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UMD Libraries Finals Success Guide 2023

Services and resources from the Libraries and campus to help you finish the semester strong.

Students studying in the Art Library

Finals season can be overwhelming for anyone. You’ve got a lot on your plate, and we’re here to help you succeed. We've created this guide with resources and tips from the Libraries and Learning Success at the Teaching and Learning Transformation Center (TLTC), as well as, events from across campus to help you get through finals. You've got this.

Library Extended Hours for Finals

UMD community members can access McKeldin and Hornbake past closing hours for a safe, reliable place to grind. From December 11 through December 18, McKeldin Library and Hornbake Library (beginning at 7 a.m.) will be open 24 hours a day to help you prepare for finals. Just make sure you have your campus ID with you between 11 p.m. and 8 a.m. Extended hours are also available at the STEM Library. Enjoy the quiet and study away! See all library hours.

Find a Study Space

Use our Find a Space tool to help you discover the perfect place to study! Across our libraries, you can find group study rooms, individual spaces, communal areas, a podcasting room, computer rooms and more.

Sort by location, noise level, amenities and more. Find a space that works best for you!

Work Incrementally

The TLTC recommends working incrementally by:

  • Setting and working toward goals
  • Chunking study, practice, and review over time
  • Prioritizing when and how to approach assignments, and
  • Revising as needed

Database Finder

Use our Database Finder and search by topic, database type and more to help you find the perfect research engine for you!

Citation Tools

We have you covered when it comes to citing your sources for your final projects. Get info on multiple citation styles, citation generators, citation management tools, and get subject-specific assistance from our expert libraries.

Partner Up for Progress

You're not alone! Here are some TLTC tips for partnering up:

  • Connect with accountability and study partners.
  • Join collaborative study and practice groups.
  • Create opportunities to connect and recharge.
  • Tap into health and wellness resources.

Borrow Equipment

Need technology to assist with your final projects? Come to the TLC Tech Desk on McKeldin’s second floor, where you can borrow cameras, laptops, calculators and much more. Equipment is also available at the Michelle Smith Performing Arts Library, and the STEM Library.

Need to take a break? We also have fitness equipment, including yoga mats, frisbees, foam rollers, available at McKeldin if you want to take advantage of the warm weather!

Explore what’s available.

Self-publishing, Printing, and Scanning

Do you need to print your final paper or a presentation slide deck? Printers and copiers are available in all six UMD libraries. Easily and affordably print from our computers or yours! Free scanners, including overhead scanners, are also available. Learn more.

Easy poster and specialty printing is available on the 2nd floor of McKeldin Library. Get started.

We also offer lamination, softcover, hardcover and spiral binding services in black-and-white and color! Come to McKeldin’s TLC Tech Desk, also on the second floor. If you only have a few things to bind, they can be taken care of while you wait—if you have more, you may need to drop them off and come back later. Check it out.

Seek Clarity

As you prepare and work through finals, TLTC recommends seeking clarity:

  • Know what is required. Know what is expected.
  • If you're not sure, ask. If you are sure, confirm.
  • Learn from mistakes.
  • Remain curious.

Subject Specialists

We have experts on topics spanning anything from anthropology to women’s studies here to assist you. Whatever your needs may be, our experts are here to guide you through your research process.

Our specialists can help you by:

  • Providing one-on-one research assistance online, in-person, or over the phone
  • Answering your questions about publishing, copyright issues, and preserving digital works
  • Helping identify gaps in the literature when you're planning a research project

Find your subject expert.

Have questions but not sure where to turn?

Ask a library employee through the live chat feature on our website, which is generally available Monday through Thursday from 8am to 9pm, and Friday from 8am to 5pm. We’re happy to help with whatever else you may need.


 

Campus Events for Finals

Back to Basics Meditation Sessions from the University Health Center
2 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. | Online
In this short session, we will have a chance to explore a simple meditation technique each week. Whether you are new to meditation or wanting to enhance your already existing practice, this session is for you. Learn more and register.

Transfer and Off-Campus Student Life Ice Cream Social 
2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. | STAMP, Nanticoke Room (1238) 
Ending the semester on a sweet note for transfer and off campus students! Be one of the first 30 students to RSVP on TerpLink and enjoy a free scoop of ice cream and exciting games! RSVP and learn more.

The Wellness Series: Freedom from Perfectionism from the Counseling Center
4 p.m. to 5 p.m. | Online
This session will explore how perfectionism impacts students and provide strategies to help you embrace imperfection in yourself and others. Learn more.

Studio A Paint Night
6 p.m. to 8 p.m. | Studio A, STAMP
Want to relax, de-stress, and paint with your friends? Studio A Paint Nights are an unguided opportunity to paint in our studio while listening to music! Attendees will get an 8x10 canvas, paint, and brushes, and can drop in any time during the event. Register now.

Wind Down for the Weekend Meditation Sessions from the University Health Center
12 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. | Online 
Join together with fellow students, staff, and faculty on Friday afternoons to wind down from the work week and transition to the weekend. Learn more and register.

Cosmic Bowling
8 p.m. to 1 a.m. | TerpZone, STAMP
Come bowl under the stars! Colored lights, pins, spinning disco balls, and black lights will be sure to have everyone enjoying the fun. Bowl on a strike with the colored pin in front and win a free game! Learn more.

Cosmic Bowling
8 p.m. to 1 a.m. | TerpZone, STAMP
Come bowl under the stars! Colored lights, pins, spinning disco balls, and black lights will be sure to have everyone enjoying the fun. Bowl on a strike with the colored pin in front and win a free game! Learn more.

