College life can be overwhelming, and we know it! That’s why Evans Library is more than just a place to study or cram for finals; we intentionally design our spaces, services, and events to help students relax, unwind, and replenish their energy. While college often brings stress, it also offers a chance to learn how to manage it in positive, healthy ways. At Evans Library, we’re here to support students not only in their academic journey but in building a fulfilling, balanced life.
So, how do we help students manage stress? Across our four floors of study rooms and collaborative spaces, you’ll also find areas designed to encourage meaningful breaks. Our entire fourth floor is dedicated to silence, not just for focused study, but for true mental rest. The Silent Floor features a peaceful Relaxation Room complete with zero-gravity chairs, bean bags, and cozy sofas where students can unplug and reset. The floor’s sweeping views of blue Florida skies and lush greenery of Florida Tech’s Botanical Gardens provide small but powerful moments of tranquility.
For those who prefer an active, hands-on break, the first-floor Craft Lab offers a creative outlet. Here, students can unwind mindfully while exploring new hobbies, creating for a class project, or simply making something fun. This creative space is stocked with bits and baubles, sewing machines, sergers, heat presses, Cricut tools, button makers, and an array of art supplies. While the CraftLab is an ideal space to create, it’s not just about producing; it’s also about giving the mind a chance to shift gears, recharge, and find a sense of accomplishment in the process.
Additionally, each semester, the Library offers author talks, panel discussions, social events, and networking opportunities that help to build meaningful social connections. These gatherings offer a chance to step away from coursework to engage with new ideas, meet people with similar interests, and interact with faculty and guest speakers in a relaxed and welcoming environment. By creating spaces where students can connect, decompress, and feel supported, Evans Library reinforces our commitment to nurturing both academic and personal well‑being.
Some of the most stressful times of the year for students come during spring and fall finals week. During these intense periods, the Library is an ideal place for students to study, gather, and prepare for their exams. To balance the hectic energy of Finals Week, Evans Library offers special stress-relieving events designed to give students a much-needed break and a chance to recharge, regain calm, and feel supported during these high-pressure times.
Most Finals Week offerings vary each semester and include crafty mindfulness activities such as puzzling, creating sleep masks, making friendship bracelets, or designing seashell art. A few of these events have become so popular that students line up in anticipation each term. Therapy Dogs and the Cuddle-A-Kitten Break always draw large crowds as these sweet animals and their thoughtful caretakers provide invaluable support to students, banishing stress in minutes. These two events also give Evans Library the opportunity to partner with valued community organizations such as Space Coast Therapy Dogs and the SPCA of Brevard.
In addition to hands-on activities scheduled during Finals Week, our free-food events have become a cherished campus tradition. Through partnerships with the Campus Activities Board and the Office of Student Advising, we provide free bagels to welcome early-morning studiers and offer coffee and donuts as a much-needed energy boost for those working late into the night. These treats provide more than just a tasty snack; they also help create moments of comfort and community, reminding students to take time to nourish their bodies and to connect with friends amid the high-pressure week.
These are just a few of the ways Evans Library continues to support student well‑being, build community, and cultivate a welcoming environment during one of the toughest academic periods of the year. Whether it’s fresh bagels or friendship bracelets, these events draw large crowds and highlight the Library as a place not only to study, but also to practice wellbeing and mindfulness.