End of Semester Survival Guide
The end is near, we swear!
While we’re all dreaming of sleeping late, spending time with family and friends, and catching up on the Netflix we’ve been neglecting since October, there’s still a significant hurdle in the way.
Yes, that’s right, final exams, papers, and projects and we’re all high-key stressed as we sprint to the finish line. But don’t worry (or worry just a bit less) because we have your End of Semester Survival Guide right here – tips for studying, planning out the last few days, de-stressing, and remembering to practice that all-important self-care.
Without further ado, here’s your guide to becoming the CEO of Fall Semester. Good luck!
Academic, Planning & Study Tips
Wonder how you’re going to get it all done? How do you prepare yourself for that final exam? We’ve asked the experts.
Amy Yarlett, Director of Advising and Retention Systems:
Break down your assignments. Take one project at a time. Plan out your day with tasks. And it will feel good to cross off what you have accomplished and be one step closer to finishing the semester. You've worked so hard all semester; now is the time to shine with showing what you have learned! Don't forget to utilize support services through the end of classes to help you reach your goals!
Student Suggestions
We’ve got some study tips from those who know best… the Pride!
@wideneruniversity how to slay those final exams 📚💪 #WidenerUniversity #finals #FinalsWeek #FinalExams ♬ original sound - Widener University
Late Nights at the Library
Do your best studying after midnight? Need a change of scenery? The Wolfgram Memorial Library has you covered. The Library has extended hours through the end of the semester and finals week, closing each day at 1 a.m. until Dec. 5.
The Library is also prepared to feed you! Find free snacks among the stacks from Dec. 2 to 8 from 8 am to 1 am.
Self-Care
Studying is important, but so too is your physical and mental health. It’s important to remember to practice self-care the way you practice your French vocab. Our Counseling and Psychological Services office offers some sage advice.
Feed Your Brain
Your brain accounts for about 20 percent of your total energy requirements. That's about 400-500 calories each day! Eating a balanced diet that includes lots of protein supports learning, memory, and mood.
Get Enough Sleep
Eight hours of sleep per night is required for healthy brain functioning. Sleep helps download short-term learning into long-term memory, regulates emotions, and assists with novel problem solving.
Make Time for Fun
Fun may seem frivolous when there are finals to prepare for, but down time is essential for improved performance. Fun helps us retain information, increases motivation, and keeps us socially connected.
Events to Help You Relax & De-Stress
Speaking of fun and down time, there’s a full lineup of events to help you find some inner peace before the exam or paper is due. Pride Activities Council, Office of Student Engagement, Residence Life, Pride Recreation Center and the Library are all pitching in to this calendar of calm.
Here’s a sample of some of our faves:
DEC 1
Wheely Good Smoothies
11am-1pm | University Center Atrium
Smoothies and biking? We can’t wait to see this one IRL. Two bikes will have blenders attached to them so when you pedal, you’re also mixing your own fruit smoothie. It only takes 20 to 30 seconds of pedaling to mix your drinks for a quick and healthy boost.
Donut Panic (haha very punny)
7-9 pm | Turrell Hall
Residence Life will be serving up donuts to fuel your studying
Death by Chocolate
7-10 pm | Lathem Hall
Got stress? Like chocolate? This is the event for you! More than 3,000 dippable pieces of food and 3 chocolate fountains. Nuff said.
DEC 2
Turn Up Dance Group Fitness Class
6-7 pm | Pride Recreation Center
Sweat out the stress with this high intensity interval training inspired dance fitness workout. Participants will work, shake, flex, and slay their way through a fun and challenging workout.
Late Night Breakfast
9 pm-11 pm | Pride Café
It’s never too late (or too early?) for pancakes and omelets.
DEC 5
Therapy Dogs
11 am-2 pm | University Center Atrium
Nothing makes people smile like a puppy! Therapy dogs will be on campus. Be there.
DEC 6
Sensory Toys
9 am-5 pm | Wolfgram Library Drost Room
From Play-Doh to Fidget Spinners, you can find a moment of fun with sensory toys.
The Library will also have its usual puzzles and coloring and the return of the Stress Re-Duck-Tion hunt for rubber ducks hidden around the building.
DEC 8
Selfie Success Station
9 am–5 pm | Wolfgram Memorial Library
Celebrate your victories! Take a selfie with props and your besties before leaving for Winter Break.
