Students and faculty members prepare for upcoming finals week, signaling the end of the fall semester. With the dreaded week of last-minute cramming and test-taking quickly approaching, some students are making efforts to relieve the stress of their peers.

Charity Hockman, Special Events director for the Washburn Student Government Association, helped plan a week of stress relieving activities available for all the victims of finals week. The week’s activities include free massages and pizza 11a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday at Mabee Library. Also, comedian Ronnie Jordan will perform at 10 p.m. Monday evening in the Memorial Union, with a Midnight Breakfast free to students with their WU ID at 11 p.m.. Tuesday’s activities include the caricaturist Jeff Mandell at Mabee Library from 11-1 p.m., where students can get their faces on a key chain, hat or T-shirt free of charge.

However, the activities of Stress Relief Week aren’t the only options available for struggling students. Senior Angela Marquart, an advertising and marketing major, has some advice for students has helped her cope with the end-of-semester stress.

“Don’t procrastinate,” said Marquart. “I know you’ll do it. We all do it. But the most effective way to prepare for finals is to go over the subject matter a little at a time every day. It will help with retention and eliminate some of the finals week stress.”

Marquart also advises students to talk to their professors if they have any questions about the subject or are in need of advising. She also encourages plenty of sleep, saying decreased sleep will only increase stress levels and decrease the retention of information during study sessions.

Finally, she mentioned the benefits of brain food.

“Drink lots of water and milk, and eat bananas,” said Marquart. “Bananas are a great source of energy without the added sugar that will only make you crash harder.”

Sophomore biology major Lisa Ille agrees with Marquart’s advice concerning the importance of lots of sleep and good eating habits. She also encourages students to take advantage of the extended library hours, using it as a tool for both studying and relaxing while enjoying the stress-free activities.

“The social atmosphere creates a stress-free environment where you can see everyone else working as hard as you are, so it’s a little less overwhelming,” said Ille. “It’s comforting to know you’re not the only one stressing.”