University of Notre DameUndergraduate AdmissionsStudent Perspectives Published: May 12, 2025 Author: Meaghan Northup Exams are one of the most daunting parts of the college experience. In high school, I was always told that even the hardest exams at my school would not compare to the perilous college final exam season. I remember prepping for weeks …
Finals Week: Balancing Studying, Self-Care, and Sanity | Stories & News | Visit & Engage – University of Notre Dame
University of Notre Dame
Undergraduate Admissions
Student Perspectives
Author: Meaghan Northup
Exams are one of the most daunting parts of the college experience. In high school, I was always told that even the hardest exams at my school would not compare to the perilous college final exam season. I remember prepping for weeks for AP exams, wondering how I could possibly get through that amount of material in one semester for five to six classes. Although I take tests well, I have always struggled with managing my nerves. I’m a perfectionist and spend a lot of time studying, so I never felt fully prepared—even if I was.
College exams turned out to be very different than I imagined. To start, I was surprised to learn how exam seasons vary for different students and across different semesters. My first semester of college, I was pleasantly surprised to learn I would only have two actual finals, finishing on the Tuesday of that week. It was a breeze. This is starkly different from this semester, when I had four finals—including two on Friday—two major presentations, and a large project. Meanwhile, some of my friends experienced the opposite. They had harder seasons in their freshman and sophomore years and only one or two exams this semester. Another surprise to me was reading days. Classes typically end on a Wednesday, and finals do not start until the following Monday. This means four days of unstructured time to prepare, take a breath, and finish the semester strong. Finally, while the material in Notre Dame classes is incredibly challenging, I would take studying for a college final any day of the week over an AP exam. Although finals are a challenge, here are some lessons and tips that helped me always finish strong:
1. Go Back to Basics
When I’m crunched for time for an exam or project, my first instinct is to camp out in the library all day and night. However, I’ve realized in my four years that taking the time to eat three meals during the day and going to bed at a decent time is just as valuable as spending that time studying. Sometimes the extra hour in the books is necessary, but if you’re exhausted, hungry, or falling asleep during your exam, you might make mistakes you could have avoided otherwise.
2. Studying for Finals Is a Test of Mental Endurance—Taking Breaks Is Critical
Beyond setting aside time to sleep and eat, I find that when I spend an extra hour chatting with friends, working out, or watching Netflix, I am better equipped to dive into a long study session than when I work straight through the day. Some of my favorite finals excursions have been dinner picnics, walks around the lake, naps, trips to Target, and even ice skating at Howard Park. Give yourself a plan at the beginning of the day with built-in breaks and stick to it. However, start working when you say you’ll start working and stop when you say you’ll stop. I especially recommend taking Friday and Saturday of that week off to do a final fun thing with friends.
3. Map Out Your Attack a Few Weeks in Advance
I found that one of the greatest points of anxiety for me is not knowing when I’ll study for which exam and anticipating all the end-of-the-year assignments. To ease these worries, a few weeks before the end of the semester, I write down everything I’ll have to turn in, complete, present, and study. Then I map out, according to the deadlines, when I need to be making progress on each one. I am especially cognizant of days when I have exams back-to-back or projects that are due the same day. I know that sometimes one project has to be completed a few days before the deadline so I have time to study for something else.
4. Have a Strategy When You’re Crunched for Time
Exams are not created equal in college. Some exams, even if equally difficult, require different amounts of time. For example, let’s say you have two exams on the same day and two days to study for both. If you have an 98% in one class and an 89% in another, that should factor into how you split your time. Ideally, you would have adequate time to study for both, but it’s important to understand which exams are most critical. Furthermore, different types of material require different timeframes. I find that sheer memorization of terms, ideas, and concepts requires repetition over several days or weeks, while I can prep for essay-based exams within a day or two. Take note of these things throughout the semester and include them in your planning.
5. Give Yourself Leeway
I find that even with the best planning and full reading days, sometimes the plan goes awry. Try to give yourself buffer time and flex blocks so that you can cover all the material you plan to cover. Additionally, if one piece of material is taking too long or you’re stuck on an essay, you may need to leave it and work on something else.
6. Packing Is an Efficient Study Break!
While I do not pack until all my exams were complete, many of my friends swear by packing as a break. It’s an effective way to take your mind off exams while still using your time effectively. Additionally, if you’re already packed and ready to go, you can spend the evening after your exams with your friends.
7. Move Around and Explore Niche Study Spots
I find that Hesburgh Library and Duncan Student Center are always packed during exams. I like to take my studies to random classrooms, McKenna Hall, Starbucks on Eddy Street, Mendoza, LaFortune, and more. Your dorm will also have a nice lounge to use. If Hesburgh isn’t your vibe, try a few new places. Additionally, sometimes studying in one place all day actually lowers my productivity. Think about what works for you and move around if you need it.
8. Try Studying Outside (In the Spring)!
My absolute favorite study spot is sitting outside on a sunny day. In the spring, at least some of the reading days are likely to be nice outside. Take a picnic blanket, find somewhere with Wi-Fi (the quads usually have it), and get to work. For some reason, the seating by the lake also gets a signal (the more you know). The only thing better than acing your exams is acing them with a tan! Just don’t get a sunburn.
Finals are stressful, and in all honesty, I’m grateful to have just taken my last. However, if you are strategic about the week and take care of yourself, you will set yourself up for success. Treasure the final week with your closest friends—it will fly by so fast. Study hard, but make some time for them as well. Take a nap, host a picnic, say a prayer by the grotto, ace your test; you are a member of the Fighting Irish for a reason.
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