By Brittney Dunkins
The final exam period can seem like a blur for many George Washington University students who have just returned from an overscheduled Thanksgiving break full of harried reunions with friends and family members.
Whether preparing to work through differential equations, rehash the themes of “Divine Comedy” or perform Hamlet’s ode to Yorick, the most critical part of managing final exams is remembering that your health comes first, according to Associate Director of Health Promotion and Prevention Services Alexis Janda.
“As the semester ends, students focus on final papers and exams and stress builds,” Ms. Janda said “They sometimes forget that a few key strategies can minimize stress, such as getting enough sleep, eating well-balanced meals and allowing time for study breaks.
“These simple tactics help students have more productive study sessions and perform well on exams.”
George Washington Today reporter Brittney Dunkins compiled a list of building hours and events on campus to help students find a study space and manage stress as final exams begin.
Where to Study
The following list indicates general business hours for GW buildings that are open to students. All buildings listed are open until 10 p.m. or later. A full list of fall building hours is available online. Study Zone hours listed below are marked with an asterisk and are in effect Dec. 9-19. Additional Study Zone hours will be announced Dec. 7.
1957 E St.
7a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday
Closed Saturday and Sunday
Academic Center
7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Friday
8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday
Noon to 10 p.m. Sunday with GWorld card
Corcoran Hall
7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday
Closed Saturday and Sunday
Duques Hall and Funger Hall
7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Friday
8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday
Closed Sunday
*7 a.m. to 2 a.m. Dec. 10-11 and Dec. 14-18
8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 12
Noon to 2 a.m. Dec. 13
Eckles Library
8 a.m. to 3 a.m. Monday through Thursday
8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday
10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday
10 a.m. to 3 a.m. Sunday
*Open 24 hours beginning 8 a.m. Dec. 10 and ending at 8 p.m. Dec. 18. Eckles Library will reopen at 10 a.m. Dec. 19 and close at 5 p.m.
Estelle and Melvin Gelman Library
Open 24 hours Sunday through Saturday
Hall of Government
7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday
8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday
Closed Sunday
Lisner Auditorium
7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday
8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday
Closed Sunday
Marvin Center*
7 a.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday through Saturday
* 24 hour building access Sunday through Saturday for ground floor study rooms, Great Hall and Columbian Square on the first floor, second floor elevator lobby and the elevator lobby and select conference rooms on the fifth floor will be open .
*7 a.m. to midnight building access Sunday through Saturday for third floor select meeting rooms and student organization offices, select meeting rooms and Room 433 on the fourth floor will be open .
Monroe Hall
7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday
8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday
Closed Sunday
Media and Public Affairs building (MPA)
7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday
Closed Saturday and Sunday
Old Main
7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday
Closed Saturday and Sunday
Science and Engineering Hall
7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Friday
8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday
9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday with GWorld card
Smith Hall
7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday
Closed Saturday and Sunday
The Corcoran Building
7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Tompkins Hall
7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday
Closed Saturday and Sunday
Building XX
7 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Saturday with GWorld
When to Take a Break
Wellness Wednesday: Home for the Holidays
5:30 to 7 p.m. Dec. 2
Colonial Health Center
Make a paper snowflake and sip hot chocolate and learn emotional management tips during this holiday-themed “Wellness Wednesday.” This event is free and open to all students.
Buff and Blue Happy Hour
4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 4 and 11
Colonial Health Center
Take your mind off your textbooks and listen to music, chat with other students, color or play with Play-doh. This event is free and open to all students.
GW Class Council’s GW Lights Events
6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Dec. 7-11
Kogan Plaza
GW Class Council will lend support to their fellow Colonials during this week of stress-relief activities. During one event, students will receive a study kit with an encouraging note, study materials and snacks. Find more information online.
Midnight Breakfast
10 p.m. to 12 a.m. Marvin Center
The annual tradition features a social media theme and a full breakfast to fuel you through finals. Visit the “SnapChat room,” watch your favorite viral YouTube videos in the Amphitheatre, and participate in the hashtag generator contest.
Buff and Blue Happy Hour at Eckles Library
4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Dec. 10
Buff and Blue Happy Hour comes to the Eckles library Dec. 10. Participate in stress-relief activities with Colonial Health Center staff members. This event is free and open to all students.
Buff and Blue Happy Hour at Estelle and Melvin Gelman Library
4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Dec. 14
Estelle and Melvin Gelman Library
Buff and Blue Happy Hour comes to the Estelle and Melvin Gelman library Dec. 14. Participate in stress-relief activities with Colonial Health Center staff members. This event is free and open to all students.
Home for the Holidays
6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 8
Academic Building, Room 115
Hot chocolate and crafts are at the heart of this casual event. Colonial Health Center staff also will be available to discuss student concerns. This event is free and open to all students.
GW Program Board Hosts iCare
6 p.m. Dec. 13
Marvin Center, Continental Ballroom
Build your own stuffed animal during this annual GW Program Board tradition to promote the importance of peer support, the CARE network and GW’s mental health resources.
Students who are experiencing overwhelming stress and need support are encouraged to seek assistance at the Colonial Health Center Mental Health Services. Visit the MHS website for a full list of service hours at GW. Students can also call the 24 hour phone line at 202-994-5300 to speak with a counselor after hours. If you are concerned about a student, consider completing an anonymous CARE Network form.