End of Semester Survival Guide

Whether it’s spring or fall, whether you’re taking exams (and writing essays) or giving (and grading) them, finals season can be a stressful time. We’re here to help. From reducing stress to finding a cozy spot on campus—and who doesn’t need one of those?—Smith has got you covered. Scroll down for expert advice from Health and Wellness and tips and tricks from the Smith community to help you meet your goals, power through deadlines—and take good care of yourself, too! 

Relax and Reset

We’ve partnered with the Schacht Center for Health and Wellness to bring to you some quick and easy ways for you to combat stress—particularly during the end of the semester.

Contact Sunny Windorski, Care Coordinator and Health Educator, for more information on any of these concepts.

  • Talk it out! Have a conversation with someone you trust. (Family member, friends, professor, therapist, etc.)
  • Sleep on it. Clearing your mind and coming back to a problem will help put things in perspective.
  • Eat food that fuels your body and make time for exercise.
  • Look at everyday activities as breaks from stressful situations. Taking a shower or bath, sitting down at meals, and walking from place to place are all activities to be enjoyed.
  • Remember that you are capable. You have handled stressful situations before, and you will get through this.
  • Make time for yourself! You are the most important person in your life.

  • Take some time to laugh—call a friend, watch a TikTok compilation, whatever makes you smile.
  • Talk to a loved one! (Family, friends, partner)
  • Make a list of reasons to be happy or what you are grateful for in that moment.
  • Wiggle break! (Dance, stretch, move)
  • Take a walk outside or around the building you’re in.
  • Get a drink of water or tea/coffee (in moderation).
  • Take a thought break! Works best if you look away from your computer for a few minutes.
  • Take a power nap for 20 minutes.
  • Blast your favorite song.
  • Go for a run or use the Smith gym!
  • Procrasti-clean or get organized.
  • Enjoy a delicious snack.
  • Watch an episode (or two, or three...) of your favorite show.
  • Practice mindful breathing.
  • Scream (during Primal Scream or in a space that doesn’t observe 24/7 quiet hours, of course...)
  • Squeeze a stress ball.
  • Scribble, craft, knit, paint—just create something.

Smith has lots of programming to support holistic wellbeing during finals period! Check out some of the highlights here, or read the OSE’s instagram for more information.

24/7 quiet hours in the houses and library may be stressful for some people. Below are spaces that don’t have the same restrictions.

  • Sage Hall Practice Rooms
  • Outdoor spaces like Capen Gardens, Chapin Lawn, or the Library Amphitheatre
  • The Campus Center
  • Capen Annex/The Design Thinking Initiative
  • After classes have ended, classroom spaces
  • Ainsworth Gym
Staff members under a large tent during the staff picnic

Faculty and Staff:

Feeling the Pressure Too?

The end of the semester can be a stressful time for everyone on campus, not just students studying for their exams. Professors are hard at work grading and evaluating, groundskeepers are ensuring campus is beautiful for Commencement and Reunion, and folks at the Lazarus Center are helping students finalize internships for the summer. Whatever your role, it’s important to take time for yourself.

Check Your Vacation Balance

Stress-Free in the CC

The Office of Student Engagement is committed to helping students have a successful, productive, and—most importantly—stress-free finals period. Check out the activities and treats they have in store to help you cross the finish line for the spring semester.

Activities and times may change; see the Smith Social Network for updated information.

Campus Center Hours

  • Friday, May 2: 7 a.m.–midnight
  • Saturday, May 3: 9 a.m.–2 a.m.
  • Sunday, May 4: 9 a.m.–2 a.m.
  • Monday, May 5: 7 a.m.–2 a.m.
  • Tuesday, May 6: 7 a.m.–2 a.m.
  • Wednesday, May 7: 7 a.m.–2 a.m.
  • Thursday, May 8: 7 a.m.–midnight
  • Friday, May 9: 7 a.m.–10 p.m.

Mega Popcorn Friday

Chapin Deck, 2:30–4 p.m.
Join us for the final Joy Series event! Enjoy fresh kettle corn from Velma’s Wicked Delicious Kettle Corn and play some lawn games.

Boathouse & Rock Wall Open Hours

Boathouse & Ainsworth Gym, 3–6 p.m.

Crafternoons

Wright Hall 013, 3–4:30 p.m.
Stop by the Jandon Center and bring a project you are working on or look through available supplies. Enjoy snacks, tea, and coffee!

Gaming Lab Open Hours

Hillyer 326, 3:30–5 p.m. and 6–10 p.m.
Interested in gaming? New? Experienced? Come to the Gaming Lab and try something new!

Stress-Free Zone

Campus Center 103/104, 4 p.m.–midnight

Art Zone

Campus Center 102, 4 p.m.–midnight

Stress-Free Zone

Campus Center 103/104, 9 a.m.–2 a.m.

Art Zone

Campus Center 102, 9 a.m.–2 a.m.

Hampshire Pride Parade

Main Street, 11 a.m.
Check out downtown Northampton to celebrate community and pride, followed by a festival behind Thornes featuring local and diverse vendors!

Boathouse Open Hours

Boathouse, 1–4 p.m.

Smith 2 Do: Picture Frames

Campus Center 203, 8–10 p.m.
Come to the last Smith 2 Do of the semester to decorate a frame to hold a picture that reminds you of all the fun you had this year.

Midnight Breakfast: Carnival

St. John’s Church, 48 Elm Street, 9 p.m.–midnight
Stop by and enjoy firepits, a popcorn machine, The Greatest Showman (2017), and delicious breakfast.

Surprise Snack Wagon

Campus Center, after hours

Stress-Free Zone

Campus Center 103/104, 9 a.m.–2 a.m.

Art Zone

Campus Center 102, 9 a.m.–2 a.m.

Craft Break: Emotion Cubes

Campus Center 203, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Create a cube that showcases your moods.

Boathouse & Rockwall Open Hours

Boathouse & Ainsworth Gym, 1–4 p.m.

Connection Collective

Wright Hall 013, 2–3 p.m.
Stop by the Jandon Center this peer-facilitated gathering to help establish new connections and community with others. Crafts, snacks, and tea provided!

Gaming Lab Open Hours

Hillyer 326, 6–10 p.m.

2000s Night

Campus Center lower level, 8 p.m.
Watch Mean Girls (2004) in a fun drive-in movie style with our inflatable movie screen! Enjoy manicures and create your own DIY phone charms while you relax. Come in your coziest PJs, kick back, and enjoy the chill vibes.

Surprise Snack Wagon

Campus Center, after hours

Stress-Free Zone

Campus Center 103/104, 7 a.m.–2 a.m.

Art Zone

Campus Center 102, 7 a.m.–2 a.m.

Mug Cake Monday

Campus Center main level, noon–2 p.m.

Motivation Station

Campus Center 105, 3 p.m.
Need a pick-me-up? Stop by the rest of the week to see encouraging messages and be reminded that you’ve got this!

Massage Night

Campus Center TV lounge, 7–10 p.m.
Limited spots! Sign ups begin at 7 p.m

Surprise Snack Wagon

Campus Center, after hours

Stress-Free Zone

Campus Center 103/104, 7 a.m.–2 a.m.

Art Zone

Campus Center 102, 7 a.m.–2 a.m.

Self-Care Buffet

Campus Center main level, noon–1:30 p.m.
Stop by to pick up self-care essentials.

Yoga with Rosalie

Campus Center 205, 4:30–5:30 p.m.
This space will be available throughout the week for personal yoga practice, hula hooping, or exercising with an exercise ball. Join Rosalie for a guided yoga session.

Gaming Lab Open Hours

Hillyer 326, 7–9 p.m.

Surprise Snack Wagon

Campus Center, after hours

Stress-Free Zone

Campus Center 103/104, 7 a.m.–2 a.m.

Art Zone

Campus Center 102, 7 a.m.–2 a.m.

Donuts for Donations

Scales House basement, noon–2:30 p.m.
Stop by SmithCycle with a bag full of donations and get a free donut.

Study or Hang at Iconica

Iconica Social Club, 1 Amber Lane, 1–6 p.m.

Craft Break: Rain Sticks

Campus Center 102, 8–9:30 p.m.
Create a calming rain stick and enjoy the soothing sound of rain with every tilt!

Surprise Snack Wagon

Campus Center, after hours

Stress-Free Zone

Campus Center 103/104, 7 a.m.–midnight

Art Zone

Campus Center 102, 7 a.m.–midnight

Scent Aromatherapy Sachets

Campus Center main level, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
Create a soothing scented sachet with dried herbs and essential oils to keep your space calm.

Gaming Lab Open Hours

Hillyer 326, 7–9 p.m.

DIY Playdoh

Campus Center 102, 6–7:30 p.m.

Surprise Snack Wagon

Campus Center, after hours

Stress Free Zone

Campus Center 103/104, 7 a.m.–4 p.m.

Art Zone

Campus Center 103/104, 7 a.m.–4 p.m.

Popcorn Friday

Campus Center 106, noon–4 p.m.

Crafternoons

Wright Hall 013, 3–4:30 p.m.
Stop by the Jandon Center and bring a project your’re working on or look through supplies. Enjoy snacks, tea, and coffee!

Congrats, Smithies! You made it!