Campus Events to Help Relieve Stress during Finals

Visit the pop-up petting zoo, eat breakfast with the provost or relax at GW Libraries study breaks, among other events.

April 25, 2016

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George Washington University students take a study break during "Paws for Stress." (William Atkins/GW Today)

By Brittney Dunkins

George Washington University students are prepping for the final weeks of the spring semester. That means last minute coffee dates, meetings with professors, anticipating Commencement and, most importantly, prepping for final projects and exams. 

The fast-paced, end-of-semester days at GW can pass in a blur, but GW Class Council, the Division of Student Affairs, the Colonial Health Center and GW Libraries have organized events for students to take the necessary breaks from studying that will allow them to perform well academically.

Student can enjoy free breakfast on Kogan Plaza, express their feelings or draw notes of encouragement at Chalk-In or stop by one of the many other study break events on campus.

For information on where to study on campus, students should look to the list of university building hours. Updates will be posted as needed.

Students also are encouraged to seek support from the Colonial Health Center. Students, faculty and staff can report concerns about students who appear to be overwhelmed or find their stress unmanageable using the anonymous CARE Network form.

DSA has posted online the “Colonial Chat” on managing stress, which details information about campus resources.

Need help planning your study breaks?

Check out the list of free campus events for GW students during the final exam period.

Monday, April 25

Class Council Petting Zoo
1 p.m., 21st and 22nd streets/F and G streets, NW
GW Class Council will host an on-campus petting zoo for students. Check out the animals and play games designed to relieve stress.

Buff and Blue Happy Hour
5 p.m., Eckles Library
The Colonial Health Center will offer snacks and stress relief activities such as coloring and Play-Doh.

Wednesday, April 27

36th Annual Chalk-In
11 a.m., H Street between 21st and 22nd streets, NW
This annual Program Board and Colonial Health Center event encourages students to make their marks during the exam period through chalk drawings. Students should also be on the lookout for a special Chalk-in themed Snapchat filter from @gwuniversity during the event. The rain date is April 28 in the same location.

Thursday, April 28

“Parting Is Such Sweet Sorrow” Study Break
3:30 p.m., Estelle and Melvin Gelman Library, Room 219
GW Libraries and the GW English Department will co-host a study break in honor of the 400th anniversary of the death of William Shakespeare. Celebrate the Bard and receive a final exam care package.

Sunday, May 1

Buff and Blue Happy Hour
7 p.m., Estelle and Melvin Gelman Library, Room 302
The Colonial Health Center will offer snacks and stress relief activities such as coloring and Play-Doh.

Eckles Late Night Snack
9 p.m., Eckles Library, Lobby
GW Libraries will provide an evening snack for students participating in late-night study sessions.

Monday, May 2 - Tuesday, May 3

Breakfast Break
9 a.m., Kogan Plaza
The Colonial Health Center will offer free breakfast to students on the go. Enjoy coffee, fruit and a granola bar to fuel yourself through final exams.

Monday, May 2

Senior Study Break
4 p.m., Estelle and Melvin Gelman Library
The Senior Class Gift Campaign hosts this event for graduating seniors. Members of the class of 2016 can pick up a “finals study kit.”

Buff and Blue Relaxation Zone
Noon, Himmelfarb Health Sciences Library
The Colonial Health Center will offer snacks and stress relief activities such as coloring and Play-Doh.

Tuesday, May 3

Study Break with the Provost
7 p.m., Eckles Library, Main Reading Room
Interim Provost Forrest Maltzman will join students for a study break that includes a candy bar and healthy snacks.

Buff and Blue Happy Hour
7 p.m., Eckles Library
The Colonial Health Center will offer snacks and stress relief activities such as coloring and Play-Doh.