The 12 Days of Finals: How to Survive and Thrive Before Winter Break
It’s that magical time of year: lights are twinkling, holiday music is playing, and students everywhere are stressing over finals. While the holiday cheer may be just outside your window, inside it’s all about cramming, coffee, and figuring out how to survive the last stretch of the semester.
But fear not! We’re here to help you get through finals with a little holiday-inspired humor (and a lot of practical advice). Let’s rewrite the classic carol into the ultimate guide to acing finals—one tip for every day of the “12 Days of Finals.”
On the First Day of Finals, My Tutor Gave to Me:
A planner to organize my week. Seriously, planning is half the battle. Write down your exam schedule, block out study times, and don’t forget to pencil in some breaks. The more you plan, the less you’ll panic.
On the Second Day of Finals, My Tutor Gave to Me:
Two study guides to conquer those tricky subjects. Use them wisely! Review the material, highlight the essentials, and create your own notes. A well-prepped study guide is like your holiday survival manual.
On the Third Day of Finals, My Tutor Gave to Me:
Three focus tips:
Put your phone on airplane mode.
Find a quiet, distraction-free space.
Use a timer (try the Pomodoro Technique—25 minutes of focus, 5 minutes of fun).
On the Fourth Day of Finals, My Tutor Gave to Me:
Four practice tests—because nothing beats preparing like the real thing. Practice tests show you where you’re confident and where you need to improve. Plus, they help reduce those dreaded test-day jitters.
On the Fifth Day of Finals, My Tutor Gave to Me:
FIVE. GOLDEN. PENS.
Highlight important points, underline key formulas, or just feel like a scholar-artist while you study. Pro tip: Color-coding your notes can help boost memory retention.
On the Sixth Day of Finals, My Tutor Gave to Me:
Six minute breaks—perfect for stretching, grabbing a snack, or having a quick dance party to “Jingle Bell Rock.” Studies show that short breaks help improve focus and productivity.
On the Seventh Day of Finals, My Tutor Gave to Me:
Seven mnemonic tricks—because who doesn’t love a good memory hack? Try:
“PEMDAS” for math order of operations
“Never Eat Soggy Waffles” for cardinal directions
Or make your own to remember that history timeline or bio terms.
On the Eighth Day of Finals, My Tutor Gave to Me:
Eight hours of sleep—yes, this is non-negotiable. Sleep helps your brain consolidate everything you’ve studied, so put down the flashcards and get some rest.
On the Ninth Day of Finals, My Tutor Gave to Me:
Nine flashcards flying—flashcards are your best friend for memorizing definitions, vocabulary, and formulas. Keep them with you to review during downtime (or while waiting for that peppermint mocha).
On the Tenth Day of Finals, My Tutor Gave to Me:
Ten problem-solving tips, from using process of elimination to working backward on tricky math problems. Remember: Finals aren’t just about what you know, but how you approach each question.
On the Eleventh Day of Finals, My Tutor Gave to Me:
Eleven Zoom sessions with my trusty tutor. Tutors are the elves of the academic world—they’re here to help when you’re stuck, explain concepts in a way that makes sense, and give you the confidence you need to succeed.
On the Twelfth Day of Finals, My Tutor Gave to Me:
Twelve A’s on my transcript. Okay, maybe not exactly 12, but with the right preparation, you can definitely finish the semester strong and feel proud of your hard work.
Final Thoughts
Finals season can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. With a solid plan, some good study habits, and maybe a little help from Tutors & Friends, you’ll make it through this last stretch of the semester—and then it’s all about relaxing, celebrating, and enjoying winter break.
Remember: It’s not about perfection, it’s about progress. So, take a deep breath, grab your favorite holiday snack, and dive into those study guides. You’ve got this!
P.S. Need a little extra help? Reach out to Tutors & Friends for one-on-one tutoring. We’ve got your back—because everyone deserves a little holiday magic (and academic success).
