Midterms can be tough on everyone. How do students deal with this pressure? Are they having fun with friends? Studying through the pain? Or maybe just trying to survive another eight weeks left of the semester. Here’s how many students across campus are coping with this stressful week. No matter where you decide to stop there are students either completely encapsulated in their work or deciding to let fate decide their grades.
Chess Match Break
Camilo Maciel, 21, (left) faces off against friend Ivan Avalos, 21, in a focused game of chess during a break between classes, using strategy to take a mental breather from midterm stress. (Veronica Minogue)
Calendar and Coursework
Psychology major Alyssa Delay, 28, uses her free time to study for midterms while also organizing upcoming student events in her calendar to stay balanced and engaged. (Veronica Minogue)
Fuel and Focus
Students line up at the Mt. SAC Cafe during a busy lunch rush, grabbing a quick bite before setting off in search of a quiet spot to eat and squeeze in some last-minute studying before their next class. (Veronica Minogue)
Study Break Showdown
Joaquin Campos, 18, and Jose Perez, 18, share a lighthearted moment playing Super Smash Bros on the lower level of the Student Center, making the most of their downtime before heading to class.
Power Nap Recharge
A student takes a quick nap in the Student Center, recharging after a long day of lectures and midterm preparation. (Veronica Minogue)
First-Time Focus
Biology major Alexandra Juarez, 18, studies terminology for her first-ever biology midterm, tucked away in a quiet corner of the El Centro Building. (Veronica Minogue)
Creative Decompression
A colorful display of free coloring pages in the library offers students a creative way to decompress and unwind during the demanding midterm week. (Veronica Minogue)
Full House Focus
Every seat in the library is occupied as students read, research, seek quiet corners to relax, or take advantage of campus resources during the peak of midterm season. (Veronica Minogue)
Veronica is an IE based journalist with a strong passion for both photography and video journalism. For Spring 2026 she is the sports editor for SAC Media as well a contributor to news and features. In Fall 2026 she will be attending Cal State Long Beach University to finish her journalism degree, with hopes to become a multimedia journalist with a concentration in broadcast media. When she isn’t holding a camera, she is going thrifting or trying a new matcha spot.
