The week before the last week of classes is always the worst. There is nothing happening and you’re in academic limbo. It’s still too early to begin studying for finals, but you also still have course reading and work to do. Everyone is slowly beginning to lose energy and are counting the days until their last final. So, what time of the year is it? It is called the pre-finals slump. You may be wondering how to survive this slump season, and we’ve got you covered.

The Thanksgiving tease…

November is one of those months that seems to pass by in a blur. The day after Halloween, we transition into the winter holiday season. Every store is slowly releasing their “ugly” Christmas sweaters. Not to mention Starbucks rolls out the red cups at the beginning of November now, so that’s a thing. It is so difficult to get ready for finals when you spend a week eating pie for breakfast and putting off all of your work . Thanksgiving week is a tease for the longer and more stress-free winter break. So, make sure to stock up on those leftovers from Thanksgiving and eat the pie your mom forced you to take home in moderation. You never know when you’ll need comfort food.

You could prepare for finals

You could use this valuable down time to begin studying. Make outlines and highlight important parts of your class lecture notes. If you do this now, think of all the study breaks you’ll be able to take during finals week. Or, at least admire all of your doodles that you drew during lecture in the margins of your notebook.

Or… procrastinate

Let’s be real… you’re not going to study. So, take this time to do what you want before you have to study for finals. Instead of trying to study and ultimately disapointing yourself (you know this feeling all too well) do something that you enjoy. You earned it!

While procrastinating, watch Netflix

At this point, Netflix should endorse my life. I love all of the Netflix originals and I am counting the days until the release of The Series of Unfortunate Events. If you read the series in elementary school, you know the hype. Or, watch the new stunning show The Crown. You will not be dissapointed.

Be semi-adventurous and go to Thomasville

Tally got you down? Drive out to Thomasville and walk through this adorable town. There are great brunch spots and Grassroots Coffee makes a killer cappuccino. While you’re at it, stop at The Bookshelf and pick up a book to read to pass the time. Everyone is super nice and every store welcomes you with a smile and a “How are you doing?”

The pre-finals slump doesn’t have to be awful! Get outside and spend time with your friends. It is a time to be thankful and to appreciate what are have in life. We’ve all been given the amazing opprotunity to attend one of the best universities in the country. Florida State is an incredibly accepting and supportive community. Also, FSU beat UF, so if that doesn’t brighten your day, do you even go here?

@madselizabethb