As the semester begins to wind down, the panic of finals week is on the horizon. In anticipation of students needing ways to destress and prepare during the busy time, there are multiple events and resources offered across the university.
During the week before finals, as well as during finals week itself, Alden Library offers a full schedule of programming to help students alleviate some stress during an academically challenging time. Two of the events are button and bookmark-making sessions throughout the weeks.
“I think people appreciate that creative outlet and that tactile experience that gives them something to focus on that’s not their notes,” Chad Boeninger, the library’s interim assistant dean for research education services, said. “For half an hour they can engage in something they can see the product of.”
According to Kelly Roder, the library’s events and exhibits coordinator, the bookmark-making event is a new addition to Alden’s services this year.
“I’m hoping throughout the year we’ll find new little events like that that become popular that we can help students enjoy at finals time,” Roder said, looking to the future of finals week events.
Another event is the 4-H PetPals, which allows students to release some stress while playing with animals.
“The PetPals are always popular,” Boeninger said. “There’s a 4-H club, basically they bring their … certified pet pals … so we’ve had rabbits, dogs, chickens … it’s always kind of a literal menagerie.”
Additionally, the library will be offering s’mores, plus Phi Beta Kappa will be distributing cupcakes at different times throughout the next two weeks. All of these events come with the primary goal of helping students maintain a balance while they are overwhelmed with studying.
“Just take time for yourself,” Roder said. “Just take a minute to do something that's not academic, something that you can come with your friends or your roommates and just have fun, take some time to relax and do something for yourself.”
In terms of helping students prepare for finals academically, the library offers the same services they do throughout the year: easy access to study spaces and a proactive service desk.
“We continue to offer help services at our service desk — in person, telephone, online chat, etc.,” Boeninger said. “This time of year people tend to not be doing too many research projects but tend to need help with printing or formatting a paper or things like that, and so our staff helps students with that kind of work at our service desk.”
Other academic resources throughout the university can be found at the Academic Achievement Center. Learning communities can also be a valuable resource for those about to embark on their first college exam experience.
Nate Caudill, a freshman studying geography, has been connecting with his learning community leader to discuss finals week resources.
“In my learning community we have study sessions twice a week,” Caudill said. “It’s nice because everybody in my learning community are all in the same major, we’ve all kind of got the same classes.”
Although it will be his first experience with college exams, Caudill has internalized some advice he plans to bring into the next few weeks.
“Don’t cram it all into one night; study a little bit every day instead of a lot in one night,” he said.
In a similar vein, Roder advises prioritizing sleep the night before an exam and practicing healthy sleeping habits in the days leading up to a big exam.
“Don’t forgo all of your sleep for studying because then you won’t be on your game for an actual exam,” she said.
Boeninger advised practicing kindness, something the library staff does by being extra mindful and considerate with all patrons during a time of high tension. Whether by showing someone a bit of extra grace or ensuring communal spaces are taken care of, these small acts can go a long way.
“Clean up after yourself after you’re done so the next person who comes in has a clean place to sit and study and whatnot,” Boeninger said. “Not only looking out for yourself … but look out for other people too because they’re probably just as stressed as you are.”
