside are great places to get work done.
If students want to get off campus, there are plenty of great study spots just a quick T ride away. The Boston Public Library, one of the city’s locations of the Thinking Cup, or Newbury Street’s Trident Booksellers & Café are just some of many locations to check out.
Take Note of the Resources BC Has to Offer
BC students should be aware of the many resources available to them during finals week. The Connors Family Learning Center is a great option for those students who need a little extra help before finals. The center is open Sunday through Friday, and students can make an appointment by calling 617-552-0611.
In addition, the Office of Health Promotion is running many programs to help students succeed through the stress of finals. On Friday, December 9th, students can stop by Gasson to cuddle with “six of the cutest puppies in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.” Paws for a Break will go from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., followed by more activities from the Office of Health Promotion. Finals Relaxation Day, also on Friday, Dec. 9, will run from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Here, students can get free massages, snacks, tips on preparing for and succeeding on finals, and can make their own Finals Survival Kits.
On Tuesday, Dec. 13, the OHP will be providing a Study Break in Maloney Hall. Free coffee will be available all day, along with pastries in the morning and snacks starting at 2:00 p.m.
Take Time to De-Stress
Every BC student knows the feeling of stress. Sometimes, it motivates us to study hard and stay focused, but at other times it interferes with our concentration and gets the best of us. Since campus stress levels are at an all-time high during finals season, students should remember to make time for themselves throughout the week. Whether this means going for a run, getting dinner with friends, or just taking a nap, de-stressing is necessary for students to stay motivated.
On top of this, staying hydrated and well-rested will help students to focus and make better use of their time. BC students should not forget that they are more than their final grades, and they should look forward to a long, relaxing, and well-deserved winter break to get them through this finals season.
Avid optimist who likes long walks on the beach with a Long Island bagel and iced coffee in hand. As my favorite man Drake once said, "I swear this life is like the sweetest thing I've ever known."
