Finals week is coming in hot, and you might be feeling that familiar mix of “I’ve got this” and "wait...WHAT??”

That’s exactly why I created my Countdown to College Finals Series over on Instagram. It’s a simple five-day reset to help you feel organized and more in control before exams hit.

I wanted to put everything here in one easy place so you can come back to it anytime. You can binge all five reels today and do it all, or you can take your time. There aren't rules.

Day 1: Get the schedule on paper (your personal finals map)

Today is about you getting clear on what is expected of you during finals week, when you're supposed to show up, and where you're supposed show up.

Here’s what you do:

1. Grab a piece of paper and write down every course you’re taking this semester.

2. Go into each course in your learning management system (Canvas, Blackboard, etc.) and check:

   • professor announcements

   • the syllabus

   • the course calendar

3. For each class, write down:

   • what your final format is (cumulative exam, project, paper, presentation, etc.)

   • where it is

   • the date

   • the time

Campuses get busy and finals details can shift, so this step keeps you up-to-date with what’s actually coming.

That’s it for today. Simple, quick, and it helps your nervous system breathe a little.

Day 2: Use your iPhone to protect your focus and lock in

If your phone distracts you to no end, welcome to the human race. 😅

On Day 2, I showed you how to create a custom Focus mode on your iPhone. It’s honestly so cool and such a game changer.

With a custom Focus, you can still:

• quiz yourself

• read from your textbook

• use study apps

• check your class stuff

…without being hijacked by notifications. You can even choose which notifications you still want (when your mama calls, maybe?).

It’s a small shift that makes a big difference.

Day 3: Don't waste your time with study strategies that are outdated or ineffective

Today I rated some common (and honestly outdated) study habits.

Here’s your quick reminder:

• Highlighting and rereading feel productive, but they don’t work well unless you’re actively interacting with the material.

• Your brain stores what you engage with, not what you passively stare at.

Better studying = interaction.

Try things like:

• talk to your screen or paper

• quiz yourself

• teach it back to a friend

• write what you know from memory, then go back and fill in gaps

And if you want my full Smart Girl Study System, which IMO is the best way to study, click here to get yours. Use code SMART for 20% off.

Day 4: Get organized with help getting organized

Day four is all about feeling organized and steady. You're going to have everything expected of you in one place. Whew!

This is the day I encourage you to use my free Study & Assignment Tracker.

It helps you:

• see everything in one place

• prioritize without guessing

• plan your time realistically

• celebrate when you finish and feel more confident

Once your finals game plan is on paper, your brain can stop panicking about forgetting something. And, you'll instantly feel more in control. Win/Win

Grab the free tracker here: LINK TO STUDY & ASSIGNMENT TRACKER

Day 5: Your pep talk from Suzanne (yes, you can do this)

By the time fin

als week shows up, you're burned out and feeling uneasy.

You need steadiness. Encouragement. And someone reminding you of what’s already true:

You are stronger than you think you are.
You’ve done hard things before.
You WILL get through this week.

So if you’re tired, anxious, or doubting yourself, come back to this pep talk and let it ground you again.

If you know a college student who’s heading into finals and could use this series, send them this post or the reels.

Don't forget to follow me on Instagram if you don't already! 👉 @suzannehannacoaching

Love,
Suzanne