Crunch Time: Gear Up for Finals
Students receive freebies, such as study supplies and treats, during the USU’s Crunch Time.
Finals season is a time when the coffee’s on (’round the clock), and study guides and late nights multiply across campus. The University Student Union (USU) is hosting Crunch Time from Monday, Dec. 4, through Thursday, Dec. 14, at the Plaza del Sol. From booking a study room to grabbing a free breakfast and free supplies — pens, Scantrons, greenbooks and more — this is a great time to gear up for final exams and finish strong! CSUN Today is here with your guide:
Key Study Spots and Ways to De-stress
University Library:
The University Library offers extended hours for finals, Dec. 8-18. The library will be open 7 a.m. to 2:45 a.m. daily. Need a break? Don’t miss the fun (and free!) “Build Your Own Finals Study Kit” sessions, running through Monday, Dec. 11 in the main-floor lobby. Full list of dates and times below:
- Wednesday, Nov. 29: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Friday, Dec. 1: 3 to 6 p.m.
- Monday, Dec. 4: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Tuesday, Dec. 5: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Wednesday, Dec. 6: 1 to 4 p.m.
- Thursday, Dec. 7: 2 to 7 p.m.
- Friday, Dec. 8: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Monday, Dec.11, all day — while supplies last!
Oasis Wellness Center: The USU’s Oasis Wellness Center is open to students throughout the year. Get a massage, take a nap (book a nap pod!) or hang out in one of the many relaxing gardens. There’s also an opportunity for some breathing meditation practice at 11 a.m. on Dec. 13 at The Soraya. Get recharged! Make sure to download the SRC app to make a reservation at The Oasis.
Sierra Center Plaza: Get some fresh air and enjoy one of campus’ most popular outdoor study spots — on Etiwanda just across from the B3 parking structure. Choose a table under the umbrellas with some friends or classmates, enjoy the people- and squirrel-watching, and grab a snack or drink from the Sierra Center (see below).
Freudian Sip: Pick up a snack or, as it gets chilly in the Valley, try a hot beverage from Freudian Sip (with locations including Sierra Center, University Library, USU and Arbor Court). Treat yourself! Don’t like coffee? Freudian Sip also serves hot tea, lemonade and many more. First we caffeinate… then we crush our exams!
Campus Store Complex: If you’re hungry, where should you grab a bite? Matadors have many choices right on campus, including the always-popular Campus Store Complex, situated between the Sierra Quad and The Soraya. El Pollo Loco, FryShack, Panda Express and Zambucon all extend their hours during finals. There’s also the Matador Mercado (mini convenience store), where you can grab a couple of snacks, a drink or — one of our favorites — instant ramen! For hours and a full list of locations, see “Where to Eat” on the CSUN app.
Orange Grove and Duck Pond: This campus location is a fan favorite. If you like the outdoors, this is the place for you! Bring your picnic blanket, a snack and take time to yourself, you need it.
LRC: The Learning Resource Center (University Library, 3rd floor) is the place to be — and not only during finals season. Make an appointment at the Writing Center; The Science, Math, and Related Topics (SMART) Lab, or participate in a monthly workshop to sharpen your writing and study skills. Make an appointment today.
Pride Center: The CSUN Pride Center at the USU offers a variety of events through the end of the semester. Join the conversations at T-Time, Coffee Night or Let’s Talk events. Allies and members of the LGBTQIA+ community are always welcome to partake in any and all events. Located on the 2nd floor of the Sol Center in the USU.
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