FINALS FRENZY

If you look closely you can see it in the eyes of each passing student. No, not the happy gleam of holiday cheer, or even relief resulting from thoughts of a month-long break. Right now, with the impending horror of finals week weighing on the shoulders of the student body, the most prevalent look among students is one of stress.

Education junior Lesley Barsotti said procrastination during the semester is what makes finals week so stressful for her.

"Every year I plan on getting papers done and studying early," Barsotti said. "But every year I wait until the last minute. Then during finals week I have so much to do I almost lose my mind."

Perri Kersh, a learning skills instructor with UK's Counseling and Testing Center, said starting early is by far the best way to avoid the last minute cramming most students do.

Kersh said reviewing every day during dead week makes the night before finals much less stressful because you are already somewhat prepared.

In addition, Kersh said students should space out their studying, perhaps allowing for some form of exercise in between study sessions.

Post baccalaureate student Brandon McGrath agreed, saying that exercise is the best way to let off steam.

"Whenever I'm stressed I go hit the heavy bag until I feel better," McGrath said. "During finals week, I usually get quite a workout."

Geology junior Scott Boyer uses the same method to relax, making sure he works out every night.

"I really feel much more relaxed after a work out," Boyer said. "It clears my head so I can think about what I'm trying to study."

Finally, Kersh said that the best way to ensure that studying gets done is to plan a reward for yourself so you have something to look forward to. Ideally, Kersh said these rewards should be healthy and positive, but that you should plan to reward yourself with whatever appeals to you.

Accounting freshman Jeremy Conner said this is the study plan that works best for him.

"Every time I start to get discouraged when I'm studying I just think about getting drunk after the test," Conner said. "It works really well -- I usually get A's."