Finals Week Survival Guide

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Finals week doesn’t have to mean all-nighters, caffeine overload, or feeling like you’ve been hit by a textbook truck. With the right strategies and mindset, you can actually thrive during finals—and walk away with both good grades and your sanity intact. Here’s your no-stress guide to getting through finals week smarter, not harder. 

1. Make a Game Plan 

Start with a schedule. Write out what exams you have and when, and break down your study sessions by subject. Spread your studying out over a few days so you’re not cramming the night before. 

📝 Thea tip: Upload your class notes or other materials and turn them into custom Study Kits in seconds. No formatting needed. Yes, even your messy handwriting. Study Kits include practice questions, flashcards, study guides, tests, and more! 

2. Prioritize Like a Pro 

Some finals are worth more than others. Focus more time on the classes where: 

• The final is a big percentage of your grade 

• You're struggling with the material 

• There’s a lot to memorize or apply 

  
  

Don’t waste hours reviewing what you already know inside and out—target what actually needs work. 

3. Use Active Study Techniques 

Rereading notes isn’t enough. Instead: 

• Quiz yourself with flashcards 

• Prioritize active recall 

• Teach the material out loud like you’re the professor 

• Practice with sample questions and past exams 

• Use Thea’s Smart Study to get adaptive questions that learn with you 

  
  

The more your brain does, the more it remembers. 

4. Take Real Breaks 

Studying for 5 hours straight isn’t efficient. Your brain needs downtime to actually process what you’re learning. 

Try the 50/10 method: 50 minutes of focused studying → 10-minute break (get water, stretch, step outside) 

And yes—scrolling for an hour on TikTok doesn’t count as a “break.”

5. Don’t Skip Sleep 

Pulling an all-nighter might seem like a power move, but it actually tanks your focus, memory, and mood. 

Aim for 7–9 hours a night—even during finals. Your brain literally files away memories while you sleep. Studying + sleep = better recall. 

6. Fuel Up 

Don’t survive on coffee and vending machine snacks. Go for brain foods like: 

• Eggs, avocado, oatmeal 

• Nuts and dark chocolate for snacking 

• Blueberries, bananas, and yogurt 

• Lots of water 

  
  

7. Ask for Help 

Stuck on a concept? Email your professor, message a friend, or check online resources. You don’t have to figure it all out alone. 

Thea is also here to help you instantly create flashcards, quizzes, and guides from whatever material you upload—so you're not wasting time formatting study sheets. 

8. Know When to Stop 

Perfection is a myth. Don’t burn yourself out trying to memorize every last detail. Once you’ve done your prep, trust yourself—and let it go. 

You’re more likely to ace your final if you walk in confident, well-rested, and calm than if you studied until 4 AM and forgot your name.

9. Post-Final Reset 

As soon as your finals are over, celebrate. You did it! Then take a day (or three) off to rest, recharge, and do literally anything but study. You earned it. 

With a solid plan, smart study habits, and a little help from Thea, you’ll get through it—and come out stronger on the other side. 

Let’s make finals week the end of stress—not the start of it. 

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