Ryan Scalise columnist

The semester is coming to a close and finals are right around the corner, but don't panic. This time is hectic, as final projects, presentations and term papers are due and we are all gearing up for final exams. For many students, Dead Day marks the beginning of the final exam cram. However, cramming at the last minute only intensifies stress. There are several things students can do to prepare for exams - because the more time you allow yourself to be prepared, the less stressed you will be.

This is just a matter of time management - making sure you devote adequate time to preparing study materials and then studying for each test. Having a study schedule may help some of those who have exams really close together or those who have jobs. It may be helpful to let your employer know that you need some time away to prepare.

It also helps to know what sort of grades you have going into the final exam, because if you are already sure to get an A, you can devote less time to studying for that final and put it toward another.

Aside from reserving enough time to study, taking breaks in between is another great way to de-stress; that could be anything that takes your mind off of what you are studying. I interviewed some students about how they usually de-stress.

Adrienne Salvatore, a psychology senior, said she prefers to put on her headphones, knee and elbow pads and go rollerblading around campus - she especially likes rollerblading down the Tyndall parking garage. This is certainly a daring way to de-stress.

Joseph Kruljac, a finance senior, says he likes to go hiking in Sabino Canyon with his companion, Daniel Budzyn, to watch the sunset. Kruljac also likes to shop for "mesh trucker hats" with his sister on eBay.

There are many (unique) ways in which students take their minds off the rigors of finals.

Paul Tuchin, a regional development senior, said that he likes to relax by tending to the homemade ant farm that resides in his backyard or refilling his assortment of hummingbird feeders in his front yard.

So there are many (unique) ways in which students take their minds off the rigors of finals - there is no right or wrong way to relieve stress as long as it does not hurt anyone else or yourself.

It may also be beneficial to have alternative study locations, as the main library and its many "quiet rooms" will be occupied. Some students go to the law library, but it should be noted that this library does not keep late hours. Other students go to the science and engineering library - located between Bear Down Gymnasium and the Koffler building. There are also many coffee houses in the campus area where students go to study.

It is not uncommon to have two final exams scheduled on the same day - some people even have three in one day. Exams are already intense to a certain degree, but multiple exams in one day are extremely stressful. If you have more than three exams in a day, you have the option of rescheduling.

There are also many places to seek extra help, as many of the teaching assistants who would regularly help you with course work will be trying to prepare for their own exams. There is University Tutoring Services, located on the first floor of Old Main, which closes Thursday. There are also tutors located in the Bear Down Gymnasium next to the writing services office, which closes today. There is also an off-campus tutoring center located on Sixth Street, next to Jersey Joe's. This center mostly offers help in the areas of business math, economics and finance. You may also ask the course's home department if it offers any tutoring. If all else fails, you can request a private tutor at www.tutoring.arizona.edu.

As always, it helps to get a lot of sleep, eat well, drink a lot of water and get some form of exercise. At minimum, if you feel like you are getting stressed ... just take a deep breath.

Good luck with exams and have a great winter break.

Ryan Scalise is s political science senior. He can be reached at letters@wildcat.arizona.edu.