Finals Week or Burnout Week?

A person stands with an umbrella while smoke comes from their head. Illustration courtesy of Adobe Stock.

As finals week approaches here at Oakland University, students are not only preparing academically but also mentally. Being that it is finals week coming up, they are trying to manage levels of stress, exhaustion, and burnout.  

Finals week in the winter semester can be the most intense period of the semester. Time is coming down, and students have to face multiple exams, major projects, and deadlines within this short period of time. This is the time when you start to feel the pressure to perform well, combined with outside responsibilities.  Summer is coming up, and some students are also looking for jobs for their next semester. This all can quickly become overwhelming.  

“For some classes, my instructors understand I have multiple classes, including their class, so things like study days may be given, or I might get a leeway with being a little late to class because of studying,” said Haygen Ball, a student here at Oakland University.   

Experiences like this can be common, but there are others who may not be as lucky. Some students during this week have a poor sleep schedule, poor eating habits, and constraining studying, which can take a toll on both physical and mental health. Being anxious, drained, and mentally exhausted is normal at this time of semester when students  are trying to meet academic demands. 

Finals exams can be heavy in terms of needing to reach a certain cumulative grade, which requires most students to review almost all of the semester's worth of material. This then becomes a high-pressure environment, which increases fear of failure and emotional strain. 

According to College Raptor, “there are tools and strategies to help you finish strong.” They give 10 strategies that can help motivate students during this finals week! Things like making a schedule, using different study methods, getting proper rest, removing devices, and even rewarding yourself.

Here at Oakland University, there are resources to help, such as counseling services and wellness support, which are available to students in order to manage stress. 

As the semester comes to an end, it is important for students to take care of themselves. Finals week plus exams can be hard, but finding ways to manage stress is important. Taking care of your mental and physical health is essential. Finals week might be challenging, but there are ways to help manage the stress, which can make a big difference for this week!