The 12 days of finals at Rutgers
Sing along if you feel like it
It’s that time of year again. For most, it’s a joyous time full of holiday cheer. Unless you’re in college – then it is a dreadful time of year. Finals.
You can try to get into the holiday spirit, but in reality, as soon as you come back to school from Thanksgiving break, the stress becomes overbearing and the end of the semester rush begins.
You can decorate your dorm for the holidays, but the small fake christmas tree in your room can only keep your hopes high for so long. Finals get the best of all of us and really put a damper on the holidays.
So, here is “The 12 Days of Finals” in hopes it will lift your holiday spirit. On the other hand, it most likely won’t.
On the first day of finals, Rutgers gave to me…
More in class lectures because professors do not know when to stop. Seriously? A new lesson on the last day of class. This is completely unnecessary, especially since each student is already freaking out about their final exams and projects.
On the second day of finals, Rutgers gave to me…
An all-nighter in Alex. Actually, more like a week’s worth of all-nighters. But during finals week, places like the various libraries on all campuses have extended hours. Some are even open 24/7.
This is not only convenient, but a blessing in disguise because we all know if went back to our dorm rooms, just about anything but studying for finals would occur (sleeping sounds much more appealing).
On the third day of finals, Rutgers gave to me…
An all-you-can-eat midnight breakfast in the dining halls. The annual midnight breakfast is a great (and delicious) way to take a break from late night studying. But by the time you get back, your table in the library may be taken.
On the fourth day of finals, Rutgers gave to me…
A few shed tears because I’d rather be home with my family. Preparing for the holidays by decorating and baking Christmas cookies sounds much better than an all-nighter in Alex Library. Seeing all of the Greek houses lit up not only makes me homesick, but it’s a huge tease. It may look like Christmas, but it sure doesn’t feel like it.
On the fifth day of finals, Rutgers gave to me…
My fifth anxiety attack…of the day. Yesterday I had four. Bah humbug, finals truly do ruin the holidays.
On the sixth day of finals, Rutgers gave to me…
Another fat sandwich. Because RU Hungry is the only thing open at 4am on a Tuesday. It is in the most convenient spot, right outside of Alex Library, just calling your name.
On the seventh day of finals, Rutgers gave to me…
A broken Keurig in my dorm room from overuse this week. Great, now the last bit of money you have saved up from your minimum wage job last summer will be spent on Starbucks. It’s OK though. The cups are cute.
On the eighth day of finals, Rutgers gave to me…
A bit of depression and more anxiety. I had to skip out on $2 Tuesday AND thirsty Thursday all because of finals week. Lame.
On the ninth day of finals, Rutgers gave to me…
The ability to write three 10-page papers all in one night. Procrastination is a real thing and I have now obtained great skills to work under pressure all because my final papers are due tomorrow and I am starting tonight. Oops.
On the 10th day of finals, Rutgers gave to me…
A missed final exam because I overslept. I put my head down for just a second after my all-nighter. That second turned into a few hours and now it’s 11am. My exam started at 8am. Hopefully the professor is understanding…good luck.
On the 11th day of finals, Rutgers gave to me…
Emails from professors saying final grades are now online. You should probably look on Sakai, but do you really want to ruin the holiday mood you JUST got into? No. It can wait until next semester.
On the 12th day of finals, Rutgers gave to me…
Freedom. I have successfully completed all of my exams. I never thought this day would come. With another semester in the books, I can finally enjoy the holidays at home with my family and pets.
Over winter break, you may find yourself feeling bored because you have nothing to do in your small hometown. Maybe you even miss the constant rush of finals week? On the other hand, probably not.
Even though college is a great four years, the holidays just aren’t the same because finals fall right before them. I miss the days of decorating the Christmas tree with my family, watching endless hours of Christmas movies on the Hallmark Channel and making cookies.
I keep telling myself it will all pay off in the end…right? Praise yourself after finals though, because You. Did. It. Through the blood, sweat and tears, you put another semester in the books and you’re on your way to bigger and better things.
Until next semester…