Library, Union offer massages, free food

Before students lie out in the sun, start a new job or take a vacation this summer, they must overcome one obstacle: finals week.\n“I get ridiculously stressed because the percentage of a final is so much greater in comparison to other tests,” said freshman Erica Novak. “I take a sick amount of practice tests, and I start \nstudying early.”\nSeveral events on campus might make studying easier for students worried about finals. One is a free “breakfast for dinner” at 10 p.m. Sunday in The Market in the Indiana Memorial Union, presented by the Union Board.\n“We do it every semester,” said freshman and Union Board Spirits and Traditions Director Brian Holthouse. “We think it’s a nice break for students and a nice way for them to de-stress and get ready \nfor finals.”\nThe Health Center staff members will offer anxiety screenings and relaxation sessions from 3 to 5 p.m. today in the Herman B Wells Library lobby. They will also offer free massages in the lobby from 7 to 9 p.m., according to the library’s Web site.\nFor studying options, the IMU will be open 24 hours a day from Sunday through Wednesday, said Tom Simmons, associate director of the IMU. He also said Tree Suite Rooms will be open for quiet studying.\nBut Health Center educator Kathryn Brown said there is more to doing well on finals than just studying. Students should be sure to eat enough fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products, she said. Time management is also important for a successful study plan.\n“Look at all the things you need to get done and put them on a schedule,” Brown said. “Be realistic with certain time frames you need for getting things done.”\nBut besides eating balanced meals and planning enough hours in the day, Brown said the most important tip for studying is to get enough sleep and to \navoid all-nighters. \n“When you are sleep deprived, your brain wants to go to sleep,” Brown said. “You’re going to be constantly fighting off that instinct to go to sleep. If that’s your situation, you’re not going to be able to concentrate. You’re going to find yourself reading over and over again.”\nFreshman Ryan Short said he thinks prioritizing his time is the best way for him to conquer finals week, but that also means finding time throughout the whole semester to study.\n“I try to stay to a pretty normal schedule,” Short said. “I try to study a little bit all semester and that way, by the time finals roll around, you don’t have to worry about cramming.”\nFreshman Bianca Pietrantoni said she has a similar philosophy about finals.\n“I don’t stress out too much,” Pietrantoni said. “I stress out during the semester, so I feel prepared for finals.”\nBut even though not all students prepare throughout the semester, freshman Kevin Troyer said it is the best method for surviving finals.\n“I think finals week is just a culmination of the semester so if you go to class and take good notes, a final is just another test,” Troyer said. “If you don’t know the material, you’re not going to learn it all in one five-hour cram session. I’d say the learning’s already over.”