Finals week is quickly approaching, and as everyone knows, the hardest week of school is the week prior to finals’ week.
This week, affectionately known as “death week”, and other names that won’t be printed in The Pacer, is all about big projects, papers and more being due in one seven-day period. In addition to tight deadlines, students begin to double down on studying for final exams around this time period. The culmination of a semester of procrastinating comes to head in one week of cramming and stress-eating. Naturally, this is a very stressful time on the minds of students.
We at The Pacer feel the pain that the rest of UTM students feel. All of our staff are UTM students striving to make grades, meet deadlines, work jobs, sleep and graduate with the rest of our peers.
Since this time of year is immensely stressful, it’s important to know that there are resources at UTM that serve the student body. For anyone in need of counseling, the Student Health and Counseling Services near Cooper Hall and Phase I are open from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. Appointments can be scheduled by calling (731) 881-7750. The Counseling Services department also hosts chill-out zones on campus during death week and the week of finals. These often include free popcorn, making stress balls, getting free t-shirts or just picking up some coloring sheets. These services are free to students and there’s no embarrassment by utilizing them.
There are also ways to make death week less stressful on your own. Nobody will judge you for taking time out by yourself to take a walk, workout, get coffee or food, take a nap, shower regularly, or take time to meditate/ color so you have a silent relaxer.
To make studying easier, professors typically hold office hours or extra study sessions to help with class materials and notes. Always step out of your comfort zone and email a teacher if you’re struggling or need help.
UTM wants to see you succeed, so as you approach death week, remember that you are not alone and there are resources available to help you get past the finish line.
Pacer Graphic/Daniel Jones
