The end of the semester is quickly approaching and for most, that means writing papers, finishing papers and cramming in as much studying as possible.

Weekends become time for study groups instead of partying when procrastination is no longer an option.

Whether this is your last semester here, or you are just trying to make it to summer vacation, here are a few tips and tricks on getting through those last few weeks.

Do not overload on caffeine.

As much as places like Starbucks and Coffee Culture love college students this time of year, drinking too much caffeine is not always the solution.

It may help you wake up in the morning or afternoon, but the effects do not last. Before you know it, you are reaching for your sixth cup or crashing, once the energy is gone.

If you need help, get it.

Finals week can be one of the hardest times of the year. In every class and lab, there is a project, paper, exam, practical or a combination of final assessments. It can become overwhelming and stressful. Maybe there is that one paper that you need edited or that one concept you do not understand.

Do not be afraid to ask for help. Professors around campus are more than willing to lend a hand. Also, the writing center and tutoring are available up until the last few days of school.

If all else fails, the Internet has many sites to help you study.

Waiting until Reading Day to study is not okay.

A lot of people like to procrastinate until the last second before preparing for finals. This is not a tactic many would suggest. Most students have three to five classes that they have to study for, so waiting until the last day is not good.

Waiting until the Monday before finals start, and spending 23 hours bouncing between subjects is a sure way to overwhelm yourself. In that short time, it is almost impossible to truly study everything you should and still get the grades you want. So, start now and save yourself the stress later.

Staying up late every night to work is not a good idea.

Everyone has a busy schedule, between juggling classes, working, getting to the gym and finding time to eat. Twenty-four hours in a day just does not seem like enough time to get anything done. Most will resort to pulling all-nighters as much as they can, but that is not the best course of action.

Your brain needs those few hours every night. It needs the time to slow down, rest and reboot for the next day. Getting just five or six hours each night will help you feel better and be more prepared for the day ahead. So make sure to get in some zzz’s.

Getting through the end of the semester can seem impossible, but if you prepare the right way, it can be easier than you think. Good luck to everyone on the last few weeks.