Finals week at the university is often called “Hell Week” for a reason. Sleepless review sessions at the CSLIB Study Nook, whiteboards filled with equations, and a whirlwind of deadlines can leave students drained and anxious. But this May 2025, the College of Science Library offered a colorful reprieve: Color the Stress Away, an activity designed to let students slow down, breathe, and embrace a bit of creative calm.

Set up right at the Library’s entrance, the station was impossible to miss. Coloring sheets and blank pages were laid out alongside a rainbow of coloring materials, inviting students to sit for a while and let their minds rest. For many, it became more than just a quick break from academics, it was a quiet opportunity to recharge.

Over the two-week period, over 300 coloring pages and blank sheets were filled with creative relief. A special bulletin board, “Colorful Breaks on Display,” proudly showcased finished works, transforming the library entrance into a gallery of creativity. Even passersby who didn’t pick up a pencil would often pause to admire the display, finding small moments of relief in the bright splashes of color.

What made Color the Stress Away remarkable was its simplicity. With no rules, no grades, and no pressure, the activity reminded students that sometimes, the best way to handle stress is to return to something playful, light, and human. Many participants shared their appreciation, with some even hoping the activity would become a fixture in the library. It was proof that in the midst of the chaos of exams, a simple low-maintenance outlet can make a big impact on student well-being.

At the end of the day, this exam stress relief activity wasn’t just about filling in blank spaces on paper. It was about filling in a little space for joy, calm, and community as CSLIB. And even though the activity has wrapped up, the colorful breaks are still on display, now at the Reference Section at the 2nd Floor of the CS Library.

Maybe, a Color the Stress Away station may pop up at CSLIB… but most definitely, students can look forward to more end-of-semester activities designed to offer a little relief from the whirlwind of exams and deadlines.

Prepared by: C.A.B.