The end of the fall 2023 semester is nearly here, and students at the George Washington University will soon be busy studying for final exams, writing their final papers or turning in their research projects. The Division for Student Affairs compiled a list of resources to help students utilize academic tools, take care of mental and physical health needs and build community at events such as Midnight Breakfast and all those included in the Final Lap.
Academic Resources
Students can utilize the following resources to help with end of the semester to-do lists such as writing papers, catching up on unread assignments, finishing final projects and studying for exams.
- Academic Commons. This centralized navigation system offers tutoring and course reviews for undergraduate students throughout the final exam period, including help finding available study spaces.
- Office for Student Success. This office oversees the implementation of academic processes and policies, special programs and support services to ensure students have the resources they need to thrive at GW and during final exam period.
- Students feeling overwhelmed by deadlines can view two-to-three-minute videos made by GW students with tips for time management.
- Writing Center. A division of the University Writing Program, this center offers free, peer-based support to students finishing up final papers. Clients participate in one-on-one sessions with student consultants on their projects at all stages of the writing process.
- All library services, including the Ask Us Desk, assistance locating resources and contactless book pick up or delivery, are available for students.
- Disability Support Services (DSS). Students who need to request certain accommodations can visit DSS, which works collaboratively with the GW community to foster a climate of universal academic excellence while promoting disability culture.
Final Lap
Open to all GW students, the Final Lap is designed to support student well-being prior to and during final exams. This year’s Final Lap starts Friday, Dec. 1, and runs through Thursday, Dec. 14. Highlights include:
- Vern Lights, 6-9 p.m. Dec. 1 on the Vern Quad. Celebrate with hot cocoa, s’mores, Vern swag and more.
- Chair massages, Dec. 4 from noon-4 p.m. in University Student Center (USC) 403 and Dec. 11 from noon-4 p.m. in District House B114. Free chair massages provided by a licensed massage therapist from Eye Street Massage Therapy. No registration required; first come, first serve.
- Snack Break, 2-4 p.m. Dec. 5, 6 and 8 at Kogan Plaza; 2-4 p.m. Dec. 12 at the Vern Quad; 2-4 p.m. Dec. 13 in Shenkman Hall and Thurston Hall lobbies; 2-4 p.m. Dec. 14 in Potomac Hall and District House Lobbies.
- Therapy Dogs, 2-4 p.m. Dec. 7 at USC Ballroom. Join People Animals Loves to rejuvenate with some professional therapy pubs and enjoy some paws-itivity.
- GW Late Night Presents: Winglobes, 6-8 p.m. Dec. 7 in USC Continental Ballroom. Make some snowglobes and enjoy some wings in the process.
- Capital Peers Recess, 1-4 p.m. Dec. 8 in Square 80. Burn some energy and join Capital Peers for a Friday afternoon of play time. There will be games, crafts, music, dancing, a bouncy house and more.
Midnight Breakfast
9 p.m.-midnight on Monday, Dec. 11 in the University Student Center; registration required.
Midnight Breakfast is an annual GW tradition that invites students to take a break from preparing for final exams, reconnect with friends, enjoy some food and participate in a variety of engaging activities. Giveaways will include prizes such as GW merch, an iPad and much more, including limited-edition Midnight Breakfast T-shirts.
Also included at Midnight Breakfast will be a build-your-own-plush hippo with Program Board and video games with GW Esports.
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
- The Exam Zen: Organize, De-Stress, Relax workshops are being offered from noon-1:30 p.m. Dec. 8-13. Students need to fill out this form to participate.
- Students can connect with a counselor/clinician for an in-person visit at the Student Health Center during daily same day hours from noon-4 p.m. Monday to Saturday. During these same hours call 202-994-5300 for a virtual session. Students can call 202-994-5300 (option 3) 24-hours a day, seven days a week to speak with a counselor.
The Store, GW’s Food Pantry
The Store will be open during finals and will close for Winter Break at noon on Dec. 18.
Military Affiliated Students
In conjunction with the GW Art Therapy Clinic, GW’s Office of Military and Veterans Services will have art therapy session for military-affiliated students on Friday, Dec. 8, before finals to help students relax and feel confident going into finals week. The event will take place from noon to 1:30 p.m. in the military community center, located at 2035 F Street, NW.
Lerner Health and Wellness Center
Burn off some energy and let loose with organized events and activities at the Lerner Health and Wellness Center, including:
- Basketball Knockout Tournament; 6-8 p.m. Dec. 10 on the fourth-floor courts. A single-day basketball tournament, registered participants will be split in half for two heats with only the last five remaining players from each heat advancing to the final. Registration deadline is 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 7.
- Mario Kart Tournament; Dec. 3-8, times TBD, fourth floor. This tournament, in collaboration with the GW Esports Club, brings a series of fun nights for a Nintendo Switch Mario Kart Tournament. Food and beverage will be provided, and participants do NOT need their own Nintendo Switch device. Register by 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 1.
- Free Group Classes, Dec. 4-10. Students may simply show for the classes they wish to attend. See a detailed list of classes to choose.
- Yoga Under the Stars, 7-9 p.m. Dec. 12 at the Elliott School of International Affairs’ City View Room. Campus Recreation and the Health Promotion and Education Office are teaming up for a night of yoga in the City View Room, often considered GW’s best view of Washington, D.C. All attendees will be entered to win a raffle prize. Registration required.
- An Hour of Power: Transformative Journey to Anxiety Relief, Energy Boost and Relaxation mindfulness event, 7 p.m. Dec. 5 (virtual event). Students can dive into the world mindfulness and peace through experiential learning. Guest speaker is Ildy Meixner, the founder of IM Mindfulness Institute. Registrants will receive a link one day prior to the event.
