It’s that time of year. The trees are empty, the days are shorter, there’s a cold chill in the air, and the students are wondering around like zombies.

I know, I know. I hate the cold too.

Exams aren’t pleasant either. Staying up late, and working hard can take a lot out of a student. I personally have been in the library every single day trying to get all my work done to make this final push of the semester a success. Don’t get me wrong through, I’ve been in the library all semester, but during finals week, the library turns into Club AOK because it’s packed!

Trying to find an outlet for my dying computer is like trying to find a parking spot at Walmart on a Saturday afternoon: you’ll find one, but only after searching for 10 minutes.

UMBC students take their academics seriously here, and it shows up during Finals week. That’s one reason why I like being in the library because it motivates me to work even harder than the person next to me. It’s the perfect combination of a study space and motivation center.

Another thing I like I about the library is the addition of the extended study hours during the last two weeks of the semester. UMBC’s Student Government Association fought hard to earn the extra two hours of business for the library, so there’s no reason why I wouldn’t take advantage of it. Since I work better late at night, the extra study time in the library at night is the key to making the end of the semester really count, especially since I’m busy like ALL DAY.

It’s that time of year when sleep is purely optional. In fact, whenever someone says that they are getting a full night of sleep, it’s kind of surprising  to me. Words like all-nighter, energy drink, and coffee are common during finals week. I’ll never recommend all-nighters but sometimes you have to do what you have to do. Just try to stay realistic and remember that you have to sleep at some point. There’s no skipping out on Z’s.

Your body will thank you later.

After one all nighter I pulled during my junior year, I was so tired that I almost missed an exam because I said I would rest my eyes for “five minutes.” Two hours after my “five minute nap” I woke up and rolled over to discover that I had five minutes before the start of my exam. It was embarrassing to walk in five minutes late to my exam [I'm a fast runner!], but at least I didn’t miss it completely while trying to study into the early hours of the morning.

The lesson here is that finals week takes no prisoners but it can be beaten if you prepare for it the right way. Go to the library and go to sleep.

I wish you the best on your path to success. Good luck students!

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