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Studying is an absolutely essential part of making sure you have a successful exam week. But it’s not the only important thing I do to ensure I do well. I’ve been able to fine-tune my exam week survival tips during my time at U-M, and I hope other students find them helpful too.

1. Buy snacks/study food/munchies. Whatever you want to call them, this is definitely one of the best parts of exam week.

The logic is so simple: I have to study; in order to study, my brain needs a lot of energy; Oreos are a great source of energy; therefore, it is necessary to buy Oreos from Walgreens, CVS, or Ugo’s (free, because of Dining Dollars that come with a meal plan). Also, I might have taken the Ann Arbor Ride (free for students!) to Kroger to buy specialty Oreos.

2. Make plans for after exam week.

Going out to Frita Batidos for some heavenly churros?

After exams.

Watching A Star Is Born with friends at the State Theater?

After exams.

Going on a run with friends through the Arb?

After exams.

I can make detailed study plans in preparation for exams, but I make even more detailed plans for what I’m going to do after exams. I maximize functions now so that later, I can maximize fun.

3. Hang out with friends.

I am still my social self, even during exam week. Even if I’m just stopping by my friend’s apartment to eat some of her signature homemade turkey chili, it’s important that I don’t put life on pause for exams.

4. Hang out with friends… in the library.

Friends don’t let friends study alone. So when my friend reserves a group study room in the Dude to study, I pack my backpack and join her.

There’s nothing quite as motivating as having your friends working hard at their biochemistry homework or doing their psychology reading right next to you (Yes, Lisa, you too can get through a problem set!).

5. Drink more coffee and other caffeinated beverages.

Exam week can be tiring, and it does mean that I’m not getting my full eight hours of beauty sleep. Luckily, coffee is never far away. Dining hall coffee, Mujo’s coffee, Alumni Center coffee (with free bagels every Wednesday!), Panera coffee, Starbucks coffee; all of it is wonderfully delicious and can be that extra push I need to get through a late night of debugging.

6. Drink orange juice at every meal.

No one has the time to be sick during exam week, so I took a tip from a friend and start drinking orange juice at every meal. With an extra boost of vitamin C, I can be victorious over colds and be in the best condition to conquer every exam.

7. Take time to rest

Many say that this is one of the most important parts of exam week, and I can confirm from experience that I mostly agree. I always feel so much better after taking a short nap.
If not in my room, you can probably find me relaxing in one of the many free massage chairs sprinkled across campus.

To everyone taking exams, in high school or college, I wish you the best of luck! May the odds be ever in your favor (and Michigan’s football team’s, too).