Grand Valley State University students are starting their preparation for their final weeks of the fall semester. With the stress of finals week approaching, this time of the year usually means students have little to no time for relaxation. 

Exam Cram was created in order for the campus to express their awareness of the stress that finals bring students and takes place the weeks before and during finals. Throughout these two weeks, campus partners recognize the stress put upon students during finals and collaborate to support students by offering a variety of programming. 

This semester Exam Cram will take place from Monday, Dec. 3 through Wednesday, Dec. 12. 

Exam Cram is hosted by a variety of campus departments, including Campus Dining, Campus Recreation, Counseling Center, Health and Wellness, Student Life, University Libraries and more.

Assistant Director of Marketing for Campus Recreation Kayla Cupples said Exam Cram really reflects GVSU’s student-centered mission. She also said she really loves hearing from students who say the activities brighten their day.

The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) explains how it is important to exercise the body and the mind. Exercising and other physical activities can produce endorphins, which can help reduce the amount of stress. Activities such as meditation, massage therapy and basic exercise can all produce endorphins in your body.

Campus Recreation will be offering over 15 free group exercise classes throughout the two weeks, with classes ranging from SPIN and TRX to yoga, cardio drum and G3.

Along with fun activities throughout the Exam Cram, the university will also be providing extra places for students to focus on their studies.

User Experience Librarian at GVSU Kristin Meyer said in addition to the extended hours at the Mary Idema Pew Library, the Steelcase Library and Argo Tea, students can expect extra study tables and quiet spaces in the Kirkhof Center.

“There will also be free events and activities for students (with valid GVSU IDs) to relax and de-stress, including a book exchange, collaborative coloring, chair massages, sleep and stress screenings, stress management workshops and snacks,” Meyer said.

Students should utilize some of these different opportunities in order to relieve some stress for the upcoming weeks.

Stress can have an influence on mood, behavior, health and overall sense of well being.

According to a study done by Neil Schneiderman, Gail Ironson and Scott D. Siegel, “Acute stress responses in young, healthy individuals may be adaptive and typically do not impose a health burden. However, if the threat is unremitting, particularly in older or unhealthy individuals, the long-term effects of stressors can damage health.”

Too much stress on a student studying for finals isn’t healthy and will ultimately have negative effects in the long run. The overarching purpose of Exam Cram is to support students by providing stress-relief opportunities and other programming.

GVSU is fully aware of how hard students are studying for finals, and Exam Cram is a chance for the campus community to help guide them through the stressful time.