Text is on the left, graphic is on the right. The text reads: "Stress Less, April 8-11, Join us for relaxing activities" on a blue background. On the right, a large colourful stack of books with people, dogs, crafters, plants and folks lounging or studying are seen atop and around the large book stack.

Stress Less with SAMRU this Spring!

Winter is wrapping up, and with it, the winter semester at MRU. But while the goal is in sight, a monumental task lies ahead — final exams and projects. Feeling that all-too-familiar test anxiety creeping up? Don’t worry. We’ve got your back!  

SAMRU’s Stress Less programming is back from April 8 – 11! From puppy visits to free food, it’s carefully curated to help you decompress before and after your finals.

So, let’s jump right into it. Here are your winter semester Stress Less events!

Text is on the left, graphic is on the right. The text reads: "Stress Less, April 8-11, Join us for relaxing activities" on a blue background. On the right, a large colourful stack of books with people, dogs, crafters, plants and folks lounging or studying are seen atop and around the large book stack.

Stress Less all across campus

Rotating Free Snack Stations (April 8 – 11)
Time: 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Locations vary depending on the day

No one can write finals on an empty stomach. To help quell your hunger, SAMRU will be setting up rotating free snack stations to stock you with healthy options to keep your gears turning as the end of the semester approaches.

Stations will rotate depending on the day, so be sure to check the dates below and ensure you get your snack on!

April 8: Riddell Library
April 9: MRU Main Street
April 10: Riddell Library
April 11: MRU Main Street

Free Plants and DIY Crafts (April 8 – 11)
Time: 9:00 am until supplies last
Location: SAMRU Reception (Z222)

Ah, the joys of plant parenthood. While actual parenthood can be a major cause of stress, plant parenthood is peaceful and low maintenance. Plus, you’ll be able to pick up some DIY crafts to spruce up your new roommate’s living space. Score!

You can pick up free plants and free DIY crafts every day from SAMRU Reception (Z222). Just be sure to get there early, as the stock for each day is first come, first serve.

Free Cotton Candy (April 8 – 11)
Time: 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Location: West Gate Social

West Gate Social will be giving away free cotton candy to help you destress and decompress. Pair that with our deliciously affordable food and drinks to help fuel your studies, and you’ll be ready to take on anything exams throw at you.

Smudge Space (April 9 – 10)
Time: 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Location: Cultural Inclusion Centre (Z203)

Looking for a way to de-stress and purify before exams? The Smudge Space is back to help you relax while burning sacred herbs. The smoke will cleanse and purify energy so you can walk into exams feeling confident and calm. A qualified community member will provide this traditional Indigenous practice.

The Smudge Space will be held in the Cultural Inclusion Centre.

Free Henna (April 8, 11)
Time: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Location: Cultural Inclusion Centre (Z203)

The Smudge Space won’t be the only Cultural Inclusion Centre Stress Less activity! On April 8 and 11, drop by for some free Henna from 2 pm to 4 pm!

Puppy Room (April 9 – 10)
Time: 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Location: The Gallery (Z224)

The dogs are back… need we say more? The Puppy Room, a Stress Less favourite, has returned! Feel your worries ooze away as you cuddle up and pet your fuzzy friends to help you slay this exam season. This event will take place in The Gallery, but there may be a lineup as these pups can only dish out so much love at a time without being overwhelmed!

And while you’re snapping photos of your new bestie, please tag us in your stories on Instagram as well (we love seeing the puppies as much as you do 🐶😍)!

Free Massages (April 8, 10 – 11)
Time: 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Location: Second Floor Lounge

Feel your troubles melt away! Enjoy a 10-minute massage courtesy of MRU Massage Therapy students for a rejuvenating escape from stress and tension.

Peer Support After Hours Crafts (April 8 – 10)
Time: 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Location: Peer Support After Hours Room (Z204)

The Peer Support After Hours program will host a variety of different crafts to help you experience exam tranquility this Stress Less! Come by the PSC After Hours Room (Z204) any time between 4 pm – 8 pm to let loose with some therapeutic crafts..

Please note: Programming will vary depending on the day

April 8: Vision boards and affirmation jars
April 9: Gratitude & Visual Journaling
April 10: Rock painting & DIY Mandalas

SAMRU Centre Programming and Activities (April 8 – 11)
Time: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Location: Pride Centre (Z307), Cultural Inclusion Centre (Z203), Student Advocacy Resource Centre (Z211), Peer Support Centre (Z210)

To help combat test and project anxiety, the SAMRU centres will offer their regularly scheduled free programming from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm each day! There’s always a space for you in Wyckham!

No matter what’s on your mind, come down to Wyckham House to release the tension in your mind this exam break. For the full Stress Less schedule and program details, visit samru.ca/stressless.

For general inquiries and suggestions, you can always reach out to us at info@samru.ca.