By Shivani Parikh
Final exams begin tomorrow, and stress levels are high as students buckle down, spending every spare minute in the library reviewing notes, re-learning material and writing papers upon papers. Amid all the chaos, though, it’s important to relax. Fortunately, many campus organizations are hosting activities throughout the week to help students reduce their end-of-semester stress.
Today, for example, there are many opportunities to de-stress. From 3 to 5 p.m., the Kelvin Smith Library Personal Librarians invite first-year students to play games such as Mario Kart and Just Dance 4, take a free yoga class or take part in holiday crafts. The fun isn’t just for first-year students; any student can stop by from 5 to 7 p.m. for games and snacks.
In addition, the Weatherhead Economics Society will hold its study hours, “Eggnog with the Economists,” today from 4 to 6 p.m. in Peter B. Lewis Building 208. All undergraduates with economics-related finals are invited to enjoy free eggnog and holiday treats while receiving study tips and pre-exam assistance.
Also today, University Counseling Services will host “Wii Need a Break” from 1 to 4 p.m. in Sears Building 350. There will be cookies, hot chocolate, dancing, coloring, play dough crafts and board and Wii games for all students to enjoy. Another “Wii Need a Break” will be held Friday, Dec. 14—same time, same place.
Tomorrow, Weatherhead School’s undergraduate programs office will sponsor “Coloring & Cookies” from 1 to 3 p.m. in Peter B. Lewis Building 208. All undergraduates, regardless of major, are invited to stop by to unwind, eat cookies and forget about finals for a short while.
To help all members of the campus community relax during this stressful time, 121 Fitness will offer two free yoga classes this week. The classes will be held Tuesday, Dec. 11, and Thursday, Dec. 13, from noon to 1 p.m. at 121 Fitness Center (register online here for Dec. 11 and here for Dec. 13).
And what could relieve stress better than playing with dogs? Murray Hill Community Council will host a “Doggy De-stressor” event Wednesday, Dec. 12, from 6 to 8 p.m. As part of the event, there will be therapy dogs in the Carlton Commons Multipurpose Room, and free food and stress balls in the Rough Rider Room. Students are invited to eat snacks and cuddle with some dogs—then return to their study zones rejuvenated.
Then, on Thursday, Dec. 13 from noon to 1 p.m. in Peter B. Lewis Building 208, students can de-stress by making their own gingerbread houses during Undergraduate Happy Hour, also sponsored by the Weatherhead School’s undergraduate programs office. This study break is delicious and festive—perfect for the hungry, stressed studier. All undergraduates are welcome.
Finally, as exams wind down, students are encouraged to stop by Peter B. Lewis Building 208 to decorate cookies and drink hot chocolate. This study break, sponsored by Weatherhead School’s undergraduate programs office, will be held Monday, Dec. 17, from 1 to 3 p.m.
Studying for final exams is taxing and exhausting, but students should take advantage of the ample opportunities on campus to keep stress as low as possible.
For those who need more review time and help from their supplemental instructors, the fall SI schedule can be found here.
Know of other de-stressing events taking place on campus, or have pre-finals tips of your own? Share them in the comments.