By Deja Jones

Final exams have students at the University of Maryland feeling the pressure of deadlines, exams and research papers — but they are not alone. Close friends, romantic partners, or study groups serve as essential support systems amid the high stress and are proving to be key tools for staying focused and balanced.

Senior journalism Miguel Zarate credits the people around him with helping him manage the mental and emotional intensity of the semester. Quick check-ins with friends, family, and his significant other help him stay grounded, while shared study sessions provide both motivation and relief.

 “Generally, I’m very stressed, but I’m handling it,” Zarate said.  “I’m dating someone now, so I have that bit of decompression while I study.”

Tiana Parker-Bey, a junior architecture major, takes a more traditional approach to her study methods, intensely focusing on textbooks, class notes and sketches. After hours of intense focus, she makes time to relax with her friends. Whether it’s grabbing dinner, sharing a laugh, or just venting about the day, Parker-Bey believes those small moments with friends are what keep her grounded. 

“It reminds me I’m not the only one going through it,” Parker-Bey said. 

That break, she added, helps her return to her work with a clearer, more refreshed mind.

Kaylin Misko, a junior animal science major, finds motivation through both structure and social support, which includes working alongside others. For Misko, companionship and accountability go hand in hand.

Beyond structured study sessions, Misko benefits from being in shared academic spaces where the energy of others helps maintain her focus. Even when not actively collaborating, simply being around peers who are also working creates a sense of collective effort that keeps her motivated.

“Group study sessions make me more reliable,” Misko said. “It’s easier to stick to my goals when I know someone else is counting on me to show up and stay focused.” 

Zarate believes even the smallest interactions like running to the convenience store with a friend or grabbing a quick coffee can serve as a meaningful mental reset. These short, informal moments help students feel less isolated and break up the stress, according to Zarate. 

“I’m not super spontaneous unless it’s something quick,” Zarate said. “But I do have friends I can fall back on.”

Alice Phann, a junior English major, finished finals by leaning on new study strategies and a strong support system. She found that surrounding herself with friends who shared similar academic goals created a motivating environment, where everyone encouraged one another to push through. Having people to check in with and share small victories made the end-of-semester stress feel more manageable. 

“It is so important to have a support system during finals,” Phann said. “These support systems allow me to release frustrations, build motivation, and cheer each other on.”

Like Zarate, Phann understands the value of having reliable people around her during stressful times. As a transfer student from community college, she admitted the transition was tough, and found community via shared study spaces, friendships and routines that kept her grounded.  

Phann’s experience reflects a broader truth for many transfer students: building a sense of belonging can take time, but small, consistent efforts like joining group chats, showing up to study groups or simply being present in communal spaces can make a big difference. These habits create emotional stability and help foster academic success.

 “There were moments in time where I felt like I didn’t belong at UMD,” Phann said. “But once I hit my first finals, getting through them sort of provided some reassurance that I had managed to do it.”

As the UMD community navigates a season known for sleepless nights and heavy workloads, students are learning that success isn’t only about the academic grit, it’s also about the people you lean on along the way –  a support system makes all the difference.

Featured Image: A bookshelf on the third floor of McKeldin Library. Photo by Deja Jones.