Finals week is fast approaching

JAMIE DIEDRICH
LAYOUT EDITOR

11/17/2025

Finals week at Alma College is the first week of December. The calendar for when each exam is taking place is available on their website by class date and time. Mental health is very important during these times right before winter break.

According to the Wellness Department, “Try and keep a consistent sleep schedule, remember to eat and make time for breaks.  It helps to be intentional about your sleep routine and make time to shower, brush your teeth, put on pajamas, etc. since it’ll improve your sleep quality. Better sleep equals better academic performance but, more importantly, better sleep equals better mental and physical well-being.”

There are a number of resources on campus for finals week aside from the free counseling that Wellness provides. The library has scanning stations and books, including course reserves. 

The Wellness Department, consisting of mental and physical health professionals, strongly advised against cram sessions and pulling all-nighters. They also note that if you study where you sleep, it can lead to trouble sleeping.  

According to the Wellness Department, “Set realistic goals: Don’t try to do everything all at once.” Not all finals are created equally; some professors opt for presentations and oral reports instead of essays or exams. Students with circumstances that prevent them from being able to present have to receive accommodations from the Center for Student Opportunity, or in some cases may be excused with an email from a college counselor.  

According to the Wellness Department, “Something being finished is better than it being perfect and unfinished. Be gentle with yourself: We know finals are stressful, but before you are a student, you are a person. Honoring your physical and mental needs during this time doesn’t make you weak or lazy. It just means you care for yourself as the whole, wonderful being that you are.”

“I often hear from students that Alma College’s curriculum is difficult. When I hear about assignments, it sometimes seems that they’re closer to a Graduate level of education, and while rigorous and great for preparing students, it is tough nonetheless,” said Chantell Graves, the Library Services Coordinator. 

It is also important to hydrate and eat, something that students at Alma College should still prioritize despite time constraints with athletics or bulky class schedules.  

According to the Wellness Department, “The demands of college life can be physically and mentally draining. Long study sessions, tight deadlines, and the pressure to maintain a social life can leave students feeling exhausted and burned out. Before and over break, students have the opportunity to rest and recharge, both for their well-being and getting ready for the winter term.” 

“I would recommend our study spaces because our upper level is designated a quiet floor. We will also have relaxing activities such as pixel-by-number, coloring, and origami. The library floor does not have printers,” said Graves.