December 16, 2025 by

If you have ever studied until 2 a.m. or survived solely on coffee and granola bars, you know finals week isn’t for the faint of heart. But at Cedarville, the chaos feels a little different. Everyone may be stressed, but we are in it together. There is a shared sense of purpose and determination — a kind of community that only Cedarville has.  

As the semester comes to a close, students begin gathering in the library, Stevens Student Center (SSC), and other places to study. Everywhere you turn, you see another person hunkered down in the middle of an all-day study session. That’s the nature of finals week. 

Before I knew it, I was one of those students scattered around campus, running through flashcards and re-reading chapters day in and day out. Although this sounds daunting and tedious, it’s actually a lot of fun, especially at a college like Cedarville.  

Whether you’re approaching finals week yourself or trying to prepare before you arrive at college, here are a few tips to help you survive your exams — and maybe even have some fun along the way. 

Get Out of the “House”

 

The first thing I learned about studying is to do it somewhere other than the dorm. Dorms are great, but I find it easy to get distracted there. Between your phone, your bed, your snacks, and your hallmates, a “five-minute” break can quickly turn into doom-scrolling or an unplanned nap.  

That is why it’s a great idea to explore campus and find new places to study. Thankfully,Cedarville has a bunch of different study spots that create natural atmospheres for focus. My personal favorite is the upper library because of the people there, but it can be helpful to switch it up. Changing the scenery every day, or even throughout your study session, can keep things fresh and prevent studying from feeling repetitive and isolating. 

In addition, getting some fresh air and talking to people can boost your mood and energy. A great way to do this is by taking short walks. My friends and I love to walk across the street to Dollar General or “The Rip” (that’s what we call the gas station across from campus). We’ll grab a coffee, energy drink, or snack, then head back to our study spot. This is a great way to get some fresh air, stretch out, and take much-needed time away from schoolwork.   

Study Buddies 

Second, and arguably the most important, is who you surround yourself with. I previously wrote a blog about making friends at Cedarville, and by finals week, you will probably have found your group of people. So study with them!  

Everyone has exams piling up, and nobody wants to go through that week alone. Grab a few friends and go find a study room or table around campus. Get out of the dorm and hit the books together. 

Studying with people is a great way to stay focused while still having fun. It also helps prevent mental burnout while studying for multiple exams. For example, when my friends and I study, we like to bring a deck of cards. Every 30-45 minutes, we deal a few hands and play some poker, euchre, or even Uno. This breaks up the grind, making studying feel less like a chore. 

 Studying with friends also helps with accountability. Being surrounded by others who are working hard makes it easier to stay on track yourself, which is another reason to get out of the dorm.  

If you are in the same class as a friend, talking through notes and teaching each other is one of the best ways to study. My roommate and I did this for General Psychology (a general elective most students have to take), and I got my best scores on the tests we prepared for together.


Love To Learn 

Third, your mindset towards studying makes a huge difference. One of my favorite parts of college is getting to study topics I’m truly interested in. At Cedarville, you get to study what you love, learning from professors who care deeply about your education and your walk with God.  

Being able to attend Cedarville is such a blessing. Do not take this time for granted. God has placed you here for a reason and given you the opportunity to grow in knowledge and faith. Proverbs 19:20 urges, “Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.”  

Studying isn’t just about passing exams; it is a way to glorify God through the pursuit of knowledge. So as you study, remember God’s blessings and view your school endeavors as an act of worship.  

The Perfect Atmosphere 

At Cedarville University, students put forth their best, striving for excellence and loving to learn. You are surrounded by people who are not only passionate about growing in knowledge and faith but who also want the best for those around them. The Cedarville atmosphere is incredibly unique. It is encouraging, uplifting, and Christ-centered. 

Although finals week can be daunting, it can also be a time of joy and community. It provides time to spend with friends and to grow deeper in the knowledge of subjects you love. Every late-night study session and caffeine-fueled conversation with friends will spark unforgettable memories that you will remember for a lifetime.  

Whether you’re about to begin your first year at Cedarville or are already enjoying your 1000 Days, take full advantage of your time here. Embrace the challenges, hold friendships close, and remember how much God has blessed you.  

It is a privilege to learn from God-fearing professors who truly care about your growth both academically and spiritually. Cedarville is more than just a college; it is a Christ-centered community where faith and learning thrive together.  

Posted in: , , , ,