Pitt experts offer advice for students dealing with end-of-semester burnout

By Ella Pochron, Staff Writer • April 15, 2026

With finals on the horizon, Pitt students are beginning to feel the effects of months of academic work and sustained stress.  

Finals fear or holiday cheer? Students share how they balance work and festivities

By Amber Medved, Staff Writer • December 5, 2025

As students quickly approach the end of the fall semester, many are navigating how to balance academic responsibilities and time for holiday festivities with friends.

‘There’s no breathing room’: Students frustrated over fall finals week schedule

By Alexandra Keim, Staff Writer • November 18, 2025

The holidays are around the corner, but the closeness between Thanksgiving break, final exam week and winter break is preventing some students from getting into the holiday spirit.

De-stress events across campus offer students a break from studying

By Kelly McPoyle, Staff Writer • April 22, 2025

During finals week, departments across campus are offering wellness events to help students manage stress and prioritize self-care. These programs aim to give students meaningful breaks from studying and encourage a balance between academic success and mental well-being.

New mid-week start to classes brings irritation and ambivalence from students 

By Sarah George, Staff Writer • January 10, 2025

Students express their feelings, and many frustrations, about the new finals schedule which landed the first day of class on a Wednesday for the first time.

Warm weather, sunlight impacting how students prep for finals

By Aidan Kasner, Staff Writer • April 18, 2024

As Pitt students prepare themselves for the last stretch of exams, the surrounding weather can influence how students work, feel and react to a time filled with studying, stress and test-taking.

Pitt students find comfort in the holidays during finals

By Emma Hannan, Staff Writer • December 8, 2023

Despite the festive atmosphere created by the Cathedral’s Christmas tree decorations and the subtle snowfall on a cold day, personal struggles persist on campus. In the midst of finals season, students find their own ways to remain in the holiday spirit.

Opinion | Romanticizing finals week is necessary to get through it

By Delaney Rauscher Adams, Staff Columnist • December 7, 2023

I prefer to shift my perspective on the hectic end of the semester to a more positive outlook. Gaslighting myself into viewing finals season as an enjoyable and productive time proves to be a surprisingly effective strategy in making the entire experience more bearable.

Satire | Beyond the Grimoire: Unveiling the hidden dangers of desperate exam magic

By Livia LaMarca, Assistant Opinions Editor • December 6, 2023

Trading sleep or risking exposure pales in comparison to the allure of casting spells and playing magical tricks. They will risk and give up more to ensure the benefits they lust for.

Students share favorite study spots on campus

By Briana Bindus, Staff Writer • December 6, 2023

According to Claire Donnellan, the best places to study for finals are ones filled with other people “doing the same thing” as her. “I just need to be in an environment where people are going...