ALEX BUCKNAM
Asst. News Editor
As finals week approaches, the student body as a whole is more stressed out now than any other time in the semester.
Well, Reed Library has a perfect solution for you, according to Owen Wagner, the Community Engagement and Outreach intern at the Reed Library.
On Dec. 11, Wagner, alongside the Reed Library staff, will be hosting an all-day long, low-sensory lo-fi event from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m.
This event is for students to decompress during what is widely recognized as “dead week” — the week before finals week.
There will also be snacks while supplies last, coloring books, puzzles and fidget toys for students to enjoy.
Forbes says that lo-fi “uses lower sound quality, audio imperfections and less professional equipment to curate its aesthetic.”
According to the same Forbes article, today’s lo-fi music has a few different characteristics — one of them being a drum loop that is set to a low or moderate tempo. Another is a jazz chord that adds relaxation. Other instruments that can be found in lo-fi music may include guitar, piano or even vocals.
During the low-sensory event, the staff at Reed Library will be playing specifically lo-fi music from Lofi Girl on YouTube.
Lofi Girl is a YouTube streamer who live streams all different types of lo-fi music at once. Live streams are constantly going, and there is always a list of different genres for people to choose from.
According to Wagner, the library will play different streams that Lofi Girl has on their page at that time.
The Calm website says that lo-fi music can have a wide range of benefits, including boosting your mood, reducing anxiety and helping to promote relaxation.
“Many people find that the gentle white noise elements in lo-fi tracks, like vinyl crackles or background hums, create a soothing effect by masking jarring noises,” according to the mental health section on the Calm website. “This can promote a relaxed mental state, making it easier to unwind and feel at ease after a long day or during a quiet break from work.”.
Wagner says that this relaxing effect is important during finals week because, “Students might start feeling stressed out during study week due to their final exams that are happening the next week.”
Different departments are also hosting events during deadand finals weeks. The Counseling Center is doing a Paws and Enjoy event in the library on the same day as the lo-fi sensory event. The Paws and Enjoy event will go from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.
According to the event page on SUNY Fredonia’s website, the Paws and Enjoy event will feature certified therapy dogs that can help students decompress for finals week.
Another event happening on campus that students can attend is a Zumba class at the Aerobic Center in Hemingway Hall on Dec. 12 at 4 p.m.
Your dorm hall may also be holding activities for finals week, so it is important to check with your resident assistant and resident director to find out what is going on.
All events mentioned in this article are free to attend.