Finals are coming! Stay strong with these tips from Student Life

Finals are coming fast! Stay strong these next few weeks with the four S’s: study, self-care, snack, and sleep. 

If you’re new to college, this might be your first finals experience. Don’t stress! You’ll get through it and come out stronger on the other side. (Learn all about IU’s finals process.) The best part? Finals Week is followed by IU’s three-week Winter Break, and the spring semester starts on Monday, January 12, 2026.

As you prepare for Finals Week, we’ve got your back—check out these tips and more on the Student Life Instagram.

Stressed about an exam? Need a quiet place to study? There are academic resources available to help!

• Check out student-favorite study spots at Wells Library and the Indiana Memorial Union. 
• Connect with professors during office hours or by email. 
• Ask for help with free academic support like the Academic Support Center, Student Academic Center, or Writing Tutorial Services.

Mental well-being is important, especially during stressful times like finals. This time of year, you might also be feeling a bit of the “winter blues,” known more formally as seasonal affective disorder. It’s a form of depression that affects some people during the fall and winter months. (Check out the IU School of Medicine’s advice on coping with seasonal blues.)

Here some tips to keep your emotions—and stress levels—in check: 

• Visit the Wellness House to relax, renew, and revitalize. Drop in and relax anytime in the Quiet Room, Fireplace Room, Meditation Space, and Collaboration Space. 
• Stop by Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) for safe, welcoming, and affirming mental health treatment. Anyone is welcome to attend Mindfulness in the Meadow, a class led by CAPS counselors where you’ll learn strategies to improve stress, depression, and anxiety. (Be sure to check the weather and dress appropriately for outdoor activities. It can get chilly here!)
• Blow off some steam and meet friends for a pick-up game at the Northwest Recreation Courts. (Again, dress appropriately for any chilly weather!)
• Find your center at the Wellness Studio and try cutting-edge equipment like CryoLounge+, HydroMassage, and RelaxSpace.
  

Don’t study on an empty stomach! Make meals a priority and stay fueled this finals season. 

• Bring your emotional support water bottle to stay hydrated and alert. 
• Treat yourself to tasty on-campus spots like Sugar & Spice, Whitfield Grill, and The Globe. 
• If you’re experiencing food insecurity, check in to Crimson Cupboard for access to free, nutritious food to help you feel your best, including Hoosier Foodie Meal Kits for easy meal prep.

It’s better to sleep than pull an all-nighter. Stay fresh and get your rest! 

• College students typically need seven to nine hours of sleep each night. 
• Set a relaxing nighttime routine to help unwind before bed. Whether it’s 10 steps of skincare or relaxing with a book, having a nighttime routine will help you get more sleep and wake up feeling refreshed. 
• Are you an avid energy drink or coffee lover? Watch your caffeine intake. Caffeine can stay in the body for four to seven hours and may be responsible for restless nights, anxiety, and headaches. 

For more finals tips and resources, follow @iustudentlife. Good luck, Hoosiers!