For the seventh year in a row, the University Student Union and the Satellite Student Union is hosting Up All Night, an event tailor-made for students who need a quiet place to study during finals on campus.
The event will provide free food, study materials, massages, crafts and 24-hour access to the computer labs and study rooms from May 20-23 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the SSU, and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“This is a great way for students to see our facilities and engage in activities during finals,” said Vanessa Garduno, acting assistant program coordinator for major events.
Free massages have been a big hit with the students in the past, and this year the number of therapists has been increased from three to five.
Garduno said in the past students use to wait in long lines for a free massage, but this year they should be able to get one faster.
A new vendor this year will be Dippin’ Dots ice cream. They will be on campus, providing free ice cream for students on Monday and Tuesday from 7 p.m. to 10. p.m. at the SSU.
“I am really excited about the Dippin’ Dots because most students can’t afford the expensive ice cream,” Garduno said.
Geronimo’s Dining Hall will provide free dinners for the first 150 students on Sunday night, and the first 125 students from Monday through Wednesday from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Initially, it was supposed to be free for the first 200 students on Sunday, and the first 150 on the following days. Due to the budget, however, they had to downsize the numbers.
“We tried to get Starbucks and Coffee Bean on campus this year, but we were unable to,” she said.
She said the funds are usually used more during the semester, so there isn’t a large amount left for this event.
The USU will provide free snacks including cookies, granola bars, and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. They will also provide fresh coffee, tea and hot chocolate.
The computer labs will be open 24 hours with computers and free printing.
“This is beneficial for students who don’t have labs available in their own department,” Garduno said.
A craft corner will be available for students who want to take a break from studying. There will be a place to decorate tote bags, trucker hats and picture frames, as well as button-making.
The USU will also be passing out free bags that include scantrons, pencils, blue books and highlighters.
She said they are expecting more than 250 to 300 students each night.
CSUN student Yesenia Esquiveo was not aware of Up All Night, but she is sure to go now that she does.
“I usually try to find a quiet place to study on campus, without any distractions,” she said.
It is hard for her to find that at home, so she drives to campus. She said she feels stressed right now because of finals, and said she will definitely make use of the massage therapist.
She added that it is great of the USU to provide a designated study area for students.
Mathematics major Rachelle Herle commutes 70 miles to campus from Lancaster. She usually studies at the local Denny’s near her home.
“Denny’s is the only 24-hour place available in Lancaster and many students go there to study,” she said.
She is considering driving from Lancaster for Up All Night to be able to have a quite place to study.
“It is awesome that the school provides this event,” she said.
This is Garduno’s first time organizing Up All Night. In the future, she said she hopes to provide the same amount of massage therapists, and also include caricature artists and face painters, in addition to increasing the amount of free food.
