It is almost that time of the semester when the library occupancy skyrockets as students cram for their final exams. Midterms are done, and the semester is winding to a close.
Some students have been focused on the books. Others are not even fazed by the out-of-class workload.
The Visual Arts building is open 24 hours a day. This is a testament to how grueling some art projects can be. Casidy Mittelstadt, a junior, is studying art and graphic design. On a normal week, she spends up to six hours studying and working on projects. This seems excessive considering her relatively “light” load of 14 credits.
The pace of college is bearable for Mittelstadt, but some weeks it feels like everything is going on, such as papers, quizzes and tests, she said. Then, there are off weeks, with another full week right around the corner, Mittelstadt said.
“Improving the world, day by day, person by person,” sophomore Sven Lundell said in regards to how he wants to use his degree. Lundell laughs and says the most difficult part of college is not the academics.
“My most difficult class this semester is girls. I think I come off as too friendly. The girls don’t see me as a partner, but as a friend.” Lundell said. Lundell said he hopes to break out of the friend zone and find a nice significant other.
The University of Wyoming was the perfect fit for Lundell. He believes UW has a perfect pace. If it went any faster or slower it would not be as enjoyable, he said. If it were too fast it would not be comprehensive, he said.
Finding the next step after graduation is on the mind of sophomore Trey Meredith. Meredith is dancing between majors. He is currently an English major but wants to switch to history or theater.
With 13 credits, Meredith is able to keep his head above water and not get too overwhelmed. Meredith says he should study more. Right now he admits to studying anywhere from five minutes to four hours in a day, depending on the work load. Classes vary in pace for Meredith.
Time cannot be spent on just academics. Junior Kathryn Murray is involved with several clubs and organizations. She still finds time to fit in her academics.
Murray believes the pace is up to the individual. If you thrive under high amounts of stress, 18 credits might suit you, but if you enjoy a slower pace, 12-14 might be more your speed, she said. Once she graduates with her psychology degree, she plans on heading to graduate school.
Deadlines can sneak up on you, several of the students said. A key to hanging in there is acknowledging deadlines and divvying up the work evenly so it is not a cram session. However, it is inevitable that some weeks will end up feeling like quiz, paper, test; repeat.
