Finals week is not for the faint of heart. As someone who’s been through it all: group projects, burnout, late-night paper writing and even existential crises in the Quad, I’m here to offer some tips for surviving and passing your exams. Here’s what has worked for me:
1. Romanticize your study sessions.
Let’s be real. Studying can feel like a chore, but if you’re like me and find beauty in small things, transform it into a vibe.
Go to Highland Coffee or the library’s quiet floor, put on a dreamy jazz or R&B playlist, bring your favorite pens and treat your notes like a journal entry. Make it aesthetic, make it yours.
2. Use memory tricks that make sense to you.
Forget robotic memorization. As a visual and cultural learner, I retain information through metaphors, stories and emotional associations.
Turn historical events into a telenovela in your head. Turn that biology term into a character in a Greek myth. The weirder the mental link, the better it sticks.
3. Don’t let comparison steal your confidence.
Everyone learns differently. Honor the way you process information—whether talking out loud, writing poetry-like notes or turning your study session into a solo performance.
4. Reward yourself.
Finals are brutal, so celebrate every small win. Finished a paper? Go get Cane’s. Studied for an hour straight? Watch an episode of your comfort show.
These tiny acts of joy help your brain associate studying with pleasure, not just pressure.
5. Don’t neglect your body.
Drink water. Eat something green at least once. Take deep breaths. Pray, meditate or dance—whatever grounds you. You are not a machine.
6. Talk to your professors if you’re struggling.
Seriously. LSU professors may intimidate you at first, but many are understanding when you communicate early and honestly. Office hours can change your grade and confidence.
Finals week is tough, but you’re tougher. Tap into your strengths, protect your peace and trust your path.
Amyri Jones is a 23-year-old digital advertising and religious studies senior from Baton Rouge, La.
