It’s that time of the semester again.

Our refund checks are long gone. The motivation to keep chugging along for the last three weeks of the semester has long disappeared.

During this brief but crucial time, it is often difficult to find an outlet for our stress and take a short mental vacation from our responsibilities that is both affordable and accessible.

However, there are places you can go for little to no cost on campus. Do yourself a favor and take advantage of these places and activities you can do for a study break:

1. Check out art exhibits at the Tarble Arts Center.

Cost: Free.

The Tarble Arts Center hosts several exhibitions throughout the school year. Featuring both professional and student artists, spending an afternoon walking through exhibits will give your mind a break from the real world to enter one filled with different perspectives drawn, painted and molded by both professional artists and your fellow students.

2. Attend activities and join classes at the Student Recreation Center.

Cost: Free.

The Student Recreation Center offers fitness classes, fitness groups and intramural sports that invite all students to sign up and register for. Even better, it is the perfect opportunity to spend more time with friends outside of your comfort zone and residence hall. Being active can be fun, and through the Recreation Center it is also free.

3. Rent movies from Booth Library.

Cost: Free.

One of the best things about Eastern’s Wi-Fi is the access to the plethora of cinema on EIU Movies on Demand. However, when you live off campus this access is limited. Lucky for off-campus students—and on-campus students of course—Booth Library has an extensive collection of DVDs, VHS tapes and CDs. The collection is stocked with new releases and classics. All you need is your Panther card.

Students can also run into opportunities for quick fun or a quick bite to eat while walking on campus from class to class. Throughout the year, registered student organizations, sororities, fraternities and departments often set up tables around campus and offer students treats between classes, opportunities to donate and much more. All you need to do is keep your eyes peeled.