Photo by Kendall Bulkiewicz | The Crow’s Nest
By Riley Benson
As finals week begins across universities nationwide, the University of South Florida St. Petersburg campus is full of events designed to alleviate stress and boost morale among students. From after-hours breakfast to video game competitions, the university is pulling out all the stops to ensure students navigate through their final exams and projects. Despite all the last-minute cramming and all-night studying, these events offer a break for students to recharge before facing their academic challenges head-on.
Study Center: Avatar Theme
Monday, April 22 to Thursday, April 25 throughout the USFSP campus.
Study Center, is the semesterly traditional of letting students take a break in the week leading up to finals. Students can check out the events hosted by the Student Centers & Events (SCE), along with other organizations on campus, to get some free foods, drinks and have some fun with friends.
Each year, across all campuses, the Study Center is themed to a pop culture or notable event. In the past, there have been study centers themed to ie, Marvel, and Super Mario. This semester, is themed around the show, Avatar: The Last Airbender, in honor of the live-action adaptation of the original animated show, on Netflix.
Monday, April 22 from 3 to 5 p.m., on the USC Lawn.
In honor of Earth Day, SCE, in collaboration with Student Government, is hosting a pottery painting event, where students can paint their own terracotta pot. There are only 60 spots, so student can RSVP ahead on Bullsconnect.
Entering the Avatar State: Studying with Avatar Wisdom!
Tuesday, April 23 from 12:30 to 5:00 p.m., in the USC Ballrooms.
In collaboration with the Office of Multicultural Affairs and the Puppy Love Club, students can “step into the realm of Avatar wisdom.” The group study session aims to help students crank out their notes and prep for exams, with coffee, teas and cuddles with guide dogs in training.
Wednesday, April 24 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., in the USC Reef.
As college students are prepping for finals, finding time to eat can be the last thing on their minds. Luckily, the SCE is giving students the chance to grab a quick bite to eat, with ramen. There are 100 spots available, so students are encouraged to RSVP on Bullsconnect.
Bending Crafts: Channel Your Inner Avatar
Wednesday, April 24 from 5 to 7 p.m., in the USC Reef.
In collaboration with the Harborside Activities Board, students can channel their inner avatar and master “the art of bending elements to creating unique crafts inspired by the Avatar universe.” Crafters and non-crafters, alike, are encouraged to take a break from studying to relax with friends.
Avatar Olympics: BSA x CCE Sports Day
Thursday, April 25 from 4 to 7 p.m., at the Campus Recreation Field behind the Osprey residence hall.
In collaboration with the Black Student Association and the Caribbean Cultural Exchange, students can take a break and let out all their energy, with a competitive, Avatar-themed, sports day.
Thursday, April 25 from 10 p.m. to Friday, April 26 at 12 a.m. in the USC Ballrooms.
The SCE team knows that all college students, especially when studying, stay up into the early hours of the morning cramming for their next exam. Rather than shaming students, they give into the activity with some added fuel. Late Night Breakfast, welcomes students to take a break and get some bacon, chocolate chip pancakes or coffee and play some Avatar-themed trivia. Trivia participants can have the opportunity to win prizes throughout the night.
Outside of Study Center, there are other events happening throughout the campus, for student to take advantage of. From playtime with puppies to planting trees, there’s something for everyone to experience.
Super Smash Bros Ult. Tournament
Monday, April 22 from 5 to 7 p.m., in the USC Cove.
All skill levels are welcome as the Gaming Club is hosting a Super Smash Bros Ultimate Tournament. The top players will be awarded prizes and there’s only 20 spots available, so attendees are encouraged to RSVP on Bullsconnect.
Tuesday, April 23 from 1 to 2 p.m., at the Nelson Poynter Memorial Library (NPML).
Therapy Dogs, part of the Project PUP program, are visiting to help students decompress, during the busiest season of the semester. Project PUP is a nonprofit in the Tampa Bay area that has certified therapy dogs visiting hospital, assisted-living families and school programs.
Table Tennis Tournament
Tuesday, April 23 at 4 p.m. at the Edge.
Hall Council is hosting a tournament for students to participate in or just observe, with everyone who attends able to enter a raffle and grab a bite to eat. Registration for the competition begins at 4 p.m., with the tournament beginning at 6 p.m. Whoever comes out on top, will receive a prize.
Tuesday, April 23 from 6 to 7 p.m., in the NPML atrium.
If students miss the opportunity to visit the therapy, no need to fret, as the Southeastern Guide Dogs, with the Puppy Love Club, will be visiting NPML. The puppies are coming to help provide students with comfort during the finals season.
Wednesday, April 24 from 3 to 5 p.m., at the Harborside Lawn.
Students can celebrate the end of the Spring semester, and the end of another academic year, with a celebration, hosted by New Student Experience. There’ll be food, music, games and giveaways for all students that attend.
April Book of the Month Meeting
Wednesday, April 24 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., in the USC Coral Room.
USFSP readers and non-readers can gather to discuss the USFSP Book Club’s Book of the Month, “Severance” by Ling Ma, and enjoy free food. The Book Club will also give away copies of its May Book of the Month, so students can unwind from finals with a good book.
Arbor Day with Student Government!
Friday, April 25 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., outside the Student Life Center
In collaboration with the City of St. Petersburg and it’s work with Urban Forestry, Student Government is giving away tree plotting kits and breakfast from Panera all morning. This event is free for all USF students.
Friday, April 25 from 5 to 7 p.m., at the Edge.
Students can celebrate Lesbian Visibility week and International Lesbian Visibility Day, with PRIDE. The picnic is open to everyone and there will be food, drinks, games and coloring pages. A relaxing way to end the week.
