Four places on campus where you can beat the exam stress

By Megan Koh

It is November — the dreaded period of the school semester when students are jammed with assignment deadlines and many examinations.

While we try to cram as many academic theories and models into our heads as we can, let’s not forget to take a short breather to catch some fresh air and rejuvenate before jumping back into the draining routine.

Here are some recommended spots around school for you to destress and recharge (and save you from your darkening eye circles).

Relax your muscles

Before you allow the stress to take its toll, indulge in a traditional wellness massage at the NTU Chinese Medicine Clinic over at the School of Biological Sciences.

Introduced in 2009, the wellness massage targets the major muscle groups and helps to relax tense areas using a form of holistic massage — a treatment that is specifically tailored to each customer.

The masseuse was previously a wellness therapist in China, and her nimble moves will make you feel peaceful and relaxed.

While the massage can be customised to your preference, a typical 30-minute session ($36.40) usually focuses on the upper back and neck areas.

Essential oils like lavender and grapefruit oil are distributed evenly around the body and hot stones can be placed on acupressure points to promote further relaxation.

If you’re looking for a good time of relaxation, you can call the clinic to book an appoitnment at 6592-1732.

Work Hard, Play Harder

NTU students Xavier Chua (left) and Melvin Tan (right) play console games at the Student Activities Centre. PHOTOS: ZHENG JUNCEN

Located within the Student Activities Centre, U-Relax One Corner (U-ROC) is the best place to play hard during your study breaks.

Its recreational games area, just adjacent to the study lounge and computer terminals, makes for the ideal relaxing study break.

Challenge your friends to popular console games like Kinect Adventures or FIFA 2016 on the Xbox 360 Kinect, or Mario Kart on Wii. Alternatively, retire from the glare of digital screens and relive some old school nostalgia with U-ROC’s collection of board games, from childhood favourites like Uno Stacko to recent game entrants like Coup.

A billiard table and foosball table are also available for use.

Movies at The Hive

At the Hive, (from right to left) NTU students Tee Yang, Ko Ming Jun and Sim Jing Rong enjoy a movie in between their lesson breaks. PHOTOS: ZHENG JUNCEN

Save a trip to the cinema and catch a movie at the Library Outpost instead.
Located at The Hive, the library’s extensive collection of movies features familiar titles like Slumdog Millionaire and Grease.
Additionally, seasons of popular American television series, such as The Office and The Big Bang Theory, are also available to satisfy anyone with binge-watching habits.
One of the highlights of the library’s audio-visual collection is the specially curated “100 Films to Watch Before you Graduate” – displaying reputable films from a mix of genres and countries.
Movies can be screened in both the common area and individual viewing carrels, which can accommodate three to four people with movable room dividers for privacy.
If you intend to watch the movies at the comfort of your home, you could also opt to borrow the movie from the library instead.

Hit the bullseye

After their meals at Canteen 2, NTU students Jabrian Toh, Lin Shiyi and Hong Yun Ting (from left to right) play darts at the Black and White Room. PHOTOS: ZHENG JUNCEN

The Black and White Room is a great choice if you are looking for a hideout for your group of friends.

Nestled at the back of Canteen 2, the recreation room houses dart machines — perfect for some post-dinner fun before you hit the books again.

In addition to the two dart machines that can accommodate up to four players each, there is also a video arcade game machine by the side.

You’ll be pleasantly surprised to know that the games cost just $1 a pop.

Outside food and beverages are not permitted but you are allowed to consume refreshments bought from the canteen itself.