De-stress your final exam

The holidays are right around the corner, and the semester is coming to an end. The exams, studying, deadlines, projects and papers that come with this time of year are enough to make even the most seasoned student crack.

Unfortunately, there is no way to avoid finals, but to reduce some school stress, the Trop has compiled a list of some area events that students can enjoy during their study breaks:

Nov. 16

The Troy University Spectrum Alliance is having their annual Winter Formal on Monday at 7 p.m. at the Arboretum. Spectrum encourages students to come in their best semi-formal wear and to show off their dance moves.

The event was inspired by the “Second Chance Prom” movement, where members inside and outside of the LGBTQ+ community celebrate the prom they were not permitted to have in high school. The dance promises a fun, good-natured time for any student looking to dress up, meet friends, and dance away their stress.

Tickets go on sale for $2, and can be purchased on Thursday, Friday and Monday outside of the Trojan Center. Tickets can also be purchased at the door for $3, and Spectrum will also feature a raffle for $3. The winner will receive their choice of “pride” flag.

For more information, contact Jana Weiser, the organization’s president, at gsa@troy.edu or at http://www.facebook.com/TroySpectrum.

Nov. 21 and 22

The City of Troy will have a Downtown Christmas Open House from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Students will be able to enjoy special deals and sales at all downtown stores and restaurants, pictures with Santa Claus, Christmas crafts and horse-and-buggy rides.

The city will also have a $500 giveaway for those who participate in the events. For the stressed-out student who appreciates the benefits of retail therapy, good food and community activities, this is definitely the event.

Nov. 30 and Dec. 1

The Society of Professional Journalists will have a Hot Chocolate Bar from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. both days in the Trojan Center food court for students trying to “warm up” for finals. The bar will feature hot chocolate and various toppings for sale.

Dec. 1

Alpha Gamma Delta and I Choose Life Ministries are teaming together to offer 200-300 students bagged goodies on the Troy campus. This event is catered especially to students who need a doughnut, cookie, cupcake, bottled water, stress ball or thoughtful Bible verse to get them through their exams.

Dec. 7

The City of Troy is having their annual Christmas Parade. This event is for students looking to blow off steam after the first week of exams and to have a little fun before heading home for the holidays.

Dec. 11 and 12

The Pioneer Museum will have their annual “Ole Time Christmas” event from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday. This is one of the very few nighttime events the museum offers, and the museum says it promises a great time for any student stuck in Troy for the holidays.

Students can roast marshmallows, walk down candle-lit pathways, listen to carolers, see sparkling Christmas lights on the cabins, drink endless mugs of hot chocolate and, of course, have an exclusive visit from Santa.

Whether you’re a freshman busily preparing for their first round of exams, or a senior waiting for final grades to drop, there are plenty of things to do in Troy and the surrounding areas. Grab your friends and celebrate the end of a semester!