Finals -- that dreaded time of the year that makes even the most capable student shudder -- brings with it not only stress and mania but also that common recurring theme of many college students' lives: the all-nighter.
"Since I am so distracted during the day, pulling an all-nighter is definitely my savior," second-year College student Yasemin Erseven said. "Especially around finals time, I do it all the time."
Students said there are many ways to handle these long nights with no sleep.
"It really depends on how much work I need to do," second-year College student Nancy Amling said. "If I am studying a lot, I will take a break, shower and then go back to studying. But if I don't have to stay up late, say pull an all-nighter, I will take smaller breaks and have a tea."
Although students said that tea is a favorite among caffeinated drinks, nothing can replace coffee.
"Coffee definitely kicks ass," Erseven said. "I mean, I know a lot of people drink tea, but when you are standing in line at Greenberry's or something, you always hear people asking for some version of a coffee drink. I say amen to black coffee."
Fourth-year College student Michelle Johnson said she usually prefers espresso, but lately she has been a fiend for another form of caffeine.
"I know it's so bad, but lately I have been popping those caffeine pills," Johnson said. "But that's usually only if it's necessary, only if I have a really long night ahead."
Third-year College student Valessa Lipscomb said she prefers taking a nap for the late-night stress.
"I'm not really big on caffeine," Lipscomb said. "My friends say I'm an insomniac, so I'm usually fine 'til 4 [a.m.] anyways. After that I usually take an hour nap, but of course sometimes that doesn't work because I just don't wake up from it."
In addition to support from caffeinated drinks, many students said late-night snacks help during an all-nighter.
"I definitely do eat food when I am studying late at night," second-year College student Mamie Belle said. "Especially if I'm really frustrated, it helps me burn off a little steam."
Erseven said she has observed a lot of fast food being consumed at the library.
"I have definitely seen a lot of people order pizza or Chinese food to Clemons," she said. "Oh and then there are the more ambitious people who actually go to Littlejohn's and get something to eat."
Students express different preferences on the location of all-nighters.
"I get more accomplished at the library, so I usually go there when I just need to get stuff done," Amling said. "I like being home, but there are too many distractions and too much temptation to procrastinate."
Belle, on the other hand, said she prefers studying at home.
"I am not big on the library, I just go home," Belle said. "I can't stand being there; it just really stresses me out."
Many students said stress indeed is a big factor in late-night studying.
"I am definitely under pressure, but that's when I get most of my work done, so it's okay for me," Johnson said. "I think that's why I choose to study that late."
Students also said the effects of high levels of stress are not always positive, or normal, for that matter.
"I know a lot of people get really stressed and go psychotic, but there are some people who take it lightly," Erseven said. "Like those guys who streaked Clemons' second floor last year. That was just classic."
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