Stay Hydrated and Energized During Finals

Many students turn to caffeine during finals to help power through late nights of studying. However, it is important to be careful with caffeine so you can stay hydrated and energized, especially when there is an endless supply at home.

Kelly Read, our Registered Dietitian in the Student Health Center, shared her tips on staying hydrated and energized to help you finish this semester stronger than your coffee.

• Avoid drinking more caffeine than you normally do. Drinking more caffeine than usual may cause migraines, restlessness, fast heartbeat or an upset stomach. These side effects are not helpful for stressful times.

• Drink water. The best way to keep yourself hydrated is by drinking water. Staying hydrated helps you stay focused, thus increasing productivity. Dehydration is also known to give us headaches. Use a reusable water bottle and refill it throughout the day.

• Be mindful of sugar content. Many caffeinated drinks also come with sugar. Consider drinking less sugar sweetened beverages, such as soda, energy drinks, and café drinks.

Finals Tips from the Academic Success Center

Today is the first day of finals, Tigers! The Academic Success Center is here to help you cross the finish line with confidence with some more of their tried and true finals tips.

• Remember your resources. You still have access to resources even though you might be remote. Email your professors any questions about exams, especially with remote testing/submission. Also remember that the RIT librarians are available virtually to help with research, and virtual appointments can be made with the Expressive Communication Center and of course the Academic Success Center. You’re not alone!

• Designate a study spot. Choose a spot in your home that’s quiet and private. Keep it clean, tidy, and distraction free. Use that spot whenever you need to concentrate on an exam, paper, or project.

• Rest. Let yourself rest. This doesn’t just apply to before an exam, but also in between exams. If you don’t feel like you need sleep, just find something to do that recharges you.

For more finals tips, follow the ASC on Facebook and Instagram. 

COVID-19 Booster Vaccine Requirement

The university recently announced the COVID-19 booster vaccine deadline has been extended to May 15 for those eligible to receive the booster. For more information on booster eligibility, visit the CDC booster shot eligibility webpage.

Vaccination site resources are available to help you locate COVID-19 vaccine options in the area, including vaccine appointment options offered in Monroe County. Monroe County offers a variety of mass vaccination sites throughout the week with the ability to schedule an appointment in advance online or by phone with transportation assistance.

Upon receiving your COVID-19 booster vaccine, you must complete the COVID-19 Booster form under the "My Forms" tab in the RIT Wellness Portal.

Let's Talk about Pot - Potted Plants!

According to Professor Virginia Lohr, indoor gardening may: 

• Improve the quality of indoor air
• Boost mental wellbeing
• Increase productivity
• Reduce stress levels 
• Help make you feel more soothed, comfortable and natural
• Reduce physiological and psychological stress

The National Institute of Health has used horticultural therapy among patients with mental illness and seen success. Having plants in your home and work spaces have also been shown to be correlated with fewer sick days and increased efficiency. Houseplants are beneficial beyond decoration, consider adding them to your space!

Each week, we are sharing a financial wellness tip to help you make the connection between financial management decisions, your overall wellness, and student success. Money touches every aspect of our lives, and a lack of financial literacy can cause unnecessary stress and negatively impact our mental and physical health.

Federal Student Loans

As the semester is coming to an end, this is a good time to recap where you are with your student loan borrowing. When you fill out your FAFSA each year, you are applying for federal student aid, which likely will include federal student loans. Federal student loans are an investment in your future.

Federal Student Loan Facts: 

• You can check the types and amounts of student loans you have taken our at RIT by logging into eServices and looking at the Financial Aid and Scholarships tab.

• The interest rate on federal student loans is fixed and usually lower than that of private loans—and much lower than the interest rate on any credit cards you may have!

• You don’t have to begin repaying your federal student loans until after you leave college or drop below part-time status.

• There is a six month grace period for Federal Direct Loans.

• Federal student loans offer flexible repayment plans and if you’re in a short-term financial bind, you may qualify for a deferment or a forbearance. With either of these options, you can temporarily suspend your payments.

• All federal loans are managed by a loan servicer which you are automatically assigned to. Check your loan servicer > 

• If you are graduating, you must complete your online Student Loan Exit Interview for your Federal student loans.

Did you miss any of the Money Mondays sessions this semester? These sessions covered topics on budgeting and savings goals, understanding the key elements of a job offer, strategies for evaluating multiple offers, and how to negotiate your salary requirements. You can find recordings of the sessions on the Financial Literacy website. Follow the Financial Literacy Team on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more financial tips and tricks.

For additional events and event information, go to rit.edu/events.