A high school classmate texted me today out of the blue: “are you killing it at Notre Dame?”
Currently, the answer is no: it is killing me. These past eleven weeks have been a rollercoaster. From our currently undefeated football season to our university being swept up into the news cycle, there has always been something going on at school. Pairing that with school stress and social events, it is hard to not want to wish away the next four weeks. I think about how nice ten weeks will be in my bed, with my dog, eating non-dining hall food.
However, I am still here for the long-haul. The next month is one filled with more ups and downs. I am still grateful to have the next few weeks on campus with some of my favorite people. If you, like me, need to shift that perspective to one that will make the end of the semester manageable, here are some suggestions:
- Attend some on-campus event
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Yes, it is cold outside. However, some things are worth freezing for (sorry Frozen for repurposing your quote). Activities like AcoustiCafe on Thursdays and next week’s performance of Caesar (check out NSR’s Facebook for more info!) are great ways to de-stress and have some semblance of the arts.
- Spend Flex Points
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I believe I was told that Flex Points carry over into next semester, but why not splurge now? Buy a PSL to celebrate fall. Eat a fancy dinner at Rohr’s and pretend you are not cutting a steak with a plastic knife. If you want to get fancy, spend real money on off-campus food.
- Do something different with friends
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Always sitting on Library Lawn? Play Spikeball on Bond Quad. Always studying in Duncan? Join the party in Club Hes. While it is getting difficult to do things outside, it is fun to get creative. Bonus points in bringing out a disposable camera to document these things. In my five semesters of experience, it is always the spontaneous and small things that stick out as some of the most memorable.
- Focus on time-management
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A finals week without having a break this semester will not be pleasant. Planning things out ahead of time, taking consideration of mental health and breaks, can be beneficial. Scheduling in a few walks around campus or calls to loved ones may also be necessary to not burn out.
If all else fails, reminding yourself that the next four weeks will fly by will help you survive the end of the semester. Go Irish! Beat end-of-semester burnout!
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