Students who feel like the stress of finals week is bringing them down can take advantage of the on-campus resources like the Counseling Center and the Student Success Center.

The Counseling Center’s staff consists of psychologists, counselors and graduate assistants who offer services to assist students in academics.

Counselor Angi Parker said the number of students coming in has increased as finals week has been approaching.

“This is a highly stressful time across campus and generally people are up later studying, so they’re not getting good sleep and usually not eating well, as they go for quick and easy foods which may not always be the most healthy,” she said.

Parker suggests students get seven to nine hours of sleep each night, eat three healthy meals a day and exercise to reduce stress.

Parker said the Counseling Center is offering relaxation booths in Taylor Hall for the first couple of days of finals week to help students unwind.  Counselors will also be handing out information on proper self-care.

The Student Success Center also provides resources to help students with their academic goals.

Brian Gorman, the assistant director, said he does not see an increase in students coming in before finals week; most students who use those resources do so earlier in the semester.

“A lot of times it becomes overwhelming, in terms of what to study and how to study it so we can help students develop a plan,” Gorman said.

Gorman said students can come to the center this week and an adviser can help them prepare a personalized study plan.  He said this method is very beneficial, especially in the case of a cumulative final.

Gorman also stressed a students’ need for balance while preparing for finals.  He said focusing on studying is important for students as well as making time to relax and taking care of their body.

Gorman said a good rule of thumb is to try not to cram studying for a final into just a few days.  He said students should pace themselves throughout the entire semester.

Gorman encouraged students struggling with finals to consider taking EIU2919: Strategies for Success, a one credit course that is open to anyone.

EIU2919 is an academic and life skills course that teaches students to be self-reflective, evaluate what they have done wrong in the past and consider ways they can change it.

A large focus of the course is time management and study skills.

Students seeking a study plan, advice on time management, or help controlling anxiety and stress can visit the Counseling Center located in the Human Services Building or the Student Success Center located in 9th Street Hall.

Allison Henrichs can be reached at 581-2812 or [email protected].