Finals week arrived at EMU with stress levels on the rise as students finish final projects and prepare for exams. To stay mentally fit during such a stressful time, students are encouraged to dedicate a chunk of their time to much-needed rest and relaxation. The EMU finals lounge is designed to offer just that opportunity.
Organized by the Student Program Council under the Activities and Engagement Team at EMU, the event transforms the student center into a de-stressing hub for the week of finals. Students can visit any time between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday-Thursday to socialize, study, participate in activities, or just relax.
The annual lounge first started in 2022 shortly after the EMU Coordinator of Engagement and Actives Juniper Bamrick met Matthew Daher of Spectral Slumber, an artist collective that specializes in creating relaxation rooms in the form of large blanket forts. She said after seeing one of the forts at an Allied Media Conference, she knew she had to set one up in the student center, and that the idea for finals lounge grew from there.
"I think it started with the blanket fort," Juniper said. "I was like, oh we have this blanket fort out, we might as well do a whole thing during finals."
Since 2022, finals lounge has been a consistent annual event during finals week. The blanket fort is a staple of the event, and will be returning this week as well.
"Oh I loved it," Student Program Council member Joe Garris said after attending his first finals lounge. "Lots of snacks and activities ... and just a very calm, relaxing way of getting through finals. This semester has been one real doozy... I think people are looking for a space where they can just do whatever and snack on whatever."
The Student Program Council coordinated with some of EMU's student organizations to set up events and activities for students to participate in during the lounge.
"Each day is going to have a different theme, and that's what the SPC worked really hard to cultivate," Juniper said.
Monday: Mario Monday
- All day: Nintendo Switch consoles will be available all day for students to play Super Mario video games and win Super Mario themed prizes.
- 10am-12pm: Parfait bar for breakfast
- 1-3pm: A street corn station provided by the Center for Race and Ethnicity
- 3-5pm: Drawing workshop with the Animation Production Club
Tuesday: Bagels, Board Games and Bingo
- All day: Board games and coloring books will be available for all students
- 10am-12pm: Bagel bar for breakfast
- 1-5pm: Bingo games with prizes hosted by Bingo at EMU
Wednesday: Burnt to Perfection
- All day: Students can play the video game Overcooked and win prizes
- 10am-12pm: Toast and jam bar for breakfast
- 1-4pm: The Disability Resource Center will be providing free anti-anxiety packs to students
Thursday: Dunks and Dogs
- All day: Blindfolded Animal Cracker guessing contest with prizes
- 10-12pm: Dunkaroo bar for breakfast
- 1-3pm: Therapy dogs from the EMU Police Department
Campus Life sent out an Instagram post last Thursday with more details of the lounge and its activities.
