Feature Story
Destress Fest
We invite you to join us in the Main Library on Thursday, 12/8 for a study break anytime between 12-9 pm for our end-of-the-semester tradition, De-Stress Fest! No matter your preferred method of stress relief, there’s a study break activity for everyone. From calming crafts, care packages, meditation, and academic support, to tactile and cathartic de-stressing and donuts, take a moment to relax and return to your studying refreshed, supported, and refocused. Below is a list of our events for the day. Studying at Grainger? Check out their De-Stress Fest activities here: We hope to see you there!
All Day – Orange Room: Calming Coloring Sheets, Crosswords & Word Searches, Positive Affirmations,
Puppy Cam Streaming
12-1 pm – Tactile De-Stressing (Play-Doh & Kinetic Sand), Buttons, Care Packages
1-2 pm – Main Library Outdoor Plaza: Piñata
2-4 pm – Orange Room: Writers Workshop, Research Consultations
3-4 pm – Orange Room: Care Packages
3-5 pm – Orange Room: Study Skills
4-5 pm – Main Library Room 106: Guided Meditation
5-6 pm – Main Library Room 106: Guided Painting & Drawing Tutorials
6-7 pm – Orange Room: Tactile De-Stressing (PlayDoh & Kinetic Sand), Buttons, Care Packages
7-8 pm – Orange Room: Donuts!
8-9 pm – Orange Room: Winter Crafts, Care Packages
Did you Know?
The Writers Workshop will also be offering support on Reading Day! Stop by in the Main Library (rm 100b) to de-stress with cookies and coffee and to check out the featured “Student art @ the Workshop” installation. Drop-in sessions start early for your end-of-semester assignments: Come to the Orange Room from 2-4pm for research and writing assistance, no appointment necessary! Regular in-person and Zoom drop-ins will begin at 4pm.
https://writersworkshop.illinois.edu/
Space Spotlight
Finals Study Spaces
At this point in the semester, you probably already have your favorite study spaces picked out. While we’re partial to the Orange Room, we realize lots of ambient noise doesn’t work for everyone. Our loanable technology program offers noise cancelling headphones for 2 hour loans, but other areas within the Main Library are relatively quiet, such as the Literature and Languages Library (aka the Reading Room) and SSHEL (Social Sciences, Health, and Education Library). Close by the Main Library, the Daily
Illini has declared the Funk ACES Library the best study spot on campus. With four levels of sunsoaked study areas, students can find quiet nooks and busy passages. The Music and Performing Arts Library
also has lots of natural light and areas with varying noise levels to suit an array of preferences. Visit our study space directory for other options.
https://www.library.illinois.edu/usinglibrary-spaces/study-space-directory/
Service Spotlight
Time Management Tips
Feeling a little overwhelmed? Not sure how to balance everything? It can be difficult to figure out what works best for you. Try some of these time management strategies students suggested to us: “I like to make a list and figure out what’s easiest to complete. Even if it’s not the first thing due, crossing off something makes me feel accomplished and more motivated to tackle the bigger projects.” “Create a space that is only meant for homework. Also create a space where you never do work, such as your couch. That way you associate each space with particular tasks.” “I use the Pomodoro method when I study. I study for 25 minutes and then I take a 5 minute break.” “I’ve personally found that most of
my procrastination comes from fear of not doing well. Knowing that, I allow myself to be “bad” at whatever it is I’m working on. It’s essential that students know that taking time to learn things is normal.”
Events
DECEMBER 5TH
Mindful Mondays (6pm)
Learn stress management techniques from our friends from the McKinley Center.
DECEMBER 6TH
Academic Success Series: Test Anxiety (4pm)
Exams and assignments have you anxious? Join the Counseling Center to learn quick and hands on tools to learn about test anxiety.
DECEMBER 7TH
Eat all the Colors (12pm)
Learn about the importance of eating “all the colors” of food, and get some healthy snacks! Run by the McKinley Health Center
DECEMBER 8TH
De-Stress Fest (Noon-9pm)
Read the front page! Action and excitement in the Orange Room all day.
DECEMBER 13TH
Positivi-tree (1pm)
Decorate the tree with positivi-tree with words of encouragement for your friends!
