By Amanda Barrios
As finals week approaches, students across campus are studying, stressing and submitting assignments but their minds aren’t always in the same place. For many, summer plans are already shaping how they approach the final stretch. Depending on where you’re headed, your finals mindset might look a little different.
Out-of-State Travelers: You just need to be done.
If you’ve got a flight booked, chances are you’re locked in.
Students traveling out of state tend to treat finals like the final checkpoint before freedom.
There’s a sense of urgency. Get everything done, get it done well, and don’t let anything ruin the
trip. For these students, motivation is high. The reward is clear.
Your best day this summer will be: Thursday, June 12
Your summer go-to drink: An overpriced airport iced coffee that somehow tastes better
because you’re finally done.
International Travelers: Mentally, you’re already gone.
Big trip, bigger distraction.
Students traveling out of the country often feel the pull of summer the strongest. Packing has
already started, itineraries are set, and mentally, finals feel like an inconvenience. The result? A
mix of excitement and distraction. Sometimes more of one than the other.
Your best day this summer will be: Wednesday, June 25
Your summer go-to drink: A refreshing iced matcha or specialty drink you discover and try to
recreate when you get back.
In-State Travelers: You’ll get it done… probably.
Still traveling, just without the pressure.
Students staying in state but still planning a getaway often fall into a more relaxed mindset.
There’s something to look forward to, but it doesn’t feel urgent. This group tends to balance
productivity with daydreaming.
Your best day this summer will be: Thursday, July 3
Your summer go-to drink: A colorful gas station slushie or iced lemonade on a random drive.
Internship Students: You can’t afford to slack.
Summer isn’t a break. It’s a step forward.
Students heading into internships or career-focused roles approach finals with a different level of
seriousness. Grades matter. Performance matters. There’s less room to mentally check out. For
them, finals aren’t the end. They’re part of the process.
Your best day this summer will be: Tuesday, July 15
Your summer go-to drink: A cold brew or energy drink you grab between shifts to keep you
going.
Working All Summer: You’re on to the next thing.
No break, just a transition. Students who plan to work through the summer often treat finals as
just another responsibility. There’s no big “escape,” just a shift from school to work. That can go
two ways. Some stay grounded and focused, while others struggle without something exciting on
the horizon.
Your best day this summer will be: Saturday, August 2
Your summer go-to drink: A fountain soda or iced tea during your break that hits just right.
No Plans: You just need a break.
No flights, no schedules, just rest. For some students, the only goal is recovery. After a long
semester, the idea of doing nothing is enough motivation to push through finals. This group isn’t
chasing a destination, but chasing a pause.
Your best day this summer will be: Wednesday, June 18
Your summer go-to drink: Ice-cold water straight from your bedside after a 12-hour sleep.
So… what’s your finals mindset? Whether students are counting down to a flight, a job, or simply a chance to rest, one thing is clear: summer plans shape how finals feel. For some, it’s motivation. For others, it’s a distraction. And for many, it’s a mix of both. But no matter the destination, finals week remains the same. Just one last push before whatever comes next.
Good luck!
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