Take a break with some dead days deeds

By Dia Gupta     12/3/24 10:39pm

With finals soon approaching, study sessions take up most of our day. Need a break from staring at a screen? Need to stand up and stretch before you fall asleep? Find some ways to spend the hours you simply can’t look at your notes anymore.

Light up your mood with Zoo Lights

Everyone knows the holidays start Nov. 1. Embrace your spirit at the Houston Zoo after-hours light display. You can walk among twinkling lights, scare your friends with their animal replicas and enjoy a night in wonderland. It’s the best sight you’ll see for the next week. 

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Take advantage of student discounts

Explore the museum district, a 10-20 minute walk from campus. The shows at the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the butterflies at the Cockrell Butterfly Center and the masterpieces at the Museum of Fine Arts will shift your perspective to look at the bigger picture. Admission to most museums is free, with discounted tickets to HMNS special exhibits with the membership, complimentary with a Rice ID. It gives you a few hours away from your reality of studying; I’d take what I can get.

Reunite with your Rice family

Orientation Week feels like decades ago, but remember the good times? Rekindle your bond with a family lunch, dinner or activity. Reminisce about the skits you made, the gaslighting you endured and the long walks you trekked through. Remember your love for Rice as you study for the finals.

Night on the town

Spend a day out in Montrose. From their restaurants to thrift shops, there's an activity for everyone. Whether looking at artistic pieces or spending the night partying, it gives you a day to enjoy yourself before you continue working.

Baking, sensory deprivation style

Studying is always better with a snack. Use your college kitchens and group of friends to prepare a delicious dish — brownies and cookies are always a go-to — but with a twist. One person can’t hear as music blasts into their headphones. Another can’t see, wearing a blindfold. Another can’t communicate and is not allowed to talk. Others can’t touch anything and are not allowed to use their hands. Bring a few laughs into your cooking as you struggle to bake.

College events

Laser tag? The Polar Express? Rice is always coming up with new study breaks. Check out dead days activities held at the Recreation Center, the Rice Memorial Center and residential colleges throughout the week. Join the study break station at the RMC Grand Hall Dec. 10 from 8 - 10 p.m. Or, if you’re looking for something more active, check out laser tag at the Rec Dec. 10 from 7 - 9 p.m. After all, who doesn’t love a combination of free food and competition?

Play a sports tournament

Gather some friends, borrow some equipment and set up a sports tournament of your choice. Play a pickleball, badminton, soccer, basketball or other tournament and destress with friendly competition. Whether you organize a quick pick-up game or a more orderly event, you’ll get a good stress reliever during your study marathon.

Trivia night: Rice edition

Who knows the most about their university? The residential college system? The serveries? The history? Test it out by hosting a Rice trivia night. Focus on random facts and questions and temporarily shift your attention from finals to learning more about the school you love. It turns out that trivia can be the answer to finals burnout.

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