Therapy dogs, composting and free exercise classes are just some of the activities included in this semester’s version of Stress-free Bing and #StudyBing.

A semiannual occurrence at Binghamton University, each semester features different de-stress related activities during finals week as a means to help students relieve stress and take a break from studying. This semester’s de-stress events began with Stress-free Bing on April 15 and #StudyBing, which began May 6 and will last until the end of finals on May 17.

One of the de-stress events hosted at BU included the Endicott Therapy Dogs event, hosted on May 7 at Endicott Hall of Newing College, where approximately 60 people interacted with five different types of dogs.

Mena Hamza, an undeclared freshman, said she attended the event to play with the dogs so she would feel less stressed.

“I felt good once the dogs came in,” Hamza said. “I felt less stressed.”

According to Nicole Metrick, a sophomore majoring in nursing, the event was a good way for her to take a break from her work.

“I enjoyed the chance to pet the dogs,” Metrick said. “It was a nice way to break up my studying.”

Other dog-related de-stress activities include the annual Pet-a-Pooch event, which is hosted by Residential Life and Pet-a-Pooch teams.

Various organizations across the University have also taken part in de-stressing the campus, such as the Hinman College Council, which hosted a stress-eat event, BU Libraries, which executed its annual Library Rave and the Astronomy Club, which hosted a de-stress with liquid nitrogen event.

Other events include complimentary treats throughout the week, meditation rooms and free chair massages.

For #StudyBing, the East Gym is also offering free group fitness classes, including Zumba, Stress Buster Bootcamp and Pool Pilates, for all students, faculty and staff during finals week from May 6 to May 17. No membership is needed to take part in the events.

Bhav Dhandi, a sophomore majoring in business administration, said she utilizes the free gym classes because they help her deal with stress while also helping her focus during her finals.

“Personally, my favorite class is spinning,” Dhandi said. “I like to go the gym to deal with the stress. I focus all my energy and feel better when I’m studying later.”