Just when the semester pretends to calm down, Penn State students know this is the time where everything piles on all at once.
Exams, group projects and those random 3 a.m. professor-invited assignments — it all comes together in a not-so-fun way. Thanksgiving and winter break feel close, yet still way too far to save us.
Everyone’s daydreaming about turkey, mashed potatoes and finally sleeping in a bed that isn’t a twin XL. Until then, we’re all just trying to survive, and the small things really do help.
Going to the IM building, grabbing a coffee downtown or taking a walk outside so you don’t scream into your Canvas homepage — these things matter.
Campus resets
When the stress gets a little too real, doing anything besides staring at your laptop makes a difference. The IM has yoga, cycling and Zumba classes for anyone pretending they have their life together.
If the gym isn’t your thing, a walk through the Arboretum works just as well. The fall colors, quiet paths and random squirrels make it feel like campus isn’t as overwhelming as it actually is.
Find your focus
When you finally decide to get something done, the Pattee and Paterno Library is always there with fluorescent lights and silent panic.
The huge tables are perfect for spreading out your work and convincing yourself you’ll finish all of it — you won’t, but the effort still counts.
Starbucks becomes a lifestyle during this time of year. The line is long, the prices hurt and everyone is still willing to wait because caffeine is practically a survival tool now.
For anyone over the library vibe, the HUB-Robeson Center or an empty classroom works too. Changing your location tricks your brain into thinking you’ve turned your life around, even if you’re still writing the same discussion post.
Students study in the Pattee and Paterno Library on Tuesday Feb. 25, 2025 in University Park, Pa.
Take time to recharge
The weeks before break feel ridiculously long, so taking time to relax actually matters. Watching a movie with friends, trying a fall recipe or sitting with a warm drink and staring at your wall for ten minutes all help more than you’d think.
A lot of students feel burnt out right now — it’s completely normal. Everyone feels like a phone on 2% battery. Resting does not mean you’re behind, it just keeps you functioning.
Cleaning your room, listening to music or calling your mom — even if she immediately asks about finals — can make your day easier.
Trying something new also breaks things up. Go to a part of campus you never walk through, take a different route to class or pick up a small hobby to distract your brain from Canvas notifications.
Celebrate with friends
Before everyone goes home, a lot of students plan a Friendsgiving and a Secret Santa. It’s basically an excuse to eat good food, ignore school for a night and get special presents for your friends.
For a holiday gathering, someone always brings mashed potatoes, someone else brings a dessert and at least one person brings nothing because “I had class all day.” It’s fine. It’s not a cooking competition.
Even a small hangout makes the week before break feel less miserable.
Stay motivated
Staying focused when break is this close feels impossible, yet doing one small thing at a time really helps. Make a short to-do list, check things off and reward yourself like you just achieved something major.
After you finish an assignment, take a quick break — grab a snack, watch a few minutes of a show or scroll through TikTok until you remember you have responsibilities again.
Every student is exhausted right now, so don’t feel like you’re the only one hanging on by a thread. Finishing strong makes break feel even better when it finally arrives.
Getting to the finish line
As break gets closer, everything starts to feel heavier, and that’s normal. Short breaks, moving around and getting legit sleep can make each day feel a little easier.
Giving yourself small moments to breathe now helps you get through the rest of the semester feeling somewhat put together — or at least put together enough to enjoy stuffing in peace.
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