Pancakes covered in syrup on plate with bacon and scrambled eggs

3 events to help students relax before finals

Finals are right around the corner, and students at Case Western Reserve University are buckling down to prepare. While this can be a busy and stressful time of year, there are also plenty of opportunities to take a breather from studying, de-stress and spend time with the CWRU community before winter break.

Here are three campus events to take advantage of when you need to put down the books and have some fun.

Thwing Study Over

This long-standing campus tradition—held twice a year before finals begin in the fall and spring—features food, entertainment and giveaways.

This year’s TSO—held on Sunday, Dec. 11 from 6 to 10 p.m.—will feature a wide variety of cuisine from local favorites like Aladdin’s, Tommy’s and Tree Country Bistro; classics like KFC and Raising Cane’s, and much more. Food options will change every 30 minutes during the 6-10 p.m. time block, with the last half-hour reserved for “Tupperware time”—bring reusable containers or grab one there to fill up with leftover food from the event.

Entertainment and activities for the evening will include karaoke, therapy dogs from Campus Canines, henna and airbrush tattoos, and massages from One to One Fitness.

“TSO has always featured free food options, but has gotten more extravagant every year as we try to provide more exciting entertainment and giveaway choices,” said Thwing Study Over Committee director Anjali Raju. “Thwing is always really packed with students and we like to provide a place where people can have some fun before finals!”

Students are encouraged to follow Thwing Study Over on Instagram this week as they announce the prizes that will be given away during Sunday’s event. 

Finals Week Wellness Break

Students can squeeze in some self care and prioritize their wellness before finals week without even having to leave the library. This Wellness Break from University Health and Counseling Services and Kelvin Smith Library will take place on Monday, Dec. 12, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the library’s Dampeer Room.

The afternoon will feature healthy snacks to help you refuel, rock painting to relieve anxiety, chair massages to de-stress, and giveaways and raffles for fun. Additionally, those who missed out on therapy dogs at Thwing Study Over the night before will get another chance to unwind and relax with dogs during the event.

The Wellness Break is open to all undergraduate, graduate and professional students. 

Late Night Breakfast

A beloved campus tradition since 1988, Late Night Breakfast regularly draws anywhere from 1,200 to 1,500 students, and includes games, activities, music and raffles in addition to the standard breakfast fare.

Students can also expect to see the familiar faces of faculty, staff and administrator volunteers serving them as they make their way through the breakfast line.

“The students we see are always so kind,” said Residence Life director Skip Begley. “I think they really appreciate the volunteers and Bon Appetit staff doing something different, and giving them a break during a busy time.” 

This semester’s Late Night Breakfast will take place Thursday, Dec. 15, from 8:30 to 10 p.m. Students are encouraged to take a break and head to either Fribley or Leutner Commons for some food, fun and friendship before wrapping up the semester.

The event is free to all Case Western Reserve University undergraduate students. A meal plan is not required, but all students should bring their CWRU ID.

Check the CampusGroups calendar to see what else is happening through the end of the semester.