Finals season as a student employee: How to manage it all

Finals season is here—and if you’re a student employee, you probably have a lot on your plate. Between exams, papers, presentations, work shifts, and life responsibilities, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But with a little planning and self-care, you can power through the remainder of the spring semester and finish strong.

Here are a few tips to help you stay on track:

Get organized & plan ahead

Stephen R. Covey once said, “Begin with the end in mind.” Keeping that in mind can be a game-changer.

Start by mapping out all your major deadlines—exams, paper due dates, work shifts—on a calendar. Seeing everything laid out can help you prioritize and avoid last-minute stress.

Once you have a clear picture, break each big task into smaller, doable steps. Add mini checkpoints to your calendar to help you stay on pace. This kind of proactive planning can make a huge difference in reducing anxiety and keeping you focused.

Incorporate NEAT movements

Exercise is great—but even small movements throughout the day can help you stay sharp. These are called NEAT activities: Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis. Basically, they’re movements that aren’t structured workouts, but still keep your body active.

Here are a few NEAT ideas:

• Take a walk outside – Nature helps relieve stress and recharge your energy.

• Move while you study – Fidgeting or doing light stretches (like shoulder rolls or leaning side to side) keeps your body from stiffening up during long study sessions.

• Do a quick chore – Washing dishes or tidying your room can give your brain a break. Sometimes stepping away for a few minutes leads to those “aha” moments on assignments.

Talk to your professors & supervisor

You’re not alone—your professors and supervisors know this is a busy time. If you're struggling to meet a deadline or need time off work, don’t be afraid to ask for help or accommodations.

Try to anticipate tough days ahead of time. If you know a certain week will be especially heavy, see if you can shift your work hours or take time off. Being proactive can help you stay accountable without burning out.

By integrating these productivity principles into your daily routine, you’ll find it easier to manage responsibilities, reduce stress, and create lasting success in both school and work. The key is not just working harder but working smarter—by focusing on small, strategic actions that compound over time.

Bottom line—You've got this

Balancing finals and work isn’t easy, but with the right strategies, it’s totally doable. Stay organized, keep moving, and don’t hesitate to ask for support when you need it. You’re working hard—take care of yourself and finish this semester proud of what you’ve accomplished.

References: 

Covey, S. R. (2004). The 7 habits of highly effective people. Free Press.

Dakkak, M. (2024, Dec 6). Non-exercise activity thermogenesis is NEAT!. Cleveland Clinic.

Stupart, A. (n.d.). 5 ways to handle stress during finals week. MEFA.

 

 

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