Although you think that it may be too early to start thinking about Finals, coming from an wise upperclassman, don’t push it to the last minute. Do yourself a favor. You’ve done this the end of the semester every semester since you’ve been in college… and it is about time you come to the realization finals are not going to dissappear so get your butt in gear…and fast. Here are some of my tips to do before the rush of Finals and Dead Week hit you.

1. Check your Syllabus.

Let’s be real. When was the last time you actually pulled that thing out? (That’s what she said.) Go take a look at your syllabus and see which classes actually have finals.

WTF?! Where can I pencil in time to sleep?

2. Mark your Calendar.

Okay, now that you’ve pulled it out and discovered the things unseen, mark your calendars on when and where your final is. You don’t want to look like that wide-eyed Freshman who has so clue where their exam is, and just went to the classroom where class is usually held. *Face Palm*

Save the Jazz music for studying.

3. Create a Playlist.

So, speaking from experience, create a playlist with songs that you DON’T know the words to. You’ll end up just singing “Hit Me Baby One More Time” instead of reading the material you missed from the last four months of class.

If you don't get your ass up, you're going to BOMB your exam.

4. Buy a New Alarm.

Have you ever wondered why you missed that 8am Biology class? Your body just doesn’t hear–nor care– about that annoying sound of an alarm. You’ve become so used to the sound of it, that it just doesn’t work anymore. Go get a new alarm, give it a little test run, and then save it for the week of finals. Oh yeah, don’t forget batteries/to plug it back in/make sure you know the different between AM and PM settings.

"But Dr. Lally I know you have no idea who I am...."

5. Visit Your Professor.

Okay, so what if it’s a class of 400 people. So what if you’ve never gone to class. Do you think your professor noticed? Probably not unless there were some pop quizzes given. So go drop in, say hi, especially AFTER lunch. They are usually happier after they’ve eaten… and you walked in with a bag of cookies. Here’s a hint. Don’t go into office hours. Email him/her saying the office hours don’t work with your class schedule and reschedule for appointment to meet with them. That way, no chance another student is going to barge in on your one-on-one time.

"I'll start studying.... after I update...this...last status."

6. Get your Best Friend to Change your Facebook PW.

Not that I am advising you to ever give your password away, but who better to trust than your best friend? You’re grades might’ve not been up to par, and you are definitely not needing any more distractions in the library.

Number 10 RedBull for the night.

7. Load up on the Coffee/RedBull.

We are broke ass college students. And during finals, we load up on fast food, quick and easy fixes, especially those iced lattes about $4.64 (I like how I know the exact price after taxes…) Why not make your own at home, and take it with you to the library? It’s a lot cheaper, and you’ll have enough money to eat something that isn’t RedBull or Coffee for dinner.

Sorry I didn't call Pops...

8. Call your Parents.

I tend to fall off the face of the Earth during Finals. So do you. Call your parents, let them know that you are still kickin’ just really busy this time of year. Tell them you love them and that you’re stuDYING. Tell them you haven’t eaten in days… they might make a trip up to you to take you and your friends out to dinner.

Sex in the Stacks. Perfect for a Study Break.

9. Create time for Sexy Time.

We here at Study Breaks have mentioned this before, and I’ll mention it again. Create a break for some relaxation and to relieve some stress. Sex is perfect for that. One: it’s exercise. Two: orgasms increase your lifespan, and Three:  stress reliever. Need I continue? Who says between the bookshelves haven’t been done before?

Sleeping on my book will help me remember.

10. Sleep.

Whether you are are using multiple forms of… ways to keep you up for finals or really just sleeping when you are studying, remember that you are not going to learn through osmosis. Falling asleep on your book won’t transfuse it into your brain. Go home, shower, take a nap. Being sleep deprived will not help you retain any information.

And one more from the Editor at SB:

My preference is Jose. Shaken with a lime.

11. Save time for TEQUILA.

Or any drink of your choice…wait, no. Tequila is best. Take it like a champ. At least one night out on the town will help you forget the 5 finals you have to prepare for. Ladies, grab your gals and get some (sometimes free) shots downtown. Men, go find some hotties to dance shake your ass off with.