College semesters have a pretty regular rhythm at Cal. The first two or three weeks is the introduction and adjustment period. This period is marked by unusually high attendance in classes and waitlisted students taking over the professors’ office hours. There is a level of optimism and anticipation that defines those first few weeks. The second period of the semester is midterms season, which lasts approximately three to twelve months (no one really knows). The last part of the semester is finals season. Its those last few weeks when everything seems to be happening all at once and you really wish you had gone to that philosophy class more. Generally considered the most stressful part of the semester, finals season can challenge the abilities of even the best procrastinator. I’m here offer you some campus resources along with personal tips and tricks to help maintain sanity during this demanding time.
Tips and Tricks
As a professional procrastinator and someone who regularly takes on too many responsibilities, I want to share some of strategies I use during the finals season. Probably the most useful trick to master is how to say “no.” Obviously don’t walk up to a professor and say “no” to a research paper, that will not end well. However, during this time of the year extracurriculars and other responsibilities can become difficult to balance. It is okay, and even necessary at times, to say that you really can’t handle taking on anything new.
Another tip that I have learned is the power of dance breaks. When there are eight different assignments due it can be easy to stare at a computer for hours and not move around. Every thirty minutes or so I take a five to ten minute break to listen to music and dance. If dancing isn’t your thing, then listen to music and make some coffee. It will help you re-energize and give your brain a quick break from your work. I also find after I am able to look at my work with a fresh perspective and improve it more.
Places to Take a Break
It can be difficult to take a break when it feels like you are behind on everything and there is too much to do. However, it is absolutely essential to give yourself the space to relax, even if it’s just a fifteen minute walk to get a boba. Here are some nice places to take a quick break:
- UC Botanical Gardens: Just a quick ride on the Bear Transit Hill Line, the botanical gardens are the perfect place to take a deep breath and reset. You can also bring your readings for class with you here when you need a change of scenery.
- Berkeley Rose Garden: About a fifteen minute walk from campus on Northside, the rose garden is just stunning with the amphitheater layout and rows of flowers. I like to bring a lunch with me and enjoy the calm.
- Campanile: We walk by it every day, yet so many students have never been to the top. It is free for students and makes for the perfect quick break when you’ve been studying in the library for too long.
Campus Resources:
- Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): Students are able to schedule same-day appointments with counselors and therapists. It is free for students and you can choose to have an appointment over a video call if you are really running behind on that research paper and do not have time to take the bus to the Tang Center.
- Student Learning Center (SLC): This is your go to spot when you get writer’s block or just need another pair of eyes to read your that research paper your behind on. The good news is they just doubled the number of tutors available for appointments and drop-ins and you can go as often as twice a week.