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The last few weeks of the semester, culminating in final exams, are rough on college students. 

As a family member, you may have your own memories (I recall shuffling back to my residence hall through the snow after an all-nighter spent finishing a history paper), or your student may be venturing into new territory.

One thing is for sure: between end-of-term projects and multiple exams, students will be pushed to their limits this month. Here are some of the stress factors and fears our students face during finals, and suggestions for supporting them from a distance.

Too few hours in the day

With the pressure of three or more exams in one week, students tend to get stressed. First- and second-year students especially are still mastering time management. Stress can cause students to panic and even feel paralyzed.

Information overload

Every student reaches a point during this intensive studying when she feels she simply can’t take in any more information without her brain exploding. Yet study on she must!

Social life takes the way back seat

Finals are synonymous with no social life. A recent graduate noted that, during finals, “Campus always seemed to go dead as people secluded themselves in places where they wouldn’t be bothered.” Students may feel lonely or isolated.

Lack of exercise and energy

As they hit the books with a vengeance, students forget to recharge their batteries by going outside and eating regular meals that include whole, healthy foods. They assume they don’t have time for exercise — one of nature’s best stress relievers and energy boosters.

Relying on junk food (and worse)

During stressful times, it’s common for students to eat emotionally. “Finals week derails everyone’s eating habits since we just want to get our hands on whatever energy booster we can,” one student observed. This often means sugar-filled foods and highly-caffeinated drinks. Misuse of prescription meds is also a serious concern during finals.

Anxiety and depression

Stress can turn into full-blown anxiety for students who are afraid they may fail an exam, or even a class. Anxiety can bring on emotional eating (with attendant weight gain), acne, and eczema. Fatigue and stress can spiral into a seasonal depression.

Families can help.

Remind your student that there are plentiful support resources on campus, especially during finals season.

• The Writing Center and Math Lab offer drop-in tutoring and may be open extra hours.
• Classes will schedule special study sessions; professors and teaching assistants continue to be available for office hours.
• The Counseling Center is open for appointments as well as drop-in support for students experiencing stress, anxiety, or just wanting someone to talk to.
• The Health Center is there for students who feel under the weather.
• The campus gym, fitness center, and other athletic facilities will be open — the perfect place for an invigorating study break.
• Many schools host special finals support events at the Student Center or libraries — give-aways range from “Finals Survival Kits” to free mini-massages.

Check in, but not too often.

Advise your student to:

• Sleep
• Take study breaks
• Hydrate
• Eat well and snack carefully

Offer loads of moral support and encouragement.

Finals can take a toll on a student’s self-confidence. When our students are doubting their abilities, we can let them know we believe in them, and are unfailingly proud of their hard work and dedication. We can also shift the focus from a grade earned in a particular class to the big picture: their long-term goals and all that they are accomplishing in college.