It was a typical Ohio morning where your breath freezes after exhalation and snow that’s piled higher than your GPA. With more than two feet of snow outside, I stared out the window at a whiteout, iced coffee in my hand, and wondered: Are we fighting through exams, or are exams fighting through us?

In a state where seasons are a suggestion, studying for finals during a blizzard feels like a cruel joke. There are only eleven school days left and one of them is canceled.  But as I wrapped myself in three blankets and found my Wi-Fi see-sawing between life and death, I realized something: tackling exams in Ohio weather is less about memorizing equations and more about braving the storm—inside and out.

But who else knows this feeling other than other students? 

“Elizabeth, Sophomore, The Planner” – “I’d say to talk to your teachers well in advance about what material will be on the midterm. Then go back and rewrite all of the stuff you’ll need to know onto a sheet or two of paper, b/c it helps with organization and refreshes your memory. I’d suggest then rewriting it again onto notecards because it helps you remember stuff better and gives you a good study tool closer to the exam. After you have it all organized into an easy study format, I’d recommend focusing on the exams on the first day, because you’ll have time after exams each day to study for the next day. But definitely prep beforehand.”

So I guess the gist is…

Plan Like You’re Shoveling Snow

In Ohio, it would be near impossible to clear a driveway in one go, and the same goes for your study schedule. Start with the big stuff—topics that seem the most difficult and convoluting—and save the light dusting for last. Much like this storm did. 

Pro tip from an AP student: Like driving through the blizzard when the stress hits, turn on the playlist that screams “I’m surviving this.”

Study Smarter, Like Layers in the Cold

Much like you wouldn’t walk outside without layers, so why approach studying without strategy? Picture this: It’s 20 degrees below freezing, and you step outside in just a t-shirt. You wouldn’t, right? The cold demands preparation, just like your exams do. Start with your study “base layer”: foundational materials like class notes and textbooks. These keep you grounded. Add your “mid-layer,” like flashcards or diagrams—something to trap the knowledge. Finally, wrap it all up with the “outer shell” of practice tests, which shield you from surprises on exam day.

And then, there’s the cramming, which is like wearing flip-flops in February—don’t do it.

Turn Your Space Into a Cozy Cabin

Do people really feel inspired by clutter? Most of the time the answer is no. So why not turn your room into your own cozy cabin secluded from the rest of the world? Clear up your desk, vanity, and whatever you do work on, and throw away the half-empty water bottles and things that just aren’t used anymore. Maybe adding some warm lighting, orange LED lights or fairy lights will do the trick to get rid of those pesky fluorescents.  And with a strong warning and permission from parents, maybe light up a nice candle to get you locked into studying. 

I can’t be the only person on the planet who likes to be comfortable when studying so dress the part. Grab your fluffiest hoodie and the thickest socks you own so they aren’t just comfy; they’re armor against distraction. And let’s not forget the ultimate coziness rule: banish your phone. Think of it as the Wi-Fi in a blizzard—spotty, unhelpful, and better left alone. Replace doomscrolling with a calming playlist or white noise to keep you focused and zen.

Warm Up Your Brain (and Soul)

When an Ohio blizzard hits, even your motivation seems to freeze solid much like my car chose to while it sat getting buried in the Canes parking lot for two days. That’s when you turn to brain fuel. I will always recommend an iced cafe mocha from Starbucks and the same from Dunkin but if you can’t get your hands on that, switch it up with a mug of something warm—tea, cocoa, or coffee if you’re living on the edge. Pair it with snacks that won’t make you crash, I would recommend anything from an apple to salami with cream cheese and pickles. Keep them nearby so you’re not running to the kitchen every 15 minutes and losing momentum.

And then there’s the power of movement. When your brain feels as stuck as a car in an unplowed driveway (like my car, Bartholomew) step outside… if possible maybe just out of your room. The cold, sharp air can clear mental fog like nothing else. Or just try a quick workout, stretching, or even dancing around to your favorite song. Anything to thaw out your thoughts and bring back the flow.

The Test-Day Tundra

Test day in Ohio isn’t just about exams; it’s about survival. It was Darwin who said, “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is most adaptable to change.” So if you can go out after a week of fifty-degree weather and suddenly be able to scrape ice off your car and pray the roads aren’t frozen then you’re probably on the right track. Make your prep as bulletproof as your winter gear: pack your bag the night before with pencils, a calculator, snacks, and whatever else you might need. Double-check it.

Dress in layers—you never know if the classroom will feel like a sauna or an icebox. Gloves and a hat are a must because frostbite isn’t the vibe. And most importantly, leave early. Snow-induced lateness is stress you don’t need. Walk into that test as if you’re braving the tundra: prepared, confident, and ready to crush it.

Final Thoughts From the Snowbank

As I watched the snowstorm swirl outside my window, I had an epiphany: Ohio winters and exam season are two sides of the same coin. Both are tough and relentless and make you question why you didn’t just stay in bed. But here’s the thing—they don’t last forever.

With the right preparation, a few cozy touches, and a determination that burns hotter than your cocoa, you’ll not only survive but thrive. Exams, like snowstorms, are just temporary hurdles in the journey. And when they’re over? There’s nothing sweeter than that first moment of relief—preferably with a hot drink and a victory nap.

So grab your notes, your blanket, and your grit. You’re not just surviving exams—you’re conquering them, one snowflake at a time.