Some students wear lucky socks, some study nonstop and some don’t study at all. But one thing is for sure – when finals season comes around, everyone feels it.
Many students have their own unique ways of coping with the inherent anxiety that comes from test-taking. When it comes to finals, Felipe Yanaga, a first-year computer science major, said self-care is an important aspect of his routine.
“Before a final, I always try to eat something I like for dinner the day before so I’m feeling good and not stressed out,” Yanaga said. “I also like to think I’m an avid reader, so whenever I have a big test, I just go away from the subject and read something that I like to calm myself down.”
In pre-pandemic years, aside from indulging in reading and comfort foods, Yanaga relied on his friends to destress and take the edge off before a big exam.
“In high school, my friends and I always hung out at a park or just went to get ice cream before a stressful final,” Yanaga said. “When you’re with your friends, you feel like other people are going through the same thing, and misery likes company.”
Like Yanaga, sophomore Cecilia Lee often turns to her favorite foods to soothe her academic nerves.
“I always have a ton of chocolate before,” Lee said. “I don’t know why. It’s like my comfort food, I guess. I usually try not to eat sweets, but for the finals period, I just forgive myself.”
Throughout the semester, many professors offer office hours, or open time slots for students to receive individualized help. For many students, office hours help to to reinforce important class concepts and connect with professors.
“When finals season starts to approach, I’m incredibly stressed, nervous, sleep deprived and anxious,” Lee said. “I go to a lot of office hours, I review all of my notes and if the lectures are recorded, I rewatch all of them on two times speed.”