Finessing finals – your guide to being an academic weapon

With the semester drawing to a close and Christmas on the horizon, there’s a hum of excitement in the air. Unfortunately for us students, however, before any relaxing can be done, we have the small task of conquering finals before this. If you haven’t realised that already, you’re either on the best course ever or about to have the fright of your life. But for those of you panicking, have no fear. Here are five tips that’ll turn you from an academic victim to an academic weapon. Bring on the roughest part of the semester – it’s time to lock in people.

1. Don’t leave everything until last minute

Pretending to be studious after spending hours on your phone

Let’s get the obvious point out of the way. It’s always advisable to get on it early and figure out a routine if you want to stop yourself from having a menty b the night before a deadline. Starting early and finishing early is always a good policy, giving you the evening to relax and get a good night’s sleep. Being properly fed and rested is vital for productivity: trying to finish an essay on no sleep is like trying to live in Edinburgh without an umbrella – it’s going to be a struggle x

2. The library is your friend

As desolate as it looks, sometimes it has to be done

Most Read

This Wicked press tour clip is getting utterly dragged and has become a massive meme

There’s a really good reason why Dorothy’s iconic ruby slippers aren’t red in Wicked

The journalist behind the Wicked ‘holding space’ meme has finally explained what she meant

If you’re like me, you’ll spend ages avoiding it like the plague, until one day you wake up and realise it’s a gift sent from heaven. When you’re sick of your room and coffee shops are a bit too much to ask of your bank account, the library will be your safe haven. One thing it does have going for it is the views out the window – I’d recommend bagging yourself a window seat so you can at least enjoy the sunset.  And, a cheeky library crush can be just the incentive you need to get out of bed in the morning. Who knows, you might even be somebody else’s…

3. Reign in your inner feral club rat

Don’t think he’ll be getting much work done after this performance

As tempting as a night out is, if you’re swamped with deadlines: trust me – you’ll regret it. It always starts as casual drinks, and next thing you know it’s 3 am and you’re belting Rihanna at the top of your lungs, only one more Gari’s Special away from dancing on the pole. That’s the next day gone as you rot in bed, hangxiously wondering where it all went wrong. Resist the urge for just one week – WhyNot won’t miss you that much x

4. Romanticise like your life depends on it

How life feels when you pretend that it’s a rom com

This one’s a little more unconventional perhaps. I would personally advise romanticising the hell out of anything and everything – delulu is most definitely the solulu. Grab those headphones and strut down to the library like the main character you are – it’s giving Elle Woods, for real. In The Wolf of Wall Street, Leonardo DiCaprio never gave up on his dream of being rich, so you shouldn’t give up on yours of passing this module. You can even start making up backstories for the regular characters you see at your study spot – whatever gets you through the day…

5. Be kind to yourself

Treat yourself pookie – you know you want to x

As important as it is to knuckle down on your assignments, it’s equally important to take care of yourself. Like everything in life, it’s about finding a balance. Relax, watch TV, spend some time with your friends – an episode of Gossip Girl never hurt anyone. Reward your hard work. You know those muffins sold in the library cafe? After a long day’s work, one of those bad boys are to die for. Remember, uni will be over in the blink of an eye so appreciate it while it lasts. Just enjoy yourself, do the work and pray you’re not back here for resits in summer…