With finals week fast approaching, Iowa State students are bracing for the most challenging week of the semester. When trapped between studying, exams and the pressure to do well, it is easy to become overwhelmed.
For students like Mia Rhodes, a sophomore Spanish major at Iowa State, the pressure extends beyond simply academics.
“By the time we hit finals week I feel really, really done with everything,” Rhodes said. “My want to study has just hit rock bottom.”
For many students, finals week quickly brings a profound sense of fatigue and burnout. This intense period can take a toll on mental health, leaving students with the task of balancing their well-being and academics.
Iowa State offers a range of mental health resources that are designed to support students through difficult times, such as finals week.
When asked about the mental health resources she has utilized, Rhodes listed several services that have helped her at Iowa State.
She shared that she has accessed the counseling services, which offer traditional one-on-one counseling, as well as the Academic Success Center, where she received academic coaching. Additionally, she has relied on the Exam Accommodations Center to ensure her mental and academic needs are fulfilled.
Mental health resources are readily available to all students and are made convenient to use when needed.
“It is very easy, you just have to be a self-advocate,” Rhodes said. “I have spoken with many resources over email.”
One key resource is the Student Counseling Service (SCS), which offers a wide range of support options, including individual and group counseling, telecounseling and other mental health strategies.
For students who cannot attend in-person sessions or prefer a more flexible option, telecounseling and the Therapy Assistance Online (TAO) program offer virtual support where needed.
Additionally, Iowa State hosts an event called Cy’s Finals Frenzy, which is three days of activities designed to help students destress before finals week.
This experience is designed to supply students with a place to study and fun activities to unwind during prep week. There is something to do for everyone, creating a balance between academics and relaxation.
This is their second year hosting this event. For more information see previous reporting from the Daily.
Parks Library is another valuable resource that students can utilize for both academic and well-being purposes throughout finals time.
The library will once again offer 24/7 access from Dec. 16 to 19, providing students with a distraction-free space to study.
In addition to the extended hours, the library hosts Barks@Parks, a semesterly event that is available from noon to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday of prep week.
“Students are invited to drop by the University Library’s Upper Rotunda, located on the 2nd floor, to destress each afternoon during prep week by petting certified therapy dogs,” according to the Parks Library website.
One last important resource is the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), a student-led organization that provides resources for students all over the country.
Chapters across various universities “try to promote mental health awareness and just better educate students to, you know, take care of themselves and take care of others,” Benjamin Kujawa said, president of NAMI on Campus’s Iowa State chapter and a senior studying forestry.
“Our main job is to connect students with themselves, and then also connect students with each other,” Kujawa said. “It’s a lot easier to go through mentally distressing times when you have other people to talk to.”
With finals week just around the corner, the mental strain on students is often at its peak.
“I feel like everybody’s kind of turning in right now and, like, just locking in on finals,” Kujawa said.
With intense focus on exams, it can be easy to unintentionally withdraw from their support systems.
Resources
During this time, it is important to remember that taking care of yourself is just as important as preparing for exams. Iowa State has made these resources accessible to everyone, so do not hesitate to reach out when needed. Best of luck during finals, and take time to prioritize your well-being.
For more information, please refer to the links provided below.
