I don’t think it’s fully hit me yet that these are my last finals ever. Like… ever-ever. No more cumulative exams. No more color-coded stress calendars. No more “this determines my entire grade” panic spirals at 11:47 p.m. And yet, here I am, still surrounded by binders, flashcards, and iced coffee, doing what I’ve done for years.

So here’s how I’m approaching finals this time around—both the studying part and the celebrating part—because senior year deserves a little balance.

The Mindset Shift

I’ll be honest: I’m not studying out of fear this time. Past finals were fueled by anxiety and adrenaline. This one feels different. It’s more like closure. I want to finish strong, not because I have to, but because I owe it to myself after four years of grinding.

That shift alone has made studying feel… lighter? Still serious, but not soul-crushing.

How I’m Actually Studying

1. I’m Prioritizing, Not Perfection

I used to treat every subject like it deserved equal energy. This time, I’m being realistic. I made a list of:

• Classes that actually need heavy review
• Classes where light refreshers will do
• Classes where I just need to not mess it up

Not everything needs a 12-page study guide. Some things just need a skim and confidence.

2. Short, Focused Study Blocks

I’m sticking with short study sprints instead of marathon sessions. About 25–40 minutes of focused work, then a break. I’d rather study efficiently for three hours than “study” all day while half-distracted.

Bonus: this leaves room to actually enjoy senior year instead of locking myself in my room for a week straight.

3. Active Recall > Rewriting Notes

At this point, rewriting notes is not the move. I’m quizzing myself, talking concepts out loud, doing practice problems, and forcing my brain to retrieve information instead of rereading it. It’s less aesthetic, more effective.

If I can explain it without looking at my notes, I’m good. If not, I know exactly what to review.

4. Group Study (With Boundaries)

I’ve done a few group sessions, but with rules:

• We come prepared
• We quiz each other
• We don’t let it turn into a three-hour yap session

Group study works best when everyone already knows something. Otherwise, it’s chaos.

The Celebrating Part (Equally Important)

Here’s what younger-me didn’t understand: you don’t have to wait until finals are over to celebrate. You can do both at the same time.

1. Romanticizing the Little Things

I’m making my study setup cute on purpose. Good lighting. Coffee in my favorite cup. Music that makes me feel like I’m in a coming-of-age movie. It sounds silly, but it turns studying into a moment instead of a chore.

2. Built-In Rewards

I’ve been giving myself things to look forward to after study sessions:

• A walk
• A fun dinner
• Watching an episode of a show guilt-free
• Seeing friends

Studying feels way more manageable when it’s not endless.

3. Letting It Be the Last Time

There’s something oddly emotional about closing a binder knowing you won’t need it again. I’m letting myself feel that. I worked hard. I showed up. These finals are the end of an era, and that deserves acknowledgment.

What I’m Not Doing

• Pulling all-nighters (absolutely not).
• Cramming out of panic.
• Comparing how much I’m studying to anyone else.

This isn’t about proving anything anymore. It’s about finishing well.

Final Thoughts

Studying for my last finals ever feels like tying a bow on a chapter that shaped me more than I realized at the time. I’m still putting in the effort, still caring—but I’m also giving myself permission to enjoy it, reflect, and celebrate how far I’ve come.

So yes, I’m studying. But I’m also soaking it in. Because this is the last time I’ll ever say, “I have finals.” And honestly? That deserves both flashcards and a victory coffee.