With finals approaching, this can be a time of constant anxiety for many students. Some just want it over already. Others think final exams come too quickly and that there is little time to prepare. There is always too much happening all at once and compartmentalizing everything can be a challenge. Beyond studying and drinking entirely too much coffee at two in the morning, there can be underlying stress that can sabotage the best efforts to ace the end of the semester.
Breaks are some of the best ways to reduce stress. It can be as simple as taking a walk around Decatur to as complicated as getting out of town for the weekend. It doesn’t matter how you de-stress as long as you do it. Everyone needs a break once in awhile.
The important thing to remember is that Atlanta and Decatur have a never-ending list of activities and events that occur in December where the overtired, broke college student can take a quick (or lengthy) break.
Atlanta Contemporary Art Center
Admission to these art galleries is always free. There are events where curators and artists talk about exhibitions and their own artwork. There is even a “Contemporary Cocktail” event with local mixologists on Thursdays in December. One of their current exhibitions showcases “forgotten artistic practices around the region.” — https://atlantacontemporary.org/
The Historic Sweet Auburn District
Known as the home of the civil rights movement, this was the birthplace of Martin Luther King, Jr. and an amazing historic area. It’s an easy MARTA transit downtown and always has tons of shops and landmarks to view.
Atlanta Festival of Trees
Embassy Suites Centennial Olympic Park hosts this event where the atrium of the hotel is filled with 20+ beautifully decorated Christmas trees. These trees will be on display until January 1st. There is complimentary parking to viewers, but check their Facebook page for more details about voting and donating. — https://www.facebook.com/AtlantaFOT/
Centennial Olympic Park
During the holidays, Centennial has a never-ending amount of activities and events. These include a Chinese Lantern Festival, Holiday in Lights display, and ice-skating which are available multiple days. Not only that, but it’s located in an area where there are dozens of restaurants and shops that are perfect for studying (or not). — https://www.gwcca.org/park/
Christmas with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
With different shows on December 9th and 10th, this event offers music from different orchestras and a performance from the Morehouse College Glee Club. Tickets range from $20-150, but it is a great way to distract and de-stress while listening to holiday music. — https://www.atlantasymphony.org/ConcertsAndTickets/Calendar/2016-2017/Christmas-with-the-ASO
Cirque de la Symphonie
Atlanta Symphony Hall is hosting these award-winning acrobats, jugglers, and contortionists for a mere $15 – $65 during their matinee performance on Wednesday, December 21st. While this performance occurs after the end of finals, students who stay on campus can go during Winter Break. — https://www.atlantasymphony.org/ConcertsAndTickets/Calendar/2016-2017/P5-Cirque-de-la-Symphonie