Finals week at Brigham Young University is no joke. The campus buzzes with a mix of determination, caffeine, and that unmistakable Cougar pride. Whether you’re cramming in the Harold B. Lee Library or pacing yourself in a Provo apartment, the pressure is on. But fear not! Here are some battle-tested tips to help you ace finals week and emerge victorious from the “Cougar Crunch.”
1. Master the Art of Prioritization
With multiple exams looming, start by mapping out your schedule. Focus on high-stakes finals first—those worth more points or in tougher classes. Use a planner or app like Notion to break study sessions into manageable chunks. Pro tip: Tackle the hardest subjects when your brain’s freshest (sorry, 2 a.m. crammers).
2. Leverage the HBLL Like a Pro
The Harold B. Lee Library is your finals week fortress. Stake out a quiet spot early—those carrels fill up fast! Bring snacks (quiet ones—nobody likes a chip-crunching neighbor) and use the library’s online resources like JSTOR or BYU’s study guides to supplement your notes.
3. Fuel Up, Cougar-Style
You can’t ace finals on an empty stomach. Stock up on brain food: think almonds, bananas, and dark chocolate. Hit the CougarEat for a quick Jamba Juice or Creamery run—because who doesn’t need a little ice cream motivation? Just avoid the post-sugar crash.
4. Sleep > All-Nighters
Pulling an all-nighter might feel heroic, but studies show sleep boosts memory retention. Aim for 6-8 hours a night, even if it means cutting that fifth review session short. A rested Cougar is a sharp Cougar.
5. Study Smart, Not Just Hard
Ditch the highlighter frenzy. Use active recall—quiz yourself or teach concepts to a friend (real or imaginary). Flashcards via Quizlet or explaining thermodynamics to your roommate’s goldfish can work wonders.
6. Take a Breather with BYU’s Best Views
When stress hits, step outside. A quick walk around the Maeser Building or a gaze at Y Mountain can reset your mind. Bonus points if you pray or meditate—BYU’s spiritual vibe is a finals week secret weapon.
7. Team Up (Wisely)
Study groups can be gold—split the workload and quiz each other. But choose partners who won’t derail into a two-hour debate about the best BYU football season. Keep it focused, Cougars!
8. Celebrate the Wins
Finished a killer exam? Treat yourself—a Cosmo’s cookie or a Netflix episode (just one!). Small rewards keep the momentum going.
Finals week at BYU tests your grit, but with these tips, you’ll not only survive—you’ll thrive. So grab your blue and white gear, channel that Cougar spirit, and crush it. Good luck—you’ve got this!
