“WHOO!” yells a student on Lower Field. The cheery sounds of OAP ring out across campus, marking the end of another dark period of finals. Students crane their tired heads up, still pleasantly surprised by the return of a bright spring sun. But doubts still linger about final grades and aching hands remain smudged with lead (after your Apple pencil finally gave out, of course). What can you do to forget all of those troubles? The Tribune has compiled the ultimate post-finals celebration and unwind guide.
Catch up on some reality TV
What better way to forget about your own life than to catch up on the lives of others? Reality TV can transport you to an alternative realm, which you will greatly value post-finals. Begin with the incomparable Love Island, and catch up on season 7 before season 8 drops this June. Was Huda really that bad? Is Amaya Papaya cancelled? These are the hard-hitting questions that should have been in the long answer section on your exam bluebook. End your binge with Love is Blind and find out if couples will survive after seeing each other in person for the first time (spoiler alert: love probably isn’t blind).
Create a summer bucket list
Make sure you get to it all this summer with the ULTIMATE SUMMER BUCKET LIST (must be in all caps to ensure ultimate summer fun). Grab a poster board, fun colours, glitter, and get to work compiling a list of all the fun activities you want to do this summer! If you’re having trouble thinking of ideas, consider going to a drive-in movie theatre, making a time capsule with your besties, or painting some shirts with bleach to create a custom design.
Have a picnic
Take advantage of Montreal’s green spaces and the (hopefully) good weather. Pick up a bottle of wine from the SAQ and a cute blanket you won’t mind getting dirty. To have even more fun, plan a theme like Y2K or Mad Hatter and play dress-up. Try the different parks Montreal has to offer such as Parc La Fontaine, Parc du Mont-Royal, Parc Jeanne-Mance and Parc Jean-Drapeau, and see which one is your preferred spot for all your frisbee-throwing, charcuterie-board-eating fun!
Make slime
Throwback! Many have forgotten the art of slime-making and its unique de-stressing properties. All you need is some glue and borax, Tide, or contact lens solution. Mix half a cup of glue with one tablespoon of activator and knead until the slime is to your liking. For texture, try adding shaving cream or beads! And go crazy (PSA: avoid the floor slime trend for a much easier cleanup).
Go window shopping
Broke from the copious amounts of energy drinks you bought during finals? Hit up Rue St. Catherine’s and try just staring at all the clothes you could buy. It will serve as a lesson in self-control, but also a way to heighten your fashion sense. Learn to curate a wardrobe with fewer clothes, but more style. Keep an eye out for some timeless pieces, and avoid fast fashion.
Host a Euphoria Night
If you had to skip out on Euphoria‘s season three premiere because of finals, be sure to go all out after exams! Have your friends put on their best glittery, bold, coloured eye makeup. Set some mood lighting, perhaps some silver decor, and turn up the Labrinth. Try to avoid the Nate Jacobs of the world, and find out if Jules is still riding that damn bike.
Curate playlists for loved ones
Although physical mixtapes have been lost to time, Spotify (or Apple Music if you’re too stubborn to admit that Spotify is superior) is around instead. Think of your favourite people and have everyone curate a special playlist for each of them. Music can be a window into someone’s soul and a way to truly get to know them. Design a cover for the playlist and have a listening party!