A simple study plan can help students get ahead of stress. Students can schedule times for studying, eating, exercising, and even free time. By scheduling everything, including rest or meal breaks, they can manage their time and productivity more efficiently, and won’t feel guilty when taking a break. Additionally, making a to-do list is extremely helpful. It can be rewarding and often contributes to a feeling of accomplishment by crossing off tasks one by one.
The Learning Center is also available to help with any student’s academic needs, offering engineering, math, science, and general tutoring, as well as a writing workshop on a variety of academic skills. See all the free services at learning.humboldt.edu.
Staying mentally and physically healthy is important—and a growing body of evidence suggests forest bathing is one way to do just that. A simple forest bath in the Arcata Community Forest right behind campus is an easy way for students to boost their mood and get some exercise.
Lack of sleep correlates with increased stress levels and a reduction in memory retention. In the weeks leading up to finals, students should try to get extra sleep so that they are well-rested for finals. Oftentimes it’s beneficial to get an extra hour of sleep as opposed to an extra hour of studying.
Eating well is very important for staying healthy and focused. The Oh SNAP! Food Pantry is open to all students, free of charge, to get nutritious ingredients and healthful snacks. Visit the Oh SNAP! website for more information.
Stay healthy by making use of the many health products available throughout campus, like rapid COVID-19 tests, emergency contraception, cold/flu supplies, condoms, tampons, pregnancy tests, bandages, pain relief, toiletries, and free Narcan & fentanyl test strips. These are available at low cost or free through Student Health & Wellbeing Services (SHWS) and at health vending machine locations:
- 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, and Health Education for students with medical needs. Clinic hours are open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9 a.m.- 5 p.m., and Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.
SWHS has also 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, group sessions in guided meditation and yoga and workshops, and peer community support.
There are a number of campus events to help students de-stress and find success. Here are a few:
Friday, Dec. 6
Study and Support: Care for All, 4–6 p.m., Nelson Hall West 215
Student support is an essential need all year round, but during these critical times of heightened stress, they need supportive and emotional care. The Women’s Resource Center is dedicated to providing students with a variety of resources to help them navigate through these difficult times. Supplies, food, and emotional care will be provided.
Monday, Dec. 9
DIY Self-Care Baggies, 12:15–1:45 p.m., University Quad
Peer Health Education recognizes the stress of finals, the holidays, possibly seeing family, and everything that goes with this time. During this event, students will be able to make their own self-care bags with items such as coloring pages, fidget toys, ear plugs, and other mental health resources to fill up bags for self-care on the go!
Yoga, 6-7 p.m., Kinesiology & Athletics 202A—Dance Studio
Free for students, $10 fee for staff/faculty/general population. This yoga session is centered around the body’s natural movement. For more info, or to register visit this website.
Tuesday, Dec. 10
Journaling and Crafts, 2:30-7 p.m., Recreation & Wellness Center 108
This event will be a safe place to chat and do arts and crafts with peers!
Wednesday, Dec. 11
Cozy Tea Party, 12:30- 2:30 p.m. Recreation & Wellness Center 108
This Cozy Tea Party will have crafts, sweaters, and of course, tea!
Soul Circle: Finals Prep and Therapy Dogs, 4-6 p.m., the Umoja Center for Pan African Student Excellence, Nelson Hall East 206
Come and join Kaelyn Trapsi from the Umoja Center for Pan African Student Excellence for its second installment of Soul Circle this semester. In this monthly activity, students come to share space, ideas, and experiences, and support one another on a variety of topics. During this circle, they'll be discussing upcoming finals, winter break plans, and connecting for carpooling opportunities, all while enjoying the company of therapy dogs!
Thursday, Dec. 12
Crochet and Crafting, 4-7 p.m. Recreation & Wellness Center 108
This day's event will include crochet and other crafting supplies. Students are welcome to bring their own crafting supplies as well!
Friday, Dec. 13
Raffle and Therapy Pups, noon to 2 p.m. The Great Hall (above College Creek Marketplace)
An engaging event featuring creative craft activities, a raffle with mental health-related prizes, and the comfort of therapy dogs. It promises to be a supportive and uplifting experience for all!
Monday, Dec. 16
Late Night Breakfast, 7-10 p.m., Jolly Giant Commons
Students can take a much-needed study break during Humboldt’s semi-annual Late Night Breakfast. This event marks the beginning of finals week and the end of the semester. Students can enjoy free breakfast food at the J Dining hall, Make & Take (including build-a-bear), and Karaoke in the recreation room on the first Floor.