In a slightly better mood compared to my last post on this thread, so I thought I'd try to be a little more helpful.
From skimming through, most of this has probably already been said but here goes:
1) Make meals ahead of time, whether its weekly, monthly, semester-ly. It saves time, stress, and somewhat helps prevent the urge to eat out for 3 meals a day around finals week. I do a lot of chicken dishes, soups/stews, lasagna, etc in addition to freezing some basic ingredients, so that when I want to cook, I dont have to waste time running to the store for half an onion. I LOVE cooking, so making the meals is no hardship for me, which does help. Same goes for baking...I've got a large stash of cookie dough, apple pies, irish soda bread, pumpkin bread, apple bread, etc, all in the freezer for those moments of craving.
2) Figure out what works for you- and stick to it. A lot of people will tell you about their methods, and its fine to try new things, but don't feel like you have to study a certain way just because "other people" do. For me, I tried a bunch of group study sessions first year and they were epic fails. I can't study if there's more than 2-3 people, and I study best alone. I can't handwrite notes for the life of me, so use the computer for everything. Outlines/flashcards help me, some people can't be bothered with them, etc.
3) Hopefully most of you have figured this out already, but back up, back up, back up! I back up everything on my computer in one place, plus all my school files are backed up in multiple places. Peace of mind is a wonderful thing. Plus, with all my school files on dropbox, its easy to share a study guide, or log in from up at school to print thing.
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this link to sign up for dropbox, please. you and I will both get some extra free space! Also, you can link your school email address to your dropbox to get doubled space.)
4) Have a comfortable place to stay. For me, the expense of living alone is totally worth it just so that I can easily study at home without having to worry about roommates. When I get sick of being here, I head to the coffee shop (starbucks rewards card- free coffee refills while you're sitting there!)
5) hobbies, hobbies, hobbies! I started horseback riding again last semester, and my stress level has decreased dramatically since that. Never should have stopped in the first place!
6) Don't be afraid to take a night or afternoon to yourself, even if there's an exam pending. It's very likely you'll study more effectively if you look at it with a fresh mind rather than cramming on top of cramming with a fried brain. And, on that note, if you are the type of person that needs a full night's sleep, don't try to stay up all night studying because "Everyone" is doing it.
7) Stock up. Paper towels, TP, computer paper, ink, frozen meals, whatever you think you'll need, try to keep as much of it aorund as possible. Extra points for stocking up on things while they are on sale