Finals week is one of the most stressful times for college students. At the University of Denver, students are studying for exams, finishing projects, and trying to complete all of their assignments before the end of the quarter. Because of this, many students feel overwhelmed and stressed. To learn more about what students experience during finals week, we asked two questions: What’s the most stressful part of finals week for you? And how do you manage that stress?

Even though every student has a different experience, many of their answers were similar. One of the biggest causes of stress was having a lot of assignments due at the same time. Trying to balance final exams, projects, and homework can be difficult, especially when everything seems to pile up during the same week.

Marley said that the most stressful part of finals week is the build up of work and having assignments stacked on top of each other. It can be overwhelming trying to finish everything on time while also preparing for exams. To help manage her stress, Marley likes to plan out her days so she knows what she needs to get done. She also makes sure to take lots of breaks and go on walks. These breaks give her a chance to clear her mind before getting back to studying.

Eleeza shared a similar experience. She said that the overload of assignments and homework is the most stressful part of finals week for her. With so many deadlines happening at once, it can be hard to stay motivated and focused. To manage her stress, Eleeza likes to watch TV, listen to music, and take naps. These activities help her relax and recharge before returning to her schoolwork.

Along with the interviews, we also captured footage of students around campus during finals week. Some students were walking by DCB, while others were typing away on their computers. We also included photos of Mary Reed and students walking around campus. These scenes show what finals week looks like for many DU students. Although students may seem calm on the outside, many are working hard behind the scenes to keep up with their responsibilities.

One common theme stood out from the interviews: the importance of taking breaks. Both students mentioned doing something that allows them to step away from their schoolwork for a little while. Whether it is going on a walk, listening to music, watching TV, or taking a nap, taking breaks can help students reduce stress and return to their work feeling refreshed.

Finals week can be challenging, but the students we interviewed showed that there are healthy ways to manage the stress that comes with it. Planning ahead, finding time to relax, and taking care of yourself can make a big difference. Everyone handles stress differently, and it is important for students to find strategies that work best for them.

As finals week continues, students across campus are finding their own ways to stay motivated and manage their workload. To all the students finishing up the quarter, stay focused, remember to take breaks, get some rest, and good luck on your finals.