As students return from Thanksgiving break, they face the daunting task of preparing for final exams in just one week. With the pressure mounting, many students are finding ways to maximize their remaining time by taking advantage of campus resources, creating study strategies, and using whatever methods work best for them to ensure they are ready.

Across campus, students are making the most of the quiet spaces at places like Brenner Library and the Student Success Center, where they can focus and knock out the work necessary for finals. Whether it’s organizing a detailed to-do list or grabbing a caffeine boost to fuel their study sessions, students are finding their unique methods to stay on track.

For QU sophomore Madisyn Kunkel, creating a clear, actionable plan is essential.

“I find it best for me to write down a list of everything I know needs to be done and then work my way down the list so that I am organized and on top of everything before finals week,” Kunkel said.

She emphasized the importance of staying organized so she can balance multiple projects and assignments in the final stretch before exams begin. While Kunkel prefers to work from the comfort of her room, others find it more beneficial to work away from their personal space.

QU junior Briana Obermaier, who struggles to focus in her room, prefers to relocate to a quieter place when preparing for finals.

“To prepare for finals, I usually try to leave my room because I can’t really focus here that well. So I’ll go to like the top floor of the library usually because it’s the most quiet, and then to look forward to it I’ll get like an energy drink or a coffee to make it more fun,” Obermaier said.

For her, the change of scenery and a caffeine boost help her get into the zone and be more productive.

For students who need extra peace and quiet or a designated area to focus, the library and Student Success Center offer valuable resources. Both locations have rooms available for reservation, allowing students to secure their own private space for uninterrupted studying. To reserve a room, students can simply reach out to any available librarian and sign up for the time and space they need.

The library is a great place for focused study sessions, and students should take full advantage of the ability to book a room. These spaces are really helpful for those who need isolation to focus before the exams hit.

As finals week approaches, students are encouraged to check their emails for detailed information about the exam schedule, which will officially begin on December 9. With just a week left before exams, students are taking every opportunity to prepare, using every available resource on campus to ensure they are ready for the challenges ahead.

As the campus begins to buzz with study sessions and last-minute preparations, it’s clear that students are taking their finals seriously—each using their own strategies to navigate the final stretch. Whether it’s a caffeine-fueled library study session or simply keeping track of important tasks with a to-do list, one thing is certain: preparation is key.