⚠️Jump scare warning ⚠️: finals are right around the corner! We’ve grinded out three months of the school year and we’ve almost reached that light at the end of the tunnel; before we get there though, we get a fun gift!: a bunch of tests to end the year…thanks I guess :’). That being said, there’s always a bright side to things: the winter break is upcoming, the weather is still okay, and Commerce Carol is almost here. One more month!
In preparation for finals season, we asked you for your best finals tips and tricks. Once you’re ready to grind, take a peek at some of the best hidden gem study spaces on campus – no gate-keeping here! All this and more in this month’s edition of the Asper Scoop.
Asper Advice: Your Tips for Final Exams
We’re back with another edition of Asper Advice, brought to you by you! We compiled some of your best tips and tricks for finals season, including some must-have items and study suggestions. Whether it’s your first year of finals or your last, take a look at what your fellow students are doing to slay this exam period!
What do you do to prepare for finals?
“Visit the Math Help Centre”
Especially helpful for the actuary majors out there, the Mathematics Help Centre is available to assist with any math course you’re in! For those prepping for written/essay exams, check out the Academic Learning Centre for individual tutoring and workshops.
“Find a Tutor”
It never hurts to get some tips from an expert, especially during finals season! Shameless plug: the CSA’s Tutoring Program helps pair up accomplished tutors with tutees – check out this page to sign up!
“Balance Studying and Wellness”
They’re spittin’ fr: finding that balance can be tough but we all deserve to work at our own pace! Check out the Commerce Care’s Wellness Wednesday, a free yoga class hosted monthly at the Active Living Centre, or drop by the ALC to get some of that stress out.
I also find solace in reminding myself that academics, while important, aren’t everything! Professional development can be a great way to supplement studying and gain value outside of your studies. The CSA’s Mock Interview program, in collaboration with the Career Development Centre, takes students through practice interviews to hone their skills; apply between December 4th-18th here!
What is your finals must-have?
“Holiday Starbucks Drinks” / “London Fogs”
This is a great time to plug some coffee on and off-campus!
- The Drake Centre’s very own (DCVO) Snack Exchange is now serving matcha lattes, along with their coffee offerings! Super convenient in between classes.
- If you need a change of scenery, Empty Cup Collective has locations across the city and serves an A+ iced matcha.
- And for something back on campus, IQ’s on the third floor of University Centre serves Starbucks drinks for non-Starbucks prices! Plus, they have free games and pool/ping pong table rentals for when you need a break from your textbook.
“My Student ID”
This is a great callout, especially for those entering their first exam period! Most exams require you to have your physical U of M Student ID on you during the exam. Along with my 7 pencils (about 1 of which I actually end up using), I always stay strapped with my ID.
“A Map of the Campus”
This is totally fair! My first year, I had an exam in the Brown Gym and ended up circling the ALC for 30 minutes looking for it; turns out the door just wasn’t open yet and the crowd in the hallway were my classmates. Most exams take place outside of Drake, so it never hurts to take a stroll to check out your exam locations.
Cozy on Campus: A Guide to Hidden Gems at the U of M
If you’ve spent way too much time in Drake this semester, don’t worry – I’m in the same boat. The Sony Study Area is just so convenient…and quiet. That being said, with the size of our campus, there are definitely some A+ libraries, common spaces, and nap areas in other buildings. So, instead of procrastinating studying by going on TikTok and learning what core-core is, I procrastinated studying by finding the best hidden gem study spots on campus. A little bit ironic, I know.
So, what constitutes a hidden gem? I tried to keep it to non-obvious, off-the-beaten path spaces that would be perfect for a winter study session (so no Dafoe Library). Behold, my favourite study spots on campus.
The Engineering Library
Photographed above, the Engineering Library in EITC-3 is a perfect mix of natural lighting, high ceilings, and comfortable seating. I may be technologically illiterate but I had a hard time finding the library online, and it’s a little difficult to find if you don’t know where you’re going: take the stairs up to the 3rd floor of the Engineering Building and navigate to room E3-360 – I promise it’s worth the hike!
Hidden rating: 3.75/5
Gem rating: 4.5/5
Hidden Gem rating: 4.125/5
Tache Hall: Floor 1
Just steps away from our home in the Drake Centre, Tache Hall is a surprisingly quiet space with TONS of natural light and places to sit. Perfect for a last-minute cram session, this spot is always on my list if I need a quick and quiet pitstop before a test in Drake.
Bonus: just one floor up is the Eckhardt Gramatté Music Library, which is one of the least busy libraries on campus. Though it closes relatively early (4:30 PM), it’s a nice morning/afternoon spot.
Hidden rating: 2.5/5
Gem rating: 4/5
Hidden Gem rating: 3.25/5
E.K. Williams Law Library
A tried and true classic, the Law Library is open late and welcomes students of every faculty, despite being tucked away on the fourth floor of the Law building. Following our theme of natural lighting, several window-side tables provide a great view of the Assiniboine River, with private corrals also available in the back. Open until 11 PM on weekdays, the Law Library is an essential addition to your late-night studying rotation.
Hidden rating: 3.5/5
Gem rating: 4/5
Hidden Gem rating: 3.75/5
The Icelandic Room
Tucked away on the top floor of the Elizabeth Dafoe library is the Icelandic Room, a picturesque hideaway that honestly looks more like a museum than a room on campus. Ideal for studying, the Icelandic Room is quiet, and I mean quiet: locking in will not be an issue here. Beware though, falling asleep is almost too easy, especially in the lounge chairs – my rec is grabbing a Starbucks downstairs before heading up.
Hidden rating: 4/5
Gem rating: 4.5/5
Hidden Gem rating: 4.25/5
The Wallace Museum
Hear me out: I’m not sure if this really qualifies as a study spot, but the vibes in the Wallace Building’s museum are immaculate. Technically known as the Ed Leith Cretaceous Menagerie (which also doubles as a great name for a small plates restaurant), this spot is perfect for reading a book, watching the sunset, or just resting for a moment. Just try not to go to the basement of Wallace: top 10 eeriest places I’ve ever been.
Hidden rating: 3/5
Gem rating: 4/5
Hidden Gem rating: 3.5/5
Extra Credit: Mental Health Resources
As we prepare to dive into final exams, there are several mental health and wellness services that are here to help! Available both on-campus and online, the University of Manitoba’s Student Counselling Centre (SCC) aims to provides support and resources to students, especially during stressful times like final exam season. Offering individual counselling, group workshops, and various mental health resources and programs, every service offered at the SCC is completely free to U of M students and is offered year-round.
For an overall look at the U of M’s available resources, follow this link.
That wraps up the final 2023 Asper Scoop! Happy finals to all, and to all a good…finals. Best wishes for the holiday season and winter break!
– Chris