Blue Demon Approved:

5 Tips for Finals Week

at DePaul University

Finals week can be intense, but with the right approach, you can stay on top of your game. From study techniques to balancing rest and play, here are five essential tips to help you succeed.

1. Use Focused Study Methods and Tools

I get it. The assignment is “easy”, but the real difficulty is actually sitting down and powering through the task at hand. Creating a distraction-free study environment by using noise-canceling headphones, study apps, or designated quiet spaces helps you lock in and do “the thing” (assignment #5). Below are my favorite!

  • The Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes of work, 5-minute breaks) can help maintain focus. The screenshot to the right is from a free and easy-to-use app (on iOS). The timer helps you maintain focus by also having built-in sounds like the one shown (Rain in the Wind).

  • Ear Plugs (or noise-cancelling headphones) are one of my favorite ways to seriously tune-out the noisiness  of the world when you’re studying. I was gifted some ear plugs from a brand called “Eargasm” and they’re typically for concerts to protect yourself from damaging your ears…and they’re perfect for creating a distraction free environment wherever you choose! 

 

      Iphone Screenshot of Pomodoro-style timer used for focus sessions
      Eargasm brand Earplugs showin in carrying case in hand

      2. Prioritize Sleep

      Listen to Your Mom: Skipping sleep might seem necessary, but it reduces information retention and performance (crazy, I know). Aim for at least 6-8 hours per night to keep your mind sharp. The concept is simple, yet so hard. I’ve shared before that balancing your options and understanding the risk to reward for whatever you’re finishing up at the cost of sleep is something you need to decide on. Often, it’s better to sleep early and then wake up to finish versus pulling an all-nighter. It is riskier, yes, but if you have a solid alarm clock and willpower…you’ll find the energy to get it done!

      Picture of orange Cat Sleeping on couch

      3. Maximize with Power Naps

      Didn’t Listen to Your Mom?

      Well, if you absolutely *need* to pull an all-nighter and still have a long day ahead…power naps will help give you some boosts of energy throughout your day.

      Did you know a 20-minute nap can boost memory and focus? If you need a longer rest, aim for 90 minutes to complete a full sleep cycle and avoid grogginess. I would NOT suggest doing a longer nap in the middle of your day because you can easily miss your alarm clock and sleep through the rest of your day!

      4. Incorporate Brain-Boosting Activities

      Proven Activities to Help Your Brain Flow Better
      Exercise, meditation, and creative hobbies can reduce stress and improve concentration. A quick walk, stretching, or listening to music can reset your brain.

      • Do something exhilarating:

        Living in Chicago, we’re spoiled with a beautiful city to explore, fun activities to do, and even exhilarating experiences like jumping into the lake—or in my case (like the GIF) jumping into a cenote! I recently had the privilege of visiting Mérida, Yucatán, in Mexico, where I explored these natural wonders. Now, you may ask, “How does this relate to finals?” Well, the idea is that doing something that gets your heart racing can help clear your mind, making it easier to stay focused when you sit down to study. It’s science!

        Did you know: A Cenote “is a naturally formed sinkhole or pit in limestone bedrock that exposes groundwater, often found in the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico”

      gif of a person jumping into cenote in first person perspective
      Picture of friend at coffee shop in first person perspective. There are film cameras on the table

      5. Balance Work and Play

      How to Stay Focused on the Mission: Passing Finals
      Intentional breaks help maintain productivity. Schedule some time in your calendar for hobbies or hanging out with friends without getting sidetracked. Keep the goal in mind—finishing strong (but don’t feel guilty about spending time away from your D2L assignments)!

      • Hang with your Friends and Community

        We often get so locked in that we forget being with our community is just as important as learning study tips or time management techniques. Sometimes, all we need is a hug, some coffee, and a life “catch-up” with our home skillets. I spent time with my lifelong friend from Pre-K, Yadi (pictured here), grabbing coffee, shooting film photos, and talking about life for a solid two hours. Afterward, I felt reinvigorated to keep pushing toward my goals and finishing the quarter strong. Balance is key to success in a fast-paced quarter system. Hopefully, these tips help keep you on track!

      Finding Additional Help and Resources

      Need study spaces, productivity tips, or career guidance? The Career Center can connect you with resources to help balance finals and future planning, and they can also point you to awesome clubs you can join so you can spend time away from assignments with your peers (while doing an activity you have in common).

      By managing your time wisely and prioritizing self-care, you can tackle finals week with confidence! 

      Visit The Career Center

      Marco Garcia | IG: AstroTheProtege | First-Generation Latino Digital Marketing Student