Your Guide to Acing the End of the Academic Year
It’s the Finals Countdown. Here’s Info on Study Resources, Relaxation Options and Wrapping Up
Prastavna “Prassu” Mehta '91, mom of a freshman, gives passing students a hand on Hornbake Plaza on Thursday at Terp Family Hugs & High Fives. At the event, coordinated by the Office of Family Engagement, Dean of Students Office, and Terp parents and families, students could pick up snacks and words of encouragement as they head into finals.
Photo by Stephanie S. Cordle; illustrations by Valerie Morgan
Don’t worry. This is not another assignment you have to read.
We know the next two weeks are coming at you faster than an Amtrak train back to Jersey. Classes are ending. Deadlines are piling up. Final exams are looming.
Maryland Today offers this quick primer on where to study without distractions, how to get last-minute academic support, opportunities to decompress and—hooray—exit plans from campus after you’re all done.
Yes, it’s time to hunker down. But you’re this close to the best pick-me-up: finishing strong.
Studying
Some campus buildings will extend their operating hours during finals season, including the Edward St. John Learning and Teaching Center, which will be open around the clock from May 13-20, and the UMD Libraries.
The provost’s office offers a list of 67 indoor and outdoor study spaces across campus, while the Stamp Student Union keeps a list of its own quiet study spots.
The Stamp is also hosting study breaks all through finals: meditation sessions, crafting, coloring and even visits from doggies. See the full Stamp Study Zone schedule. Text “STAMP” to 71444 to get study tips and Stamp Study Zone reminders.
For academic support, find a list of tutoring resources, workshops and study groups. The Department of Resident Life has an end-of-year Academic Success Guide, while the Teaching and Learning Transformation Center’s Countdown to Finals Guide offers practical study strategies.
Taking Care of Yourself
Balancing your academic responsibilities with personal well-being is essential to success. RecWell continues to offer group fitness classes through May 15, and the Outdoor Aquatic Center is now open daily 11 a.m.-6 p.m. for a summertime-feeling splash.
To prioritize your mental wellness, consider the University Health Center’s virtual drop-in meditation session at noon Friday or a Labyrinth meditation at noon Monday. A graduate student/postdoc event from noon-3 p.m. Friday will include a mindful tea workshop, mindful moments walk and R&B yoga.
The university’s online mental health and well-being hub lists many more resources. Among them, the Counseling Center provides free and confidential therapy to help manage personal, social and academic challenges. Same-day urgent visits are available for students experiencing a crisis.
Getting Out and Going Home
If you’re preparing to move out of campus housing, volunteer or donate to the Terps Move Out Donation Drive. From May 10-17, you can find a collection bin in the lobby near your residence hall service desk and donate any items you don't plan to pack up and take home. You’ll be supporting fellow Terps while reducing wasting on campus.
Students are expected to move out within 24 hours of their last final exam; residence halls will close at 7 p.m. May 21, while university-owned fraternity and sorority chapter houses will close at 8 p.m. May 21. The Department of Resident Life’s Move-out day page includes a checklist along with information on requests to stay late and on late-arriving mail and packages.
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