Stress less during finals week

As the fall semester comes to an end and students are making plans to finish strong, staff at the University of Delaware are continuing the tradition of offering stress-less activities and extended access to a variety of study spaces across campus during reading day and finals, which are Dec. 11-16.

Examination periods are known to induce or increase stress for students.

"While we can't eliminate the stress they experience, we can provide events to help relieve stress and teach effective ways to reduce and manage it," said Joy Allison, the director of UD's Student Wellness and Health Promotion.

Finals De-Stress, a two-day event co-sponsored by Healthy Hens Peer Educators and the Wellbeing Center at Warner Hall, provides students with a relaxing environment that includes food, fun activities and more. The goal is to reduce stress so students are able to improve their focus, retain information and feel at ease when taking their exams as best as they can, Allison said.

All students are welcome to stop by Warner Hall, room 101, on Dec. 11 and 12 to enjoy stress-free activities and complimentary food.

A full day of activities will be offered on Dec. 11:

• From 10 a.m. to noon, students will be served a light brunch while engaging in relaxing activities.

• From noon to 2 p.m., there will be light snacks available along with self-guided relaxing activities.

• From 2 to 4 p.m., a heartier meal will be served.

On Dec. 12 from 1 to 4 p.m. there will be warm food, snacks, activities and relaxation space again available to students. Sean's House, a mental health safe haven for young adults, will also be present to provide information and a relaxing activity, as well as bringing puppies on both days.

Through the generosity of the UD Library, Museums and Press' I Heart UD Giving Day donors, the Library continues its tradition of offering students semester-ending stress-less activities in Morris Library.

• 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Dec. 11 in room 116 - There will be free pizza, a visit from YouDee and a 360-degree photo booth.

• 10 a.m. - noon Dec. 12 in room 200B - There will be two one-hour yoga sessions to encourage students to stretch and reconnect with their mind and body. Also, from 6:30 - 8 p.m. in room 116, students can "paws for a study break" with some therapy dogs.

• 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Dec. 13 in room 200B - Students can melt away the stresses of finals week with a 10-minute chair massage offered by a trained professional.

All week there will also be coloring, magnetic poetry and a collaborative art project where students are invited to visualize the "Library of Your Dreams." Students are encouraged to register for the Library's events as supplies are limited.

Students will also have access to locations on campus that are available for them to study during the day, afterhours or for a late-night snack to refuel during reading day and finals week.

Morris Library

The Library's extended hours for fall 2024 finals are:

• Thursday, Dec. 12, 8 a.m. - 1 a.m.

• Friday, Dec. 13, 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.

• Saturday, Dec. 14, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

• Sunday, Dec. 15, 11 a.m. - 1 a.m.

• Monday, Dec. 16, 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Even when the library is closed, students have options to study in the building. The Morris Library Commons, which houses The Nest eatery, is open 24/7 year-round, and the Class of 1941 Lecture Room will be open to students when the library is closed. The Class of 1941 Lecture Room is located off the entrance vestibule to the library, across from the Morris Library Commons.

The Class of 1941 Lecture Room's extended hours for fall 2024 finals are:

• Thursday, Dec. 12, 1 a.m. to 8 a.m.

• Friday, Dec. 13, 9 p.m. to Saturday, Dec. 14, 9 a.m.

• Saturday, Dec. 14, 6 p.m. to Sunday, Dec. 15, 11 a.m.

• Monday, Dec. 16, 1 a.m. to 8 a.m.

During the hours when Morris Library is closed, students can access both the Morris Library Commons and the Class of 1941 Lecture Room with their UDID card through the door along the patio. The front doors to the library, which open to the main steps, will remain locked during these times. When the library is closed, students will only have access to the Morris Library Commons, the Class of 1941 Lecture Room and the adjoining vestibule.

Trabant University Center

The Trabant University Center's normal hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to midnight and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to midnight. During these times, students have access to seating areas in Daugherty Hall, Trabant Lounge and the Food Court.

Trabant Room 209/211 will also be available as a study space during the Trabant University Center's normal hours of operation.

Perkins Student Center

The Perkins Student Center's normal hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to midnight and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to midnight. Each night during finals, study spaces with food and beverage service will be available in the Den by Denny's until 3 a.m.

From Dec. 13-16, the Perkins Ewing Room will also be available as a study space during the Perkins Student Center's normal hours of operation.

Students can also reserve the two individual spaces in Perkins Student Center, rooms 307 and 308.

Wellbeing Center at Warner Hall

The Wellbeing Center is open Mondays through Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Students are welcome to use any room on the first floor that isn't already reserved for other events as study spaces.

Residence Halls

Students who live in residence halls can use their hall lounges or common spaces in their assigned buildings as study areas. There are no special hours or access during exams.