STU Students “Say No to Procrastination.”

St. Thomas University students bundled up and braved the cold weather to gather in Sir James Dunn Hall for STU’s annual “Long Night Against Procrastination.”

Common areas and classrooms were packed from 5 p.m. until midnight on November 17th as students tried to cross off as many items on their to-do lists as possible before the hustle and bustle of the end of the semester.

Students in all years of study gathered to get their work done. (Kait Benjamin)

“The goal is to build motivation toward exams. So, to get students ready to study, get them together before kind of that last push that takes them to the end of the semester,” said Brett McCavour, STU’s Healthy Campus Coordinator.

The evening was jam-packed with sessions for students in all years of study. They could meet with representatives of the Writing Centre or attend STUdent success workshops. Students didn’t have to worry about using their printer credits, as free printing was offered as part of the festivities.

If they weren’t interested in attending a session, students could study in quiet spaces or meet up with friends and study together to get ahead on their work before exams.

For students like Katelyn Horsman, the event was needed during this busy time in the semester.

“I came tonight to get some of my work done because it’s a busy time and I have a lot of it,” said Horsman.

When students needed a break from studying, they could choose from a variety of fun activities. Early in the evening, a group of students tested their knowledge in ‘80s and 2000s music trivia.

Later, the same classroom was packed full of students playing BINGO, and in the next room over, students were enjoying a relaxing paint and sip. Two students were even having a competition to see whose painting was better.

Therapy dogs made a visit to help students de-stress, a magician appeared on campus to put on a show, and a photo booth was set up so students could snap a selfie with friends.

During the evening, students “said no to procrastination,” (Kait Benjamin)

If students weren’t already on board with the event, free food was included. There was a ton of pizza, pop, and fruit for the hard-working students. Those who needed an extra caffeine boost could enjoy a late-night cup of coffee, and hot chocolate paired perfectly with the chilly weather outside.

Students treated themselves for all their hard work with a cupcake at the end of the night.

“It’s a great way to kind of stay focused with your peers,” said Horsman, who found the evening helpful and beneficial for students.

Students who “put off” attending this semester can anticipate another “Long Night Against Procrastination” during second semester.