UM offers resources for finals stress

The holiday season is upon us, but many students don’t really feel that holiday spirit just yet.

With finals week beginning on Wednesday, Dec. 10, it is easy to start stressing about those dreadful exams and to forget about that vacation we’ve all been waiting for.

There will be four reading days for students to cram in some last minute studying. But for some, those days are not enough.

“It’s just nonstop. I study one day for a huge test and right after I finish, I have to go home and study again for another huge test,” junior Christa Ruggiero said.

Some experts believe that as students begin to study more intensively for exams, anxiety and stress start to kick in. However, some of these uneasy feelings may actually aid students in their study habits – to an extent.

“A certain degree of stress and anxiety is part of the process,” said Franklin Foote, a professor in the department of psychology. “The stress and anxiety cause for motivation which helps students concentrate on studying.”

“The problem is when the stress and anxiety get so bad where you have troubles concentrating and can’t eat or sleep,” Foote said. “Eating and sleeping is really important in order to concentrate and function.”

The University of Miami will provide resources for students having difficulties dealing with the pressures of finals.

The Otto G. Richter Library will be open 24 hours beginning on Friday until December 16.

“The library will be fully operational on the first and second floor, as well as the stacks,” said Rodrigo Castro, the access service manager for the Otto G. Richter Library.

There will be study tents available on the University Green outside of the library as well, to provide extra space for students to study. The study tents were first set up last fall.

“There will be electrical devices so people can plug their computers in the tents,” Castro said.

The Academic Resource Center (ARC) will also help students in need during finals. The ARC is offering tutoring and review sessions for certain subjects to help with exams.

The residence halls will also be assisting students by providing a midnight breakfast in addition to organizing study sessions for students.

So eat well, sleep right and get ready, because finals week is right around the corner. But don’t worry too much; finals week means it’s just one more week ‘til we can kick back, relax and enjoy doing nothing.