Finals Week Stress Relief at the UCR Library provides much-needed support to students during the most demanding time of the quarter.

The week before finals and the week of finals, the UCR Library offers free activities to students like arts and craft events, food giveaways, contests, and games to help students take a break, recharge, and refocus. Therapy dog and cat visits, known as Therapy Fluffies, are a special highlight and brought to students with the help of our on campus partner The Well’s Active Minds. 

UCR Library Serials Assistant Andrea Newman, a member of the UCR Library's Finals Week Stress Relief Committee, shared how impactful these events are. “The number one comment I’ve heard from students is, ‘Thank you so much… You guys are amazing!’ Whether we’re handing out snacks or boba drinks, the students are always so appreciative,” she said.

Students have shared how these programs help them navigate finals. “I really like the food-related ones because sometimes I forget to make time to eat,” one student said. Arts and crafts are another favorite, providing a creative escape from the pressures of exams. “Students often ask us to put on more arts and crafts events because they find them so calming,” Newman added.

The UCR Library is a space all students use, and programs like Finals Week Stress Relief ensure that it supports students in more ways than one. With over 900,000 visits annually, the library is a cornerstone of campus life, offering students not just academic resources but also a place to find balance during stressful times.

With additional donor support, the UCR Library could expand these offerings, creating even more opportunities to help students de-stress and succeed. If you’d like to support Finals Week Stress Relief at the UCR Library, there are many ways to contribute: you can donate food/snacks, beverages, arts and craft supplies for stress-relief activities, or provide financial support to help us broaden these initiatives. Please contact our Sr. Development Officer Shannon Castro to learn more about how you can make a difference. Your generosity will help us continue to ensure students have a space that supports their well-being and academic success.

Curious to see what we have in store for students for Fall 2024 Finals Week Stress Relief? Click here!