University of Kentucky students took a break from studying for finals at the annual Crunch Brunch in the Gatton Student Center.
Students could unwind from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 8, with all three floors of the student center.
The Student Activities Board (SAB) had activities from massages and yoga in the Grand Ballrooms to laser tag and a mechanical bull on the third floor.
“It’s kind of a way for students to take a break from some of their studying and eat a good meal, de-stress,” junior psychology major and Co-Director of Traditions for SAB Peyton Harmon said.
According to Harmon, Crunch Brunch has been a tradition for the University of Kentucky dating back to 2011 at Historic Memorial Coliseum, but moved to the student center last year due to construction.
“We had to be a little bit flexible and we did it in the student center and it was actually super fun and effective,” Harmon said. “I think the central location was very helpful and how spread out the event is, it’s a good way for students to get to know the student center and see different parts of it.”
For sociology junior Tatyana West, and liberal studies, natural, physical and mathematical sciences junior Kayla Hardy, Crunch Brunch was a familiar tradition.
Having enjoyed the activities last year, they said they returned seeking the same opportunity to unwind and find a moment of calm before the semester’s busiest stretch.
“I like the fact they give us a little break from everything else that is going on with school right now,” Hardy said.
In addition to the activities for students, different resources were available to them including the UK Counseling Center, UK Invests, Center for Academic Resources and Enrichment Services and the UK Prevention, Outreach and Wellness Education Resources.
Freshman digital media and design major Emory Brookins came to the student center unsure of what Crunch Brunch had to offer but was looking forward to the free food and activities.
“This definitely takes my mind off of things especially because it’s a Sunday and tomorrow we’re getting back into the swing of things, so this is definitely letting me release some emotions before I go back and test,” Brookins said.
Harmon said how the large scale of Crunch Brunch can help change the atmosphere of campus, even for a couple of hours.
According to Harmon, while exam season usually leaves students looking stressed, the event offers a break and helps create a sense of relief and enjoyment.
“It’s really fun to see people come here and some people don’t even know what’s going on,” Harmon said. “Their faces light up because they’re like ‘oh my god, I can get a massage today,’ So I think that’s super fun to see people enjoying themselves.”
