UM-Flint rallies around students with final exams events promoting wellness, community

As the end of the semester draws near, the University of Michigan-Flint is transforming final exams into a celebration of community and well-being with a lineup of events to ease stress, foster connection and support academic success. From creative crafting to late-night breakfasts and library lock-ins, the campus has opportunities for students to recharge and thrive during one of the most demanding times of the year.

The finals festivities kick off with Brushes & Bites: Coping Through Crafting, from noon to 2 p.m., April 21. Hosted by Counseling & Psychological Services, the event invites students to express themselves through art while enjoying snacks and connecting with peers. It's a gentle reminder that creativity and community can be powerful antidotes to academic pressure.

On April 22, students are invited to Relax for Finals with PRIDE in the Center for Gender and Sexuality from 5 to 7 p.m. Card games, coloring and Mario Kart will set the stage for a laid-back evening, with comfy clothes and pajamas highly recommended. The event is a prelude to the night's main attractions: Late Night Breakfast and Late Night in the Library.

From 7 to 9 p.m., April 22, the third floor of the Harding Mott University Center will transform for the Winter 2025 Late Night Breakfast. Sponsored by a coalition of campus partners, this zero-waste event will offer a hearty breakfast, trivia games and a chance to win prizes like gift cards and U-M swag. This year, students can also look forward to a team of massage therapists offering relaxing massages to help melt away tension.

"Late Night Breakfast plays a unique and meaningful role in supporting students' well-being and building a sense of community during finals week. It serves as a comforting event before they head into the chaos of final exams," shares Joslyn Brown, associate director of housing & residential life. "I think the atmosphere of Late Night Breakfast with the food, games, prizes and massages brings a dose of joy when it is most needed."

Late Night Breakfast has been a campus staple for many years and is typically held at the end of each fall and winter semester. After a brief hiatus, it returns to end the winter 2025 semester. One of the longstanding traditions is that staff members from various campus units serve the students as a show of support during the potentially stressful times.

"Students often talk about it fondly, and for many, it becomes a tradition they look forward to each year. Staff serving the meal is a small gesture, but it speaks volumes. It shows students that their well-being matters, especially during the hardest weeks of the year,'' Brown said. 

When the clock strikes 9 p.m., the action will shift to Frances Willson Thompson Library for Late Night in the Library, which runs until 2 a.m. Student Government and the library host the event, which will feature bingo, a scavenger hunt, games and a grand prize raffle. Importantly, the library has set aside plenty of quiet study space for those seeking focused preparation. In addition, there will be snacks to fuel the night. 

The Intercultural Center will host Fuel for Finals, 4 to 5:30 p.m., April 23. Students can enjoy food, board games and a chance to unwind with friends. Attendees can stop by for a quick refuel or bring their own board or video games to play with others. 

Throughout finals, UM-Flint will extend library hours and remind students of the available mental health and academic support services, including free counseling, tutoring and accessibility accommodations. These resources can help to ensure that students have the necessary support to navigate the challenges of finals.

"Whether it's the comfort of a hot breakfast served by staff, the camaraderie of a late-night trivia contest or a quiet moment with a paintbrush, UM-Flint's finals week programming is more than a series of events—it's a testament to the power of community and care in higher education," said Brown. "The tradition is alive and well this finals season, ensuring every student has the support they need to finish strong."