The Final Push: Savannah State Students Share Tips for Surviving Finals Week

As the spring semester winds down at Savannah State University, the typical “crunch time” atmosphere has taken hold, leaving many students balancing heavy academic loads with the looming transition to summer. From final projects to nagging family members asking about graduation dates, the pressure on campus is palpable.

For freshman Amir Williams, the end of the year has brought a cycle of stress that sometimes leads to procrastination. “I feel okay. My work is piling up, this semester is kicking my butt, and I can’t keep up,” Williams admitted. To combat this, he recommends finding environments and peers that foster focus. Williams often retreats to the library with “strict friends” to ensure his work actually gets finished.

In contrast, freshman Simone Smith is entering finals week with a sense of confidence. She credits her positive outlook to self-belief and a supportive social circle that keeps her “on her toes. Smith emphasizes that self-care is a vital component of academic success.

“Put that book down, go outside, and listen to music,” Smith advised her peers. “If you neglect yourself, how are you supposed to get your work done?”.

For graduating seniors, the end of the semester represents a bittersweet milestone rather than just a testing period. Kari Dickerson, who is finishing her undergraduate career, urged underclassmen—particularly freshmen—to persevere even when things feel overwhelming.

Dickerson noted that many students feel tempted to give up or drop out when the pressure peaks. Her philosophy for crossing the finish line is simple: give what you can. “If you can’t give 100 percent, give 75,” she said.