Preparing for Finals at LVC: Your Guide to Finishing Strong

Finals week is almost here, and at Lebanon Valley College, we know this stretch of the semester can feel intense. Whether you’re juggling major projects, prepping for exams, or just trying to stay organized, remember: you’re not doing this alone.

The Center for Academic Success & Exploration (CASE) is here to support your success every step of the way.

LVC Academic Support: We’re with You to the Finish Line

End-of-semester stress is real, but having a plan can make all the difference. If you’d like help strategizing for finals, whether it’s building a study calendar, improving test-taking skills, managing stress, or tackling specific challenges—email us anytime at findyoursuccess@lvc.edu.

Finals Week Tutoring

Our tutors are preparing for their own exams, so availability may be limited during finals week. Still, we’ll post as many tutoring hours as possible to support you. Already meeting with an individual tutor? Make sure to schedule your review session early so you don’t miss out.

The Most Underrated Finals Strategy: Rest

At LVC, we care about your well-being just as much as your success. And here’s the truth: your brain learns when you’re resting, not just when you’re studying.

Try adding intentional rest into your study routine:

• Take short, purposeful breaks: go for a walk, stretch, listen to music, or take a shower.
• Stop before you hit burnout, not after.
• Prioritize a few nights of real, restorative sleep. Your grades (and your mood) will thank you.

Rest isn’t what you do after you finish studying; it’s what helps your studying work.

A 1-Minute LVC Reset

Feeling overwhelmed between study sessions? Try this quick grounding exercise:

1. Look away from your screen.
2. Notice:
   1. One thing you can see,
   2. One thing you can hear,
   3. One thing you can physically feel.

Just like that, you’ve given your nervous system a reset in under a minute.

Micro-Mindfulness: Small Moments, Big Impact

Mindfulness doesn’t mean sitting cross-legged for 30 minutes. It simply means paying attention—on purpose.

Here are a few LVC-friendly ways to practice it:

• Put your phone down before you eat and really taste your food in Mund or at your desk.
• On the walk to class, notice your footsteps and your breath.
• When stress spikes, place a hand on your chest and remind yourself: “I can handle this one thing.”

Small, intentional moments can help steady you during the busiest weeks of the semester.

Feeling Overwhelmed? Try the LVC “Big 3” Method

When everything feels urgent at once, simplify your to-do list. Each day, choose:

1. One task you must move forward with (your highest priority—no negotiation)
2. One task you should make progress on (the deadline is getting close)
3. One task that will make tomorrow easier (even a tiny first step counts)

Not twelve tasks. Not perfection. Just focused, manageable progress.

If you want help building your “Big 3,” organizing your finals game plan, or talking through a tough spot, we’re here for you. Reach out anytime; you don’t need to navigate finals alone.