Dead week at OSU

Happy dead week, everyone.

In combination with losing an hour thanks to daylight saving time — hope everyone remembered to set their clocks ahead — we’re a little stressed about finals.

Surely, we’re not the only people worrying if we’ll pass that class we barely attended. Surely, we’re not the only ones having to cram six or so weeks of information into our heads in one week. Surely, we’re not alone in losing sleep because that seems to be the only thing we can reasonably give up in order to write that final term paper.

Unfortunately, last-minute cramming isn’t the best way to go about passing classes. Nevertheless, we often find ourselves doing just that, especially at this point in the term. It’s pointless and counterproductive to kick ourselves for not continuously studying during the term.

Fortunately for the slightly more than 26,000 students, Oregon State University realizes this. The Valley Library will be extending its hours on Friday and Saturday until 1 a.m. The Bexell computer lab hours will also be extended by two hours during dead week.

The Memorial Union has two study rooms designated for those searching for a quiet place. Rooms 110 and 212 will be available during dead week and finals week, including the weekends in between.

In the past, the Valley Library has set up tables in the lobby that displayed numerous coffee and tea containers, which were free for students. This year, we hope to see the same sort of setup — it was nice having the hot liquid fuel our late nights at the library.

The Memorial Union also offers free study food for students during finals week. Starting Monday, March 18, expect to find free oranges, bananas and apples throughout the MU.

Unfortunately, it seems the dining centers will not be hosting a moonlight breakfast this term. We remember these late-night refueling breakfasts were just the pick-me-up we needed in the dorms. We wish current dorm members had the opportunity to enjoy them.

Throughout this week and next, Oregon State will host various events that are free for students. Whereas we know you have lecture notes to read over and group projects to perfect, it’s never a bad idea to take a break and let your brain refresh.

Take a walk around campus for 45 minutes on Move it Monday with Beaver Strides. They meet at noon next to the Plageman building.

Take an hour to participate in RecycleMania and recycle some of that unused or broken stuff that’s been clogging up your study area.

Check out the “brown bag” lunch concerts in the MU on March 15, at noon.

Remember, you’re not alone, and you’ll make it through to spring break. Taking a breather every now and again is good for your brain.


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