As finals week ends at Oregon State University, students are successfully debugging their schedules, replacing demanding coursework with ambitious plans for winter break recovery and relaxation.
“I still have more to do,” said Nick Graalum, a senior majoring in computer science and electrical computer engineering, a sentiment that captured the mixed emotions on the OSU campus as students transitioned from the fall term to winter break.
The collective mood around campus was described by various students as “tired,” “burnt out” and a state of “pain and suffering.”
Fifth-year computer science major Max Baker said the campus feels “quieter than usual,” adding that “everybody’s a bit stressed out” and “carrying a lot with them right now.”
Alhana McNutt, a first-year environmental science major, also sensed a “stress” when walking around the library, noting “the coffee lines are so much longer.”
Graalum described the term in one word as “hectic,” while Akash Ranade, a fourth-year computer science major, called it “busier.”
The most challenging part for many was juggling multiple commitments.
Second-year business analytics major Mir Hassan Ali Talpur said his most challenging part was to “maintain my time management because I have classes and I have jobs.”
Despite the stress, students highlighted some rewarding experiences as well.
Baker felt the “progress that I’ve made on my capstone project so far” was the best part of the term.
Talpur said the most rewarding thing was starting rock climbing and meeting a friend from Oregon, which allowed him to learn “a lot of things about his culture and his families.”
McNutt found the best part was making “a bunch of friends” in the beginning of her classes, which helped her feel “motivated throughout” the term.
Ranade mentioned “getting good grades on my midterms” as the reward aspect of the term.
Graalum added that his main goal for the winter break was to finish “making gifts and potentially get more piercings and tattoos.”
As the term ended, students were quick to state their first plans post-finals.
Baker was “ready for a break” and planned to “sit back and play video games for several hours straight,” specifically listing Fortnite and Civ 6.
McNutt’s last final starts at 8 p.m., so she will be “so happy to plop into my bed and go to sleep and sleep in.”
For many, the break includes working.
Baker noted that continuing to work at an IT service desk for the university would provide “needed structure,” allowing him to use evenings for creative projects. Graalum and Ranade plan for a “50-50” split between rest and work. Ranade admitted he will “have to convince myself to work rather than just rest up.”
Talpur’s main goal is to go back to his home country, Pakistan, because “family is the most important part of our life.” He hopes to spend time with friends and family, including having a bonfire and, most notably, giving his father a hug.
“Life is too short, don’t waste your time,” Talpur said.