Study Up, Bloomfield College! Finals Week is Nearing

Editor's note: Bloomfield College Beat is a weekly feature written by BC students focusing on life on campus. This week's column is written by junior broadcast journalism major Amira Onibudo.

As the spring semester comes to a close, Bloomfield College students prepare for the heavy work load that’s soon to come … FINALS.

Students are relying on one another to stay focused through study groups and  late night study sessions. Yet with the weather warming up and flowers blooming, it’s becoming harder for students to stay focused on the books.

“Sigh, the weather has been so nice,” said junior communications major Shakira Gittens with a laugh. “I’ve been enjoying it with the guilt of knowing I have lots of work to do. Midterms are nothing compared to finals.”

Some students believe finals are a refresher of what they’ve been learning throughout the year, while others refer to finals week as “Hell Week.” Having on-campus activities and responsibilities combined with homework, projects, and papers can take a toll on the body.

“I feel like I have so many days where I have so much to do and it's all due at the same time," said Adam Cruz, a junior music technology student. "It’s just like on Project Runway when you’ve done all the tasks, and then at the end they throw one more at you. It’s crazy."

Time management and organization is the key to a successful exam week. It's very common for college students to be busy and feel stressed, but having ways to stay organized is essential. The Campus Calm website reports that stress can in fact affect academic performance.

Students sometimes get so caught up with studying, they forget they should eat, sleep and go out with friends to take their mind off everything.

“I already started taking finals and I haven’t slept or eaten since,” said Dalissa Chavez, a senior economics and accounting major. “I’m not a studier at all, but I’m hoping my finals go well and I’m looking forward to graduating next semester.”

Seniors around this time of year may have it the worse. With graduation right around the corner and the real world staring them in the eyes, it’s hard to focus.

“On the outside, I'm calm and collected, but in my head I'm thinking a million thoughts a second, with me being a graduating senior and all," said Luis Rodriguez, who is majoring in digital video production and interactive multimedia. "I have so much to do that I find myself without having enough time for it, but I'm staying dedicated.”

Being prepared and not procrastinating is good advice students receive from professors, which Herline Valcin, a senior sociology and criminal justice major, took into full stride.

“I already started preparing for finals," Valcin said. "You can’t cram an entire unit of information into an all-nighter. Getting started at least a week earlier always helps me.”

Students shouldn't be afraid to ask for help from staff and faculty. The library will have extended hours until 1 a.m. and the commuter lounge will be open until 3 a.m. The wellness center is always open (from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.) if you’re feeling stressed and just need someone to talk to. Take advantage of the opportunities that BC has to offer to remain stress-free and prepared for finals week.