Keeping Calm and Carrying on During Finals

As the semester is coming to a close, the final exams and papers are starting to build up. A three thousand word essay here, a presentation here - it is finals stress as usual. What makes finals abroad even more stressful though, is the fact that many people are still taking weekend trips in these last few weeks, leaving no time during the weekend to do work. However, with the right scheduling and tips, anyone can get through finals while still enjoying their last few weeks abroad!

Firstly, I would suggest not taking as many trips towards the end of your time abroad. You WILL have work to do, and although you're in an amazing place and want to travel, you still have to finish your work and do it well. Save most of your weekend trips for the beginning and middle of the year. At this time, you'll want to start packing, studying, etc. It is no time to be traveling!

However, if you must travel during this time, there are things you can do to still get through finals. Firstly, take advantage of the school week days. Most people only have class 3 hours a day, so use the rest of the day to work on your essays and study for exams! Also, if you have reading to do, take your work with you on your trip. There WILL be time to read, whether it's on a bus, airplane, or waiting in line for something.

Also, make a schedule. There will be things left you want to do in your chosen city, so plan specific hours for work, hours for being with friends, hours for packing, and hours for sight seeing that you haven't done yet. But stick to those hours! If you don't stick to the schedule, you'll either miss out on a sight seeing opportunity or you will have less time to perfect your work.

Lastly, KEEP CALM! If you feel overwhelmed during this time with packing, finals, and traveling, take some time for yourself. Go have an afternoon tea for half an hour while you read. I personally love going to a relaxing yoga class for an hour to unwind and clear my head (Good Vibes Yoga in London is a 15 minute walk from the dorms and it's the best studio around!) Whatever you do, don't stress. It's not worth it - you only have a few weeks left in your city!

Good Vibes Yoga, Covent Gardens