hermitnating
The act of confining oneself from the social world for an extended period of time in order to study for that big test or to write that big paper. A person hermitnating doesn't talk to any of his/her friends and doesn't go out (even during the weekends!). Sounds similar to hibernating.
Nicole didn't go to the birthday party because she was hermitnating. She has three midterms, AND she's applying to pharm school!