Finals week always changes the rhythm of campus. The lounge areas quiet down, the library fills up earlier than usual, and even the students who normally move at a relaxed pace suddenly seem more alert. Whether someone is a freshman taking their first round of college finals or a senior who has been through this cycle many times, the pressure feels real. Still, there are ways to make this week less stressful and more productive. Finals week is challenging, but students have more control than they often realize.
One of the biggest challenges during finals is figuring out where to start. With multiple subjects, review sheets, papers, and projects, it’s easy to feel pulled in several directions. One simple approach that students often overlook is breaking large assignments into smaller, realistic tasks. Instead of saying, “I need to study biology,” students should divide it into pieces like reviewing one chapter, rewriting vocabulary, or doing a set of practice questions. This makes the work feel achievable and helps prevent the panic that comes from staring at a huge pile of notes.
Campus resources can also play a big role, especially when students feel stuck. Pittsburg State offers the Writing Center at the Axe Library, which can be extremely helpful with those last-minute essays. Another helpful library resource is the Student Success Center, which offers tutoring in several subjects.
Another helpful habit is planning out each day using a short priority list. Not a long, overwhelming schedule, just a few clear goals. This method helps them stay focused because they can actually finish what they have set for themselves. Seeing those small check marks throughout the day creates momentum. It also cuts down on the guilt that comes from feeling behind, because the goals are realistic and purposeful.
Good study habits also include taking intentional breaks, even though that may feel counterproductive during finals week. A ten-minute walk, stretching, or eating a healthy snack can help the brain reset. Examples are going outside between study sessions to breathe fresh air or walking around the Oval to clear their minds. Others are listening to a quick song, meditating, or simply closing their eyes for a few minutes. These moments help maintain focus so the long study hours feel less draining.
Sleep becomes a major struggle for many students, and it shows by the end of the week. Although it’s tempting to pull all-nighters, especially when deadlines pile up, even one or two nights of decent rest can make a huge difference. A lot of stress comes from fatigue, not the material itself.
Healthy habits matter, too. Keeping a water bottle nearby, packing small snacks, and eating balanced meals help raise energy levels. Finals week already pushes the body and mind, so staying hydrated and nourished becomes more important than people think. Even choosing snacks with protein or fruit instead of sugary options can help maintain energy instead of causing a crash.
Besides academics, finals week teaches lessons that go beyond the classroom. Students learn how to manage stress, prioritize responsibilities, communicate with professors, and stay organized under pressure. These skills carry into internships, jobs, and life after graduation. Learning how to push through a difficult week without burning out builds confidence, and many students don’t realize their own resilience until finals force them to use it.
By Friday, the atmosphere on campus shifts again. Students walk out of their classrooms with tired eyes but a sense of relief. The feeling of turning in the last exam or clicking “submit” on the final paper brings a quiet victory. It’s a reminder that the effort, planning, and long hours were worth it.