If you’re not currently in school, you might think that Hell Week is the same as Finals Week. In which case, you’d be dead wrong. For most of us college students, Hell Week is the week before Finals. I only have one final exam this year, but I have 470000 papers, projects, presentations, and quizzes due the week prior. Which, quite frankly, makes me want to curl up and play Xbox and watch Netflix all day. I’ve also become a big believer in conspiracy theories, because somehow I have my entire life’s work due on December 7th. But all complaining aside, there’s no getting around Hell Week; we all have to buckle down and just do it (thanks Nike).
One thing, that everyone should know, and that I learned the hard way is that many professors are more understanding than you’d think. Last year, I was in the same boat as this year – everything due on the same day. That is, until I emailed a professor, explained my situation and asked for a different due date. To which he happily agreed. HE AGREED. HAPPILY. I was shocked. For whatever reason I’d lived my 20 years of life, up to that point, believing homework due dates were non-negotiable, set-in-stone, irrevocable facts of life. Turns out professors are people too, who (mostly) aren’t out to get us/you. So if you think you have too much due on one day, think to yourself, “Which of my teachers might understand?” And email that person, because it never hurts to ask. Unless it’s the day before.
I’m sure there are a million other tips and tricks to deal with the stress of Hell Week, and Finals Week, but I have just one other thing to think about. As much work as you think you have, it’s still critical to take some time to yourself. Give yourself a night off, so that you can work that much harder the next day. Learn to multi-task, and figure out at what time of the day (or night) you are most productive. And maybe think about reducing the amount of time you spend on your phone, tablet, or computer a day. Social media is great for commiserating with your friends, but not so great for actually doing work. The faster you get it done, the sooner you’ll be able to relax.
Have any tips for getting through Hell Week? Share them in the comments, we’d love to hear from you!
This post was authored by Faiz Mandviwalla, a senior at Temple University and Assistant Firm Director for PRowl Public Relations. You can follow him on Twitter here and LinkedIn here.
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