End-of-semester survival guide

Check out the events and services available to help you de-stress before finals.

By Megan Bradshaw and Kyle Hobstetter on December 7, 2017

Students in TU's meditation room
Students in TU's meditation room

Anxiety, depression, stress and academics are among the most common reasons for seeking counseling services among Towson University students throughout the year. But the end of the semester can be particularly grueling between final projects and exams, figuring out how to get where you’re going for the holiday break and, for some, preparing for Commencement and the real world.

This month, Towson University will be offering several events and programs that help its students destress, relax and have fun, and even help them get into the holiday spirit.

Campus Recreation Classes

From Zumba to Pilates, the Towson University Campus Rec Center in Burdick Hall offers classes to help you sweat way your stress. Check the Campus Rec Center website for a complete list of classes and fitness center hours.

TU Holiday Celebration

Friday, December 8 | University Union | 8-11 p.m.

Join the campus community by celebrating the holiday season with the campus’ annual holiday celebration. Students can enjoy winter crafts, paint their holiday mug, play holiday-themed bingo, ride the mechanical reindeer and enjoy free hot chocolate and cookies.

Destress Fest

Saturday, December 9 | PAWS | 8 p.m. 

With finals right around the corner, Student Activities and Housing and Residence Life will host its annual Destress Fest. The program will feature activities to help you wind down before the final week of the semester. The program will feature a free yoga session, a tea station, mindfulness jars and, of course, free snacks. And in honor of finals, the event will pass out free Blue Books and Scantrons.

TUBDC Free Dance Lessons

Tuesday, December 12 | Potomac Lounge | 9 p.m. 

Towson University Ballroom Dance Club provides a variety of beginner dance lessons to the school and the surrounding community. Types of dances include cha-cha, tango, swing, blues, waltz, and more. These lessons are completely free and taught be professional instructors. Also, no partner or experience necessary, so come dance away your stress.

Free Meditation Session

Monday, December 11 | Counseling Center | 1-2 p.m.

If you’re interested in meditation, the Towson University offers its students a meditation room inside the Health and Counseling centers at Ward & West. Get a free guided session right before finals begin. 

While these events happen just this month, the Towson University Counseling Center provides year-round services to the campus community.

COUNSELING CENTER SERVICES

In addition to one-on-one counseling, the center offers group therapy programs, mindfulness meditation training, workshops and wellness-related events throughout the year. There are also programming and events outside of the Counseling Center. 

The center’s peer education programs (TAPP, BIPE, SAPE, and Healthy Minds) are also dedicated to providing programming events and resources about student wellness to the campus community. TU offers students opportunities to join and be supported by various campus services such as the Academic Achievement Center, Disability Support Services and the Center for Student Diversity.

In addition, a large number of student organizations, campus communities, and affinity groups provide support and a feeling of belonging, especially for students who have special interests or culturally are not in the majority. For example, Towson Hillel, The Muslim Student Association, Black Student Union, fraternities and sororities, and many other student organizations are supportive, as is reaching out to an individual mentor or adviser on campus.

“I think a common challenge for students is thinking that they do not have time for stress management techniques. I think it is important to reminder that self-care and stress management techniques do not need to require a lot of time or commitment, even just a few brief moments for self-care can pay dividends,” said Leigh Ann Carter, PsyD, a staff psychologist and coordinator of anxiety and depression services at TU’s Counseling Center.

See a full list of the Counseling Center’s resources (by topic)