Staying mentally and physically healthy during finals week is essential. Fortunately, Humboldt offers plenty of ways to recharge. A simple walk through campus can lift your spirits, sharpen your focus, and give you a breath of fresh air.
Nourishing your body matters, too. The OhSNAP! Food Pantry is open to all students at no cost, offering nutritious ingredients and healthful snacks to help you stay fueled throughout the week.
Stay healthy by making use of the many health products available at low cost or free through Student Health & Wellbeing Services (SHWS) and at health vending machine locations available throughout campus:
- Nelson Hall East (across from Goodwin Forum)
- Nelson Hall West (2nd Floor)
- Gutswurrak Student Activities Center (1st floor by The Depot)
- Jolly Giant Commons (3rd floor, next to Housing Cashier)
- College Creek Mailroom Lobby
- Creekview Residence Hall Lounge
SHWS consists of Medical Services, Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS), Health Promotion/Education, and the Oh SNAP! Food Programs. During finals week, CAPS is open during regular business hours (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.), and the medical clinic is open from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and from 9 a.m. to noon on Friday.
SHWS is partnered with a telehealth service, TimelyCare, to provide medical and mental health services no matter where a student is in the U.S., which extends into the periods when SHWS is closed—particularly helpful during long winter and summer breaks. TimelyCare services include 24/7 TalkNow support (unlimited on-demand emotional support), psychiatry (upon referral from a SHWS provider), medical services (on demand and scheduled), health coaching, and group sessions in guided meditation and yoga, workshops, and peer community support. For more information and to register for services, visit TimelyCare at Humboldt.
And don’t underestimate the power of rest. Research shows that lack of sleep increases stress and reduces memory retention (two things nobody needs during finals). In the days leading up to exams, aim to get extra sleep. Sometimes, one more hour of rest is far more valuable than one more hour of cramming. CAPS’s Sleep Resources gives great tips for getting a good night’s rest.
Help is here when the studying gets tough. The Learning Center provides free tutoring in engineering, math, science, writing, and more, alongside workshops designed to build academic skills and confidence. Explore all their resources at learning.humboldt.edu.
Creating a study plan can also make the week feel more manageable. Block out time for studying, meals, movement, and even downtime. When you intentionally schedule breaks, you can take them without guilt, and return to your work refreshed.
Kick off finals week on a positive note by enjoying the biannual Late Night Breakfast on Monday, Dec. 15. This event is sponsored by Dining, Housing & Residence Life, and the Gutswurrak Student Activities Center. Enjoy delicious food, engaging make-and-takes (including a build-a-bear activity), and karaoke in the Recreation Room on the first floor of the Jolly Giant Commons.
Need a sweet boost before heading to your finals? The College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences will be offering donuts for finals week on Monday, Dec. 15, and Tuesday, Dec. 16, from 9-11 a.m. on the first floors of the Behavioral & Social Sciences (BSS) and Founders Hall.
Lastly, students can enjoy some cuddles and de-stress with therapy dogs in the Library on Tuesday, Dec. 16, and Thursday, Dec. 18, from 1-2:30 p.m. in Library 102 - Gus & Corrine Nordstrom Lobby.
Information for students staying in Humboldt during the winter break:
- SHWS will be closed starting noon, Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025, to Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026. During that time, you can access TimelyCare, a medical and mental health service platform available anywhere in the U.S. Additionally, the County Mental Health 24-hour crisis line is available at (707) 445- 7715.
- Dining Services will have limited offerings available, so it's a good idea to check their operational hours beforehand.
- University Police will continue to operate around the clock, seven days a week, throughout the winter break. For any non-emergencies, you can contact them at (707) 826-5555; however, in case of an emergency, make sure to call 911.
FINALS WEEK EVENTS AT A GLANCE
Monday, Dec. 15
Donuts for Finals Week— 9-11 a.m., Behavioral & Social Sciences 1st Floor Lobby and Founders Hall 1st Floor Hallway
Enjoy a donut and a hot beverage before or after your final!
End of Semester Kickback— 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Nelson Hall East 102, Goodwin Forum
ODEI is inviting campus staff, faculty, administrators, and local BIPOC businesses to socialize and enjoy some food and activities.
Late Night Breakfast— 6:30-9 p.m., The J Dining Hall and Jolly Giant Commons 113 Recreation Room
Join Dining, Housing & Residence Life, and the Gutswurrak Student Activities Center in the Jolly Giant Commons for their Semi-annual Late Night Breakfast. Make and takes (including build-a-bear) and karaoke in the Recreation Room on the first Floor.
Tuesday, Dec. 16
Donuts for Finals Week— 9-11 a.m., BSS 1st Floor Lobby and Founders Hall 1st Floor Hallway
Enjoy a donut and a hot beverage before or after your final!
Therapy Dogs in the Library— 1-2:30 p.m., Library 102 - Gus & Corrine Nordstrom Lobby
Enjoy some cuddles and de-stress with therapy dogs! Therapy dogs will be visiting campus to help students unwind during finals.
Thursday, Dec. 18
Therapy Dogs in the Library— 1-2:30 p.m., Library 102 - Gus & Corrine Nordstrom Lobby
As finals week comes to an end, enjoy cuddles with therapy dogs! Therapy dogs will be visiting campus to help students unwind during finals.