Bust Your Finals Stress With Stamp Study Zone

Only a few more papers, projects and exams stand between Terps and winter break. But if that climb feels more like Kilimanjaro than Campus Drive, special programming this month can help you reach the summit and sled downhill, straight toward home.

The Division of Student Affairs’ Stamp Study Zone is offering a slate of activities and resources, from movies and meditation to tips and treats, to help you fend off anxiety and keep you calm during finals.

“Students are pulling all-nighters, camping out at McKeldin and Hornbake and all over campus just trying to study and cram,” said Laura Hood, manager for student programs at the Stamp. “What the Stamp and Division of Student Affairs can do is try to find ways for students to de-stress or provide them the space they need to study.”

Take a breather to check out the highlights:

Whether you could use a creative outlet or just a furry cuddle, Stamp Study Zone has you covered:

• Get TUC’d In (12:30-3:30 p.m. Dec. 9 in Cole Field House’s Unity Center): Chill out with friends while enjoying coffee, tea, snacks and board games in the Unity Center (TUC)’s five lounges and multipurpose room.
• Labyrinth Lights (5-6:30 p.m. Dec. 10 in the Labyrinth and Garden Chapel): Treat yourself to hot cider, cookies and a meditative labyrinth walk by candlelight, including an interfaith lighting ceremony.
• Wags for Wellness (11 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 11 at the University Health Center and 1-3:30 p.m. Dec. 19 at McKeldin Library): In this paw-pular event, pet well-trained pups from the People. Animals. Love. organization to get your fix of connection, companionship and cuteness.
• Meditation (Noon-12:30 p.m. Dec. 12 on Zoom): Take a moment for mindfulness, whether you’re a meditation newbie or expert.
• Crafting With Teddy (10 a.m.-noon Dec. 15 in the Stamp’s SORC Suite): Join the University of Maryland Police Department and its beloved comfort dog to make a friendship bracelet, color or just relax.
• Books on the Ground (1 p.m. Dec. 15 in Cole Field House’s Unity Center): Raise your endorphins and get your body moving with this line-dancing class, featuring popular R&B songs—including, of course, “Boots on the Ground.”
• Movie Marathon PJ Party (3-9 p.m. Dec. 17 in the Samuel Riggs IV Alumni Center’s Orem Hall): Settle in with pillows, blankets, popcorn and soda to watch National Lampoon’s Van Wilder movies, with study rooms available for those who want to pop in and out.

Find the full schedule at stamp.umd.edu/ssz.

Terps can also swing by events more casually, whether for books or a break:

• BreakZone (11 a.m.-8 p.m. Dec. 15-19 at TerpZone): Bowl a strike or check out the new game room to unwind.
• Gardenside Studying (9 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 15-19 in the Memorial Chapel Conference Room): Take advantage of a cozy, quiet space overlooking the Garden of Reflection and Remembrance.
• Craft Break With Studio A (1-3:30 p.m. Dec. 16-18 in the Studio A Activities Room): Get your creative juices flowing with custom Terp spirit signs, magnets, key holders and more.

If your usual study spots are packed or you’re just looking for a change of scenery, rooms in the Stamp are reserved for finals, from 8 a.m.-midnight:

• Dec. 13, 17 and 18: Juan Ramon Jimenez, Margaret Brent A, Nanticoke, Pyon Su, Thurgood Marshall
• Dec. 15: Margaret Brent A, Nanticoke, Pyon Su, Thurgood Marshall
• Dec. 16: Nanticoke, Thurgood Marshall

Want insider info sent straight to your phone? Text “STAMP” to 71444 to receive daily study tips associated with relevant events. For example, a reminder of how spending time with community reduces stress could be accompanied with information about a Unity Center gathering, Hood said. About 1,000 Terps currently receive the texts, and anyone subscribed will be entered to win a limited-edition Stamp tote.