As we near the end of the semester, you may be feeling a lot of different things: excitement about finishing your first year of graduate study at Illinois, nervousness and anxiety about final exams, projects, and other responsibilities, anticipation for the summer, and maybe other emotions. This is normal! We want to support you as you wrap up the semester, so we've created this guide to help you out.

For studying: Visit the Library's website to check the hours of the Main Library and area libraries. Some locations may have extended hours to accommodate your study sessions.

For Reading Day: On Reading Day (Thursday, May 7), different campus units host activities so that you can stop by for a study break. Many have snacks, crafts, and care packages. Give your brain a break from studying and check out a campus event. You can learn more on the University's main calendar. Visit the Library's  De-Stress Fest on Reading Day. to make a button, meet an Ambassador Animal, grab a snack, and more.

For fun: Though you may feel tempted to devote every waking moment to studying/grading/lab work/all of the things, it’s important that you take breaks and do fun things that you enjoy. Start a new Netflix series, read a book for fun, meet friends for coffee, do something creative, or buy a pint (or two) of your favorite Ben & Jerry’s ice cream to snack on outside. Taking time away from your work will help you recharge and avoid burnout.

For rest and reflection: There are several designated public reflection rooms for prayer, meditation, or contemplation across campus where you can spend a quiet moment. 

For your wellbeing: The Student Wellness Calendar has events aimed at connecting you with fun and relaxing activities across campus. You’ll find a mix of informational events, karaoke, ice skating, movie nights, opportunities to make crafts, and free snacks.

For your mind: The Counseling Center has created a guide for Support in Uncertain Times that includes self-help strategies and ways to seek support. McKinley Health Center has resources for stress management and Stress Relief Packs that you can pick up. Each unit has online resources, as well.

For your body: Campus Recreation is hosting "Sweat Out Your Stress," a series of free group fitness classes throughout finals week. On Reading Day, they are hosting "Study Break Boulder," which includes snacks and games in the Bouldering Cave of the ARC. Can’t make it to campus? McKinley Health Center has workout playlists on its YouTube channel.

For your ears: John Moist (recent PhD graduate and electric bass guitarist extraordinaire) has curated a finals study playlist just for you! Learn more about his playlist on the GradLIFE blog and access it via Spotify.

For your eyes: Take a walk around the University Arboretum to view the beautiful landscaping and - hopefully - the blooming cherry blossoms! You can see photos of the cherry blossoms on the Illinois Public Media site.

For your stomach: Make sure you are continuing to eat healthy meals and snacks, and drinking water. If you need meal inspiration, check out the Campus Recreation website for recipes.

For celebration: With graduation approaching, you may notice a lot of extra traffic around the Alma Mater statue on the corner of Green and Wright Streets. It is tradition for students to get their photograph taken with Alma Mater (who is also wearing her orange and blue Illinois robes). Students will stand in a line that wraps around the block - sometimes for hours - to snap a pic. Make sure to walk by and celebrate with our graduates! Not on campus? Check out a live feed with Alma Cam!

Emily Wuchner is the Director of Graduate Student Academic Development at the Graduate College. She holds a PhD in musicology from the University of Illinois, and her work focuses on music and social welfare in eighteenth-century Austria. In her free time, she enjoys boxing, reading, and knitting and crochet.