Finals week is the culmination of all the work students have been putting in throughout the semester. It’s the most challenging point, but it’ll be over before you know it—we promise! In the meantime, we’ve put together a list of events to help prioritize de-stressing and relaxation amid the chaos that the end of the semester often brings.
Study Session (Dec. 7)
Join the LGBTQ Resource Center and Pride Union at a study session to help prepare for final exams and projects! The study session starts at 7 p.m. in 500 Hall of Languages, and snacks will be provided. You can register for the event through the University Events Calendar.
Undergrad Nights: Leisure Reading and Toys (Dec. 7)
Stop into the Underground Club Bird from 7-9 p.m. in the ETC (the lower level of Bird Library) for a fun event aimed at de-stressing. The Dec. 7 event will be full of fun toys, snacks and leisure reading! Learn more on the Syracuse University Libraries webpage.
Pet Therapy at the Barnes Center (Dec. 7 and Dec. 9)
Drop into the Barnes Center at The Arch to meet some adorable pet therapy dogs for the perfect de-stressing activity! The Deborah A. Barnes Pet Therapy program is in partnership with PAWS of CNY and Pet Partners of CNY. All Syracuse University and SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) I.D. card holders are welcome to attend! You can learn more about the pet therapy program on the Barnes Center’s website.
End of Year Formal (Dec. 8)
Join Orange After Dark in a celebration of all the hard work you put in this semester! Bring a date or your friends to the Sheraton Hotel Ballroom for plenty of food, photos and dancing. The event starts at 9 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 8, and ends at midnight. No tickets are needed, just a valid Syracuse University I.D.
Late Night Movie Screening: “Don’t Worry Darling” (Dec. 9 and Dec. 10)
If you love to unwind by watching a movie, don’t miss Orange After Dark and University Union’s last Late Night Movie screening of the semester! Head over to Gifford Auditorium at 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 9, or Saturday, Dec. 10, to see the Florence Pugh and Harry Styles flick, “Don’t Worry Darling.” Late Night Movies are always free, and food will be provided! A valid Syracuse University I.D. is required to attend. Space is limited, so be sure to arrive a little early to nab a seat!
Pancake Breakfast (Dec. 10)
Join Orange After Dark for their last event of the semester! Take a break from studying to enjoy some fresh pancakes and participate in de-stressing activities. The event will take place from 9 p.m.-midnight in Goldstein Auditorium.
Other Finals Week Events and Services
Meditation Sessions
Hendricks Chapel is hosting near-daily meditation sessions through the end of finals week. Campus community members are also free to access the Barnes Center’s Meditation Room during open meditation hours for their personal practice. Meditation can be a great way to soothe your mind and de-stress if finals week has you feeling overwhelmed!
University Libraries
The University Libraries will offer extended hours during finals week beginning Friday, Dec. 9. Bird Library will be open 24 hours from Friday, Dec. 9, through Thursday, Dec. 15. Carnegie Library will be open until 2 a.m. from Friday, Dec. 9, through Thursday, Dec. 15.
In addition to extended hours, Bird Library will be helping students relax and recharge throughout finals week (Dec. 12-15):
- Free coffee will be available each day in front of Pages Cafe starting at 3:30 p.m.
- Therapy dogs from Go Team Therapy Dogs will be in Room 004 from about 1-3 p.m. each day.
- A “Positivity Station” will be by the New Books Area in the Miron Learning Commons, where students can find coloring supplies, a puzzle table, goody bags and a “Talk-Back” Board, where they can leave positive and encouraging notes for their peers.
- Students can browse the Leisure Display in the New Books area.
Written By Esteban Quiñones ’24, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications