With the first few weeks of the semester under your belt, I hope you are refamiliarizing yourself with school routines and how it feels to be back on a college campus.

February is a busy time with a lot going on. Be sure to keep an eye out for any other events that pique your interest on bulletin boards across campus!

Thanks to everyone who came to the TAP Welcome event on Feb. 11!

The peer allies and I had such a great time meeting you and answering your questions.

Midterms are steadily approaching and before you know it, they will be upon you.

This is your opportunity to prepare and create some good study habits, so you aren’t as stressed out when exams, papers or projects start to appear on the horizon.

If you face challenges, that is OK! There are so many different ways for you to continue making progress. It’s all about discovering what works best for you. Here are a few resources that might help get you started.

The third floor of O’Leary Library and the second floor of Lydon Library both have study rooms. The amount of seating for the spaces depends on the room, and you can book them through 25Live/BookIt so you can plan ahead. There are also quiet study floors for both libraries as well: both on the fourth and fifth floors in O’Leary and the third and fourth floors in Lydon.

University Crossing (UCC) also has small rooms that are available to book on both the second and third floors if you’d like to spread out and study, work on group projects or have a quiet space to conduct a virtual interview or meeting.

In many of the academic buildings on campus there are small sections of seating, tables and desks for you to sit down between your classes as well. Here is a list from the TAP website of places to relax and study throughout campus.

The library has so many resources available to you both in person and on the library website. You can take advantage of free articles, databases and more to aid in your learning and research.

The Centers for Learning, Advising & Student Success (CLASS) can connect you with peer tutoring in a wide range of subjects/courses to support you. You can book online for virtual and in-person sessions, whichever works best for you and your schedule.

The Writing Centers are located on the ground floor of Cumnock Hall on North Campus and the first floor of O’Leary Library on South Campus. You can meet with a tutor for assistance on writing assignments by either dropping in to their office or booking an appointment online through the Writing Center website.

Your faculty members can help. Stop by your professor’s face-to-face or virtual hours for additional help or even to just connect. They will see you as smart, determined and dedicated to completing the course.

Midterms aren’t all about cramming though!

It's important to take breaks, so you aren’t burnt out. Chances are you won’t be performing your absolute best if you were up all night preparing for an exam or project beforehand. Preparation and learning is all about balance. Here are some locations around campus where you can decompress and have fun too.

The Serenity Center is located on the third floor of University Crossing and is a space where you can take care of your well-being. Take breaks and unwind using any of the items available like fidget toys, massage chairs or some calming activities.

Rowdy’s Esports Arena is new to UMass Lowell this semester and is free for any UML student. By scanning your UCard at the front desk, you have access to rent a mouse, keyboard and headphones for the arena’s 50 new PC stations for free. There are console stations and seating areas too, so there are many opportunities to play games and relax by yourself, but also with friends. You can find the arena down the stairs inside the River Hawk Shop at UCrossing. It is open every day of the week from 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.

The Campus Recreation Center (CRC) is located on East Campus and is available for all UML students to use its amenities. Participate in intramural sports, exercise classes or work out using the available equipment. There is also an indoor track if you ever need a walk to clear your mind. The CRC’s hours, times of classes and much more information is available on the CRC website.

Join us at the TAP Lego Night on Wednesday, Feb. 11 from 5-6:30 p.m. in the University Crossing lobby. Connect with more UML students, have some time to relax and flex your creative muscles. Legos and snacks are provided, but most excitingly, there will be a raffle to sign up for!

Basketball Transfer Game is Saturday, Feb. 28 at 1 p.m. at Kennedy Family Athletic Center. Wear your TAP T-Shirt to this TAP-sponsored basketball game or grab one for free along with a tote bag at the TAP table! Remember to reserve your ticket online or by using the River Hawk Rewards app!

Please reach out if I can be helpful in any way. We are eager to help you connect and thrive at UML!

Cheers!

Katrina Harte, Coordinator of Transfer Initiatives, UMass Lowell