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Finals Survival Guide & Stress Relief

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Image of a brain between a stack of books and a life ring

November and December can be a stressful time in college. It can be filled with late-night study sessions, crash outs, and worry. What if you don’t pass your final? What if you don’t find credible sources for your paper? These among many other questions and worries may be adding to your stress. And although the University Library can’t take all your worries away, we are here to help you succeed and de-stress.  

Research Help:  

  • 24/7 Online Chat
  • At all times, there is a librarian ready to help you with your research questions!
  • In-Person Research Help
  • Pass by the 3rd floor circulation desk to get assistance from one of our librarians!
  • Available from 10am – 3pm, Monday through Friday  

Subject Librarians  

Each major has a dedicated librarian. To find your librarian, search by subject on the Teaching and Learning Faculty by Subject page.  Your librarian is best equipped to help you with research assignments in your subject area! They are available to help virtually or in person.  

Study Spaces: 

Group Study Rooms  
Group study rooms are located on the library’s second, fourth, and fifth floors. Rooms need to be reserved ahead of time using the Study Room Reservations Page.  

Zoom Rooms  
Zoom Rooms are individual study pods located on the third floor. Zoom Rooms also need to be reserved ahead of time using the Study Room Reservations Page. 

Study Tables and Carrels  
The fourth and fifth floor of the library has tables, chairs, and carrels scattered throughout for students to use. These floors offer students a quiet space to study.  

Hybrid Learning Lab  
The third floor is a hybrid learning lab, featuring computer stations for use and study stations.  

Available Supplies for Checkout:  

Supplies are available for checkout at the third floor circulation desk.  

  • Calculators: basic, scientific, and graphic
  • Calculators can be used for your assignments or for your tests!
  • White Board Markers
  • HDMI Cables
  • Chargers for phones and laptops  

Extended Hours: 

For finals week, we will be extending our weekend hours and closing at 10pm! In addition to extending our hours, we will also be providing an instant ramen bar for students to snack on while they are studying.  

Schedule for Extended Hours:  

  • Friday, December 5th open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
  • Saturday, December 6th open from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
  • Sunday, December 7th open from 12 pm – 10 p.m.  

The Makery Extended Hours: 

  • Friday, December 5th open from 12 – 8 p.m.   

De-Stressing Stations: 

For finals week we will have de-stressing stations on different floors of the library. Stations will have puzzles, legos, coloring sheets, and zine making materials. These stations will be out the entire day, and students can stop by whenever they need a quick de-stressing break!  

Events:  

Cocoa and Craft  
Date: Thursday, November 20th  
Time: 12 – 1 p.m.  
Location: The Makery   

 Join us at the Makery for a de-stressing event where you can get crafty and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate or tea! 

Breakfast with your Librarians 
Date: Tuesday, December 2nd  
Time: 8:30 – 10 a.m.  
Location: Kellogg Terrace  

Breakfast with Your Librarians is an opportunity for students to learn about the library’s research services and meet their subject librarians. Librarians provide on-the-spot assistance for students and, if needed, make referrals for students to connect with librarians or staff that can help them. The event is held during the last week of classes, when students are focused on research projects that are often due at the end of the semester or finals week. 

  • Drop by for free breakfast
  • Get research help from librarians
  • Pick up a free Common Read book (choose from 6 titles) 

Pause for Paws 
Date: Thursday, December 4th 
Time:10 a.m. – 1 p.m.  
Location: in front of the library’s third floor entrance  

De-stress with therapy dogs from the organization Love on a Leash on Thursday, December 4th. In addition to therapy dogs, you can try out other fun de-stressing activities offered by the library and campus partners, such as Student Health and Counseling Services and The Center for Research and Engagement in STEM Education (CRESE). You can also pick up a free copy of this year's Common Read selections!