A how-to for getting through finals alive

Coffee in one hand, computer in the other — even though it’s like 30 degrees outside, you will yourself to make that dreadful trek to the library.

I’d love to say that this is something that only happens during finals season, but let’s be real — it’s pretty much an everyday scenario for most of us. There’s a reason why people joke that Hopkins kids live in the library; take it from someone who’s seen people brush their teeth in the bathrooms: This is no myth. Though some of us may be questioning our decision to come here (curse our younger and naïve, over-achieving selves!), not all hope is lost with Hopkins. Yes, this is a cutthroat school where the curve is as important as the subject of a course, but there are definitely ways to navigate Hopkins while still maintaining our sanity. Thus, I’ve compiled a list of things to do that would be especially useful to keep us all going during these last couple grueling weeks of school.

1. Remove yourself from those intense, overachievers.

We all have that friend: the one that’s always two weeks ahead of the homework, scores almost perfect scores in exams and seems to have this college thing figured out pretty well. If you’re that person, just skip to the next item on the list. But if you’re not, take comfort in knowing that most of us are winging it, too. Just take a deep breath, and remember that we all work at different paces. Stop wasting time worrying what the other person has done, and start focusing on getting through your own pile of work.

2. Hang with your friends.

Remember those people that you used to talk to back when you still thought that midterms only happened once in the middle of the semester? Instead of taking yet another to-go box from the FFC, why not spend that time catching up with a friend? Chances are they’re probably still as cool and fun to spend time with, and just as stressed as you are with the infinite amount of work. It’s a struggle at first, but getting out of hibernation mode is worth it. Hey, you might even be motivated to get some actual studying done when you return to the library.

3. Treat yourself to good food.

It’s no coincidence that desserts is “stressed” spelled backwards. We’ve all been there. Stress-eating becomes all too common once we’re up studying for yet another midterm. However, instead of snacking on spicy Cheetos (or whatever the CharMar equivalent is), why not have some actual, good food? Baltimore is never lacking when it comes to inexpensive but delicious food. Use your next study break over the weekend to grab the JHMI to Iggy’s in Mount Vernon for amazing pizza, or satisfy your sweet tooth cravings with some sweet potato ice cream from Dominion. Never underestimate the power of good food.

4. Get away from Hopkins.

Sitting in the same cubicle for seven hours straight is enough to make anyone go crazy. Somehow there will always be work to do, so leaving your spot for a couple of hours is not going to make much of a difference. Whether it’s taking a short walk to the stream behind San Martin Drive, or taking the Blue Jay shuttle to the karaoke place a couple of streets away, the change of scenery will make a world of a difference.

5. Remind yourself why you’re here.

Though Hopkins now may seem to you like the source of never-ending work, try to go back to a time when you were actually excited to come to this school. Take a trip down memory lane and go through the application essay that got you into this school, or look at pictures from freshman orientation, when everything looked so exciting and everyone was still awkward. College seemed like an endless sea of possibilities then and — tough as it may be to believe — it still is. These four years are what you make out of it, so take heart from your younger ambitious self, and get back to the grind again.

That’s it for my list. Some things may seem pretty intuitive, but you’d be surprised by how many students choose to replace their common sense with the one-track mind for getting that elusive “A.” So instead of spending your study breaks on BuzzFeed or online shopping, switch it up a little and actually go out and do things. And if all else fails, at least you know that winter break is a sweet three weeks away.

Until then, good luck studying! May the curve ever be in your favor.