Moments of Mindfulness with Sarah Epstein ‘21
10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. | Christ Room, Riggs Alumni Center
Join the Student Alumni Leadership Council, and Alumna Sarah Epstein ‘22, for some moments of mindfulness. On behalf of STAMP’s Study Zone Week, Sarah will be bringing some meditation and mindfulness practice amidst the craziness of finals week. Anyone and everyone welcome, no experience required! Learn more and RSVP.

The Wellness Series: Coping with Stress from the Counseling Center 
4 p.m. to 5 p.m. | Online
Stress is a ubiquitous part of life. It has a bad reputation but it’s not always a bad thing. Join us to learn about the different types of stress, common reactions to stress, and best practices for coping with various stressors. Learn more.

SEE Presents: Yoga
5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. | Prince George’s Room, STAMP
Turn off your computer and relax before your finals with some SEE yoga! Doors open at 5 p.m. for our 5:30 p.m. session and 6:30 p.m. for our 7 p.m. session. If you are one of the first 10 people you’ll receive a free SEE yoga mat! Learn more.

Do Good Study Break
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | 2300 Thurgood Marshall Hall
Take a break from final exams and spend Reading Day with the Do Good Institute! Our suite will be open as a study and hang-out space. Learn more.

M&T Bank Presents: Study Package
10 a.m. to 12 p.m. | M&T Bank Branch, STAMP
Stop by the M&T Branch located at STAMP for study packages filled with pens, highlighters, candy, & stress balls (while supplies last).

Color Me Zen with ResLife
2 p.m. to 4 p.m. | Cambridge Community Center
Stop by to de-stress with color sheets, snacks and information on how to best prepare for finals week. Learn more.

Guided Visualization from the University Health Center
3:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. | Online
Join us as we journey from evergreen forests, to moonlit oceans, to galaxies far, far away - all without leaving the comfort of our own seats.  While practicing simple breath work, participants will be guided through peaceful and relaxing imagery to soothe the senses and calm the mind. Learn more and register.

The Wellness Series: Conquer Procrastination Now (Not Later) from the Counseling Center
4 p.m. to 5 p.m. | Online
Getting started is sometimes the hardest part. This session will explore underlying causes of procrastination and provide specific techniques to end the cycle of unrealistic expectations and avoidance that inhibits productivity. Learn more.

Labyrinth Lights with Memorial Chapel
5:15 p.m. | Garden Chapel 
Join us for the annual lighting of the labyrinth with a brief multi-faith ceremony. Followed by refreshments in the Garden Chapel from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

M&T Presents: Meditation
10 a.m. to 12 p.m. | Harriet Tubman Room, STAMP
Drop-in, 15-minute meditation sessions with M&T in the Harriet Tubman Room.

Get Cozy with MICA
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. | MICA Lounge (1120), STAMP
Take a break at the MICA Lounge. Coloring pages, crafting supplies, and coffee & tea will be provided. We'll also have staff picks of movies and shows playing on our big screen for your enjoyment!

Gardenside Studying with Memorial Chapel
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Chapel Gardenside Conference Room
Do your best work in the cozy and quiet conference room overlooking the meditative Garden of Reflection and Remembrance. Healthy refreshments help you press on to end the semester in a good frame of mind.

Bracelet Making with Studio A
12 p.m. to 4 p.m. | Studio A, STAMP
Bring your friends to our Friendship Bracelet Making Event! Join us to create unique beaded creations to celebrate friendship.

The Wellness Series: Managing Conflict and Setting Boundaries with the Counseling Center
4 p.m. to 5 p.m. | Online
This session will describe healthy and unhealthy types of conflict, explore strategies for setting (and being on the receiving end of) boundaries, and provide best practices for conflict resolution. Learn more.

Wags for Wellness with the University Health Center
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. | University Health Center, Ground Floor
Wags for Wellness is an Animal Assisted Activity, featuring well trained and highly skilled volunteer pups from our partner organization People. Animals. Love. (PAL).  Each team consists of at least one dog and one human, all of whom provide love, connection, companionship, and stress relief to the campus community. Learn more and register.

M&T Presents: Donuts
12 p.m. to 1 p.m. | M&T Bank Branch, STAMP
Stop by and grab a doughnut while supplies last!

Back to Basics Meditation Sessions with the University Health Center
2 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. | Online
In this short session, we will have a chance to explore a simple meditation technique each week. Whether you are new to meditation or wanting to enhance your already existing practice, this session is for you. Learn more and register.

The Wellness Series: Dealing with Disappointment with the Counseling Center
4 p.m to 5 p.m | Online
This session will help you manage life's frustrations and bounce back from disappointment when things don't go the way you want or expect. Coping skills like mindfulness, gratitude, and growth mindset will help you come to terms with these feelings and find your "grit" to move forward. Learn more.

Wind Down for the Weekend Meditation Sessions from the University Health Center
12 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. | Online 
Join together with fellow students, staff, and faculty on Friday afternoons to wind down from the work week and transition to the weekend. Learn more and register.

Wags for Wellness with the University Health Center
1 p.m. to 3 p.m. | McKeldin Library
Take a break to visit with therapy dogs and relieve your stress! Brought to you in partnership with the UMD Health Center. Registration required.

Gardenside Studying with Memorial Chapel
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Chapel Gardenside Conference Room
Do your best work in the cozy and quiet conference room overlooking the meditative Garden of Reflection and Remembrance. Healthy refreshments help you press on to end the semester in a good frame of mind.

